Jonathan Taylor’s Christian McCaffrey-like trade price hurts Bengals

The Cincinnati Bengals didn’t hesitate to trade a top-10 pick for a rare player like Dexter Lawrence. But they are extremely unlikely to do the same for a running back like Jonathan Taylor. According to Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, the Indianapolis Colts are on the hunt for a first-round pick

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What is the story about?

The Cincinnati Bengals didn’t hesitate to trade a top-10 pick for a rare player like Dexter Lawrence.

But they are extremely unlikely to do the same for a running back like Jonathan Taylor.

According to Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, the Indianapolis Colts are on the hunt for a first-round pick or “the equivalent in a Christian McCaffrey–level package” at the deadline.

For those who need a refresher, the 49ers coughed up this for McCaffrey in 2023:

2023 second-round pick
2023 third-round pick
2023 fourth-round pick
2024 fifth-round pick

That’s a no-go for the Bengals. Duke Tobin and Co. aren’t going to give up a first-round pick or a big chunk of an entire draft class for a 27-year-old running back who has a cap number north of $21 million in 2027 and 2028. Not while they still like Chase Brown, too.

There are simply levels to this.

Lawrence is an extremely unique nose tackle who changes the entire complexion of a defense, never mind the locker room culture. Taylor is elite, but the position he plays is not as valuable.

The Bengals should hunt for a running back to help the rotation. But names like Breece Hall and Tennessee’s Tony Pollard would make more sense.

This article originally appeared on Bengals Wire: Jonathan Taylor’s Christian McCaffrey-like trade price hurts Bengals