As per a league source, the Dolphins are expected to at least explore a trade for Colts running back Jonathan Taylor, who has been permitted to seek a trade by the Colts.
“Not sure where this will lead, but it would make sense in that he’s only 24, 1st team All-Pro & NFL rush leader in ’21”, said Barry Jackson, a 35-year Miami Herald veteran who covers South Florida’s major sports teams.
The running backs coach of the Miami Dolphins, Eric Studesville, was not afraid, when asked, to confirm how good a player Jonathan Taylor is.
“I think he’s; you know, he’s done a hell of a job so far that he’s been in the NFL,” Studesville said Tuesday. “He’s a really good player. A really good player.”
Studesville was asked about Taylor because the Colts have granted the All-Pro permission to seek a trade before his fourth NFL season. Indianapolis does not want to pay Taylor, who is as unhappy.
Taylor has rushed for 3,841 yards in three seasons, which is more than a lot.
Studesville correctly noted that Miami already has a lot of good running backs.
“I think the depth in the room is excellent,” Studesville said. “I mean, there’s six guys, and it’s a room of seven guys that can all play, you know, let’s include (fullback) Alec (Ingold) in there. I mean, Alex did a great job, but six tailbacks. They’ve all had their rotations and done a great job when they’ve been in games, practice, they’re pros and how they conduct themselves every day, and they work great with each other.”
Studesville explained that Raheem Mostert, Jeff Wilson, De’Von Achane, Salvon Ahmed, Myles Gaskin, and Chris Brooks “all want to be the guy.”
Miami looked into Dalvin Cook before he signed with the Jets.
Online betting odds list Miami as the odds-on favorite to land Taylor, whose agent is from Miami.
Besides, almost all NFL players would like to live and work in Miami.
Reasons to TRADE FOR JONATHAN TAYLOR
• Taylor is only 24 years old. By comparison, Dalvin Cook is 28. Cook also has about twice as many NFL carries.
• Taylor is explosive and fast, powerful, and has the complete back. If any back is worth paying in today’s market, it’s Taylor. It would also correct a wrong. In 2020, Miami drafted Noah Igbinoghene when they could have had Taylor from Wisconsin.
• Imagine what head coach Mike McDaniel and offensive coordinator Frank Smith could do with Taylor, who can run inside and outside and catch passes.
Reasons not to TRADE FOR JONATHAN TAYLOR
• Christian McCaffrey makes $16 million a year, Alvin Kamara $15 million, and Derrick Henry makes $12.5 million. Does Miami want to allocate $12 million or more to the running back position when they traditionally have not?
• The Dolphins have to pay Christian Wilkins now. If they trade for Taylor and extend him before extending Wilkins, that may not go well in the locker room. And consider Miami would need to yield a draft pick or picks when they’re thin on their picks after the Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Ramsey trades.
• McDaniel has shown he can win games and produce a Top 6 NFL offense with undrafted running backs Mostert and Wilson. As good as Taylor is, this would be a luxury addition.
