NFL Exec Sees Jonathan Taylor To Chicago As Very Real Possibility

There is a reason the NFL is always in the headlines. They might be the best soap opera going these days. It seems like there is always drama somewhere in the league. Indianapolis is the newest source of it. Everybody knows the frustration among top running backs about how weak their pay scale has become. Colts owner Jim Irsay made matters ten times worse for himself and his organization when he said the team would not entertain extension talks with star back Jonathan Taylor. He even doubled down and said they wouldn’t miss him when he’s gone.

Unsurprisingly, Taylor has since asked for a trade. Irsay said it’s not happened, but many wonder if he soon may have no choice. The running back isn’t participating in drills. Indianapolis tried to weasel their way into putting him on the NFI list for a back injury he suffered while training. Taylor denounced such rumors, stating his back was perfectly fine. The two sides are in a standoff. Trade rumors are swirling. Matt Lombardo spoke to executives around the NFL about possible destinations. The first to come up was a surprise.

Armed with a bounty of resources, including entering this offseason with the most cap space of any team in the league, Bears general manager Ryan Poles has methodically bolstered the talent around quarterback Justin Fields.

The Bears’ overhaul — on both sides of the football — coincides with the burgeoning young quarterback entering his third season.

Taylor might be the perfect piece to elevate the Bears as the team to beat in the NFC North.

“Chicago’s the first team that comes to mind,” an AFC front office executive told FanBuzz. “They run a zone-read combo-style offense, with a young quarterback in place, and a pretty weak depth chart at running back.”

Jonathan Taylor is a fun idea but not a realistic one.

There is no question the former All-Pro would instantly be the best back on the roster for the Chicago Bears. The problem is the price tag. Current projections say the Colts will probably want a 2nd round pick for Taylor. That isn’t too bad. He is only 24 years old and should have five good-to-great years left if he stays healthy. It’s the same issue the Colts face: his contract. This 2023 season is the last of his rookie deal. He wants an extension, and it will probably command somewhere between $13-15 million per year.

Remember, Bears GM Ryan Poles wasn’t willing to pay David Montgomery $6 million per year. He opted to replace him with D’Onta Foreman on a cheap one-year deal and drafting Roschon Johnson in the 4th round. There is no question Jonathan Taylor would bring more star power to the Bears offense, but not at a worthwhile cost. They don’t feel their running back position is as weak as Lombardo says. Herbert and Foreman were both highly productive last season. Johnson has lots of potential. They’d rather let them carry the load over investing significant resources into one player at a non-premium position.

The one wild card factor is Matt Eberflus. He was with the Colts during Taylor’s two best seasons in Indianapolis. The head coach has seen how dominant the guy can be. Maybe he tries convincing Poles to take the risk.