Sources: Packers Engaged in Trade Talks with Colts for Jonathan Taylor

INDIANAPOLIS — The Indianapolis Colts have received interest from multiple teams, including the Miami Dolphins and the Green Bay Packers, in a potential trade for star running back Jonathan Taylor, according to sources close to ESPN.

The Colts had set a deadline for Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET to receive an acceptable offer for Taylor, who requested a trade last month. However, no satisfactory offers were made before the deadline passed.

Despite being on the reserve/physically unable to perform list and mandated to miss at least the first four games of the regular season, Taylor can still be traded. Sources reveal ongoing trade interest in Taylor, who remains open to a potential trade. The NFL’s trade deadline is Oct. 31.

The Dolphins engaged in discussions with the Colts, exploring various trade possibilities involving draft picks and players. However, none of the proposals captured the Colts’ interest. The details of the Packers’ offer and their level of interest moving forward remain unknown.

Dolphins general manager Chris Grier confirmed talks with Colts GM Chris Ballard but clarified that no offers were exchanged between the two teams.

“Nothing was really close in terms of reaching a deal,” Grier stated.

Grier expressed satisfaction with the Dolphins’ running backs room and praised their development during the preseason. The Dolphins currently have Raheem Mostert, Jeff Wilson Jr., De’Von Achane, Salvon Ahmed, and undrafted free agent Chris Brooks on their roster. On the other hand, the Packers have Aaron Jones, AJ Dillon, and undrafted rookie Emanuel Wilson as their running backs.

Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst acknowledged the constant speculation around player acquisitions but refrained from divulging any specific information.

“I cannot discuss players on other teams,” Gutekunst said. “Our goal is to improve the Green Bay Packers whenever a good opportunity arises. That’s all I have to say.”

Regarding the possibility of Dillon being involved in a trade, Gutekunst emphasized that Dillon is an integral part of the team’s plans.

“AJ is part of this team, and that was always going to be the case,” Gutekunst reassured. “We explore various conversations and occasionally find ourselves involved in leverage situations. We strive to investigate all possibilities. However, it’s crucial to recognize that not all circulating information is accurate.”

Aaron Jones, contracted until 2024, restructured his deal this offseason by accepting a $5 million pay cut. His base salary for this season stands at $11 million. Dillon, on the other hand, was a second-round draft pick in 2020 and is entering the final year of his rookie contract.

The Packers had a keen interest in Taylor during the 2020 draft. As a college standout at the University of Wisconsin, Taylor was scouted extensively by the Packers. However, the Colts secured him with the 41st overall pick, leaving the Packers to select Jordan Love and later Dillon.

In May, the Colts informed Taylor that they would not extend his rookie contract until after the season. Upon reporting for training camp, Taylor revealed lingering ankle issues from a January surgery and expressed his desire to be traded.

Taylor’s situation moving forward is critical. As per the NFL’s collective bargaining agreement, his contract for 2023 will be extended if he remains on the PUP list after Week 6 without returning to the active roster this season. Taylor is scheduled to become a free agent in the spring if he accrues a full season.

ESPN’s Rob Demovsky and Marcel Louis-Jacques contributed to this report.