ESPN Proposes Trade Package to Bring Jonathan Taylor to Steelers

The trade rumors around the Steelers landing Jonathan Taylor is a fascinating and yet equally questionable rumor, but one that the Steelers have at least checked in on with due diligence. Destin Adams of AtoZSports has heard teams who have expressed interest in Taylor include the Steelers, Washington Commanders, Los Angeles Rams, Miami Dolphins, Green Bay Packers, Kansas City Chiefs, and Buffalo Bills.

Meanwhile, ESPN offered a potential trade scenario where Taylor could come to Pittsburgh. Seth Walder offered up Najee Harris and a 2024 fourth-round pick in exchange for the Colts superstar running back. The Steelers would have to give Taylor a contract, and Harris likely would become a bit redundant at that point, with Jaylen Warren acting as the backup to Taylor.

“Harris is a replacement-level back — he failed to even reach 4.0 yards per carry and posted negative rush yards over expectation in each of his first two seasons — so I’d be happy to part ways with him if I was the Steelers’ general manager (don’t tell the Colts I said that),” Walder wrote. “Indianapolis could sell Harris to its fan base as a bona fide running back only in his third season who represents a solid return for Taylor, along with a draft pick. From the Steelers’ perspective, I would be hoping to sell Taylor on the rest of this season being a chance for him to prove his worth in a new offense and prove the Colts wrong. If all goes well, fresh contract talks could open up at the end of the season.”

Regardless of that situation, the Steelers are an unlikely landing spot for that reason. A running back is the least of their problems right now, and a hefty contract for a running back might be a tough pill to swallow for the team. The reported interest the Steelers have is likely a due diligence call to see what the cost might be in acquiring Taylor, and if it were enough of a bargain, Omar Khan and Andy Weidl would think harder about that. However, reports note that the Colts want a high second-round pick in exchange for Taylor.