The Baltimore Ravens were recently named as a logical trade partner for star running back Jonathan Taylor with the Indianapolis Colts after J.K. Dobbins’ injury was confirmed Monday. The Ravens were dealt an early blow to their roster for the 2023 season after Dobbins left Sunday’s game against the Houston Texans with what the team believed was an Achilles injury.
That diagnosis was confirmed Monday. Dobbins will be out for the rest of the 2023 season. The Ravens are saying publicly they’re not interested in picking up any outside help at this point in the season. However, one potential trade that wouldn’t be an immediate fix for Baltimore could be in play.
Ian Rapoport with the NFL Network recently reported the Colts will likely start shopping disgruntled running back Jonathan Taylor. The Colts placed Taylor on the PUP list to start the season after he requested a trade this summer. The Colts had offers but didn’t complete the trade before the start of the regular season.
Baltimore Ravens named as option for Indianapolis Colts trade
Justin Melo with the Draft Network recently wrote about the Ravens trading for Taylor after Dobbins’ injury. Melo thinks trading for Taylor would keep the Ravens’ offensive style intact this season:
“But the Ravens don’t plan to abandon the run game altogether. The idea is to field a well-balanced offense that’s capable of attacking opposing defenses through the air and on the ground. Dobbins’ injury delivers a serious blow to that projection. Acquiring Taylor via trade would help the Ravens achieve their desired consistency.
Taylor is searching for a multi-year extension from his next team that pays him top-of-the-market money. However, the Ravens aren’t in a terrific situation to sign Taylor long-term. Spotrac indicates they’re scheduled to possess $11.3 million in cap space next offseason. Viewing Taylor as a short-term rental, or slapping him with the dreaded franchise tag, would provide alternative choices.
The 1-0 Ravens expect to contend in an AFC North division that’s littered with postseason hopefuls. Dobbins’ season-ending injury hangs a dark cloud over what was an appropriate start to their 2023 campaign. DeCosta shouldn’t let Dobbins’ absence derail their season. Trading for Taylor would be a worthwhile investment for the Ravens.”
Would the Ravens trade for Jonathan Taylor?
The Colts wanted a first-round pick or offensive playmaker for Taylor before the season. (They wanted Christian Watson from the Packers.) The Colts might take a second-day pick or someone like Rashad Bateman for Taylor now that the season has started.
Giving up a piece of the offense might not make sense for the Ravens long term. However, a backfield of Taylor with Lamar Jackson could help this team win the Super Bowl. The Ravens would take a considerable gamble trading for Taylor because, with Jackson’s contract, they can’t afford to re-sign Taylor in the offseason.
But if the Ravens believe they can win this season, a second-day draft pick is worth it.
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