Jonathan Taylor Trade? Indianapolis Colts Make Official Move as AFC South Awaits

Jonathan Taylor Trade? Indianapolis Colts Make Official Move as Houston Texans and Rest of AFC South Awaits

The Indianapolis Colts did not frankly try very hard to trade superstar running back Jonathan Taylor, as they allowed him to seek a partner but then kept their asking price unreasonably high.

So what to do now? Unleash him on the waiting AFC South, of course, where the Houston Texans and the rest of the division knows all too well what might result.

Jonathan Taylor

After an offseason full of rumors triggered by Taylor's desire for a new contract, the Colts ending up placing him on the PUP list. But now, the Colts have designated him to return, and Taylor, the sensational 24-year-old back, is scheduled to practice on Wednesday.

The move is now official … with NFL Network reporting that Taylor is “healthy.”

Some believe trade talks could rev up once again. And while that is worth watching, just as valid is the idea that the Colts will simply ride this thing out while continuing to have contractual control of Taylor ... with him suddenly being part of a contender.

No, we don't mean a "contender'' in Philadelphia or Miami. At this moment, the Colts are 2-2. They are tied for the AFC South lead with ... everybody! Yes that includes the surprising 2-2 Texans.

They have a dynamic rookie QB in Anthony Richardson (as do the Texans with C.J. Stroud) so ... why should they dump talent? What if - against all preseason odds - they can win?

The Colts host the Tennessee Titans in Week 5. Assuming Taylor is ramped up to play ... isn't that a winnable game? And then in Week 6 they face the Jacksonville Jaguars, the team many presumed would run away with the South.

But that hasn't happened (yet). Taylor ran for 1,811 yards with 18 touchdowns in 2021. What if he is allowed (willing?) to do that again? The Texans have already played the Colts once, and lost, 31-20. The rematch comes in the final week of the regular season, on Feb. 7. What if the Texans are still clinging to a chance of success? What if the Colts are?

And amid all the rumors and the gossip about a trade, isn't "a chance of success'' the entire point of all of this?