The Green Bay Packers reportedly ended trade talks for a key receiver this summer. The Packers entered into discussions with the Indianapolis Colts during training camp about All-Pro running back Jonathan Taylor. Taylor, a former star player for the Wisconsin Badgers, is said to be a fan favorite in Green Bay.
Taylor will also help the Packers’ already strong backfield in a season where the team will need constant offense to keep them in the game. Quarterback Jordan Love takes over as the full-time starter after Aaron Rodgers’ long tenure in Green Bay. This transition will be difficult enough if the Packers lack experience at wide receiver and tight end.
The Packers’ problems with experienced depth in the passing game will be on display Sunday. Second-year receiver Christian Watson has been ruled out with a hamstring injury, and Romeo Doubs is expected to be limited against the Chicago Bears with a hamstring injury.
Watson is arguably the Packers’ best option at wide receiver this season. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Watson was the focus of the Colts’ discussions in their initial negotiations with the Packers. The Packers “quickly” abandoned the idea:
“However, the Packers never considered trading Watson for Taylor or anyone else and quickly ended such discussions, according to sources…
The Colts and Packers discussed a deal with Taylor, but no trade was completed. Green Bay reportedly offered only draft compensation, not enough to entice Indianapolis to consider trading its All-Pro for running back.
The Colts are looking for wide receiver help after drafting Anthony Richardson with the fourth overall pick in the 2023 draft. The Packers won’t help them with that, as they have their own Blue quarterback, people in need of goals.
General manager Brian Gutekunst said the Packers are willing to participate in any conversation involving a star player like Taylor. But the reported draft compensation offer suggests the Packers are not serious in trade talks with the Colts. The Colts wanted a first-round pick or equivalent offer for Taylor, and the Packers’ front office wasn’t a fit.
I think it’s interesting that the front office was willing to allow discussions to leak to the media while still making a mediocre offer for Taylor. This news may not set anyone back, with AJ Dillon or Aaron Jones (who took a pay cut this season to stay in Green Bay), feeling good about his future status on the team . reform and youth movement.
Will the Green Bay Packers continue negotiations with the Indianapolis Colts? According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Taylor, who began the season on the PUP list, should be able to pass a physical and be eligible to play in Week 5. Rapoport reports that the Packers are no longer negotiating with Taylor again. Now week 1 has arrived:
“When Taylor requested and received permission to pursue a trade in August, the Dolphins and Packers were the two main potential landing spots. Sources say Green Bay offered two mid-round picks for Taylor, but now that the regular season has begun, those discussions have ended.
Trade talks likely won’t continue on the Packers’ side unless there’s a serious injury in the backfield to start the season. It will be interesting to see if the Packers play another position before the trade deadline.