Indianapolis Colts All-Pro running back Jonathan Taylor is almost certain to be traded before next Tuesday's deadline, and the New York Giants remain the favorites to land him.
So, what's taking so long? It's Friday, and there's been no movement. That means whoever trades for Taylor won't be able to play him this week.
If you're the Giants, who play Sunday in Philadelphia and again at home on Thursday against Washington, Taylor likely wouldn't hit the field for them until Week 11, when they host Jacksonville.
By then, the Giants should be getting Tyrone Tracy Jr. back from injured reserve (IR), so this potential deal will give them less of a boost than many expect.
The real reason Taylor is still a Colt is the asking price, which many experts are
calling unreasonable.
From veteran NFL reporter Albert Breer:
The big name out there remains Jonthan Taylor. And it’s still going to cost a lot to pry him from Indianapolis—which has been the case from the time new-ish controlling owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon fired GM Chris Ballard, and the Colts’ roster stripping began.
So how much will it cost? My understanding is a first-round pick, or the equivalent in a Christian McCaffrey–level package (the 49ers sent 2023 second-, third- and fourth-round picks, and a 2024 fifth-rounder to the Panthers for McCaffrey in October 2023) would likely get it done, and the Colts haven’t gotten that price.
The Giants, Broncos and Vikings have inquired, and discussed it, and it appears Denver and Minnesota might be a little less inclined to trade for Taylor now. Conversely, the indication I’ve gotten is that while the Giants aren’t offering what Indy wants, they are a serious suitor.
The Giants likely aren't inclined to part with a first-round pick for a running back with a lot of mileage, such as Taylor. We know they want to win now while the NFC East is in flux, but at what price?
We'll see who blinks in the next few days. The Giants might have to scale down their wants and trade for a different player, such as the Tennessee Titans' Tony Pollard. On the flip side, the Colts have to lower their asking price, or they'll be stuck with Taylor for the remainder of the year.
This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: If acquired, Jonathan Taylor would have limited immediate impact with Giants
