The Chicago Bears and new head coach Ben Johnson are still in the process of putting their new coaching staff together, while also making decision about the team’s roster. One position on offense that appears to be a hot topic for fans and the media is the running back position, as many fans and analysts believe that team will need to upgrade from starter D’Andre Swift, whether be via the draft or free agency. One scenario that could come as a surprise and be unexpected would be acquiring a proven running back, such as Jonathan Taylor, via trade to address the offseason concern that everyone has heading into the thick of the offseason.
Jonathan Taylor’s past issues with the Colts could unexpectedly make him available via a trade for the Bears
Despite Taylor coming off a career year and the Colts unlikely to trade the Pro Bowl running back coming off a career year, there is some evidence to believe that a deal between Chicago and Indianapolis could make sense. In 2024, Jonathan Taylor rushed for over 1,431 yards and 11 touchdowns, after being hampered the previous two years prior with injuries and contract negotiations. Indianapolis’ general manager Chris Ballard could look to get the highest value for the running back if he has fears that the 2024 production can’t be repeated due to other potential injuries.
Additionally, Jonathan Taylor’s current contract has two years left before he become a free agent after the 2026 season at the age of 27. Given what has transpired with Taylor and the Colts in the past with contract negotiation, including a trade request and six-game hold out in 2024, it will be unlikely that the team has a chance to re-sign the perennial Pro Bowl talent before he reaches free agency. For the running back, he may also look to begin contract extension talks against following an impressive bounce-back 2024 campaign this offseason, something the team may be hesitant on.
The Colts could also look to avoid the situation that happened with the New York Giants and Saquan Barkley, where they lost the All-Pro talent in free agency, despite having a chance to re-sign him or trade him the season before to acquire draft stock. The current offseason will be a significant one for Indianapolis, as they have to address multiple positions on their roster, which could be addressed if they acquire multiple draft selections if they chose to trade Jonathan Taylor. A potential Taylor trade would likely net the Colts multiple draft selections, including a second-round pick paired with another mid-round pick.
Given Taylor’s current situation with the Colts, along with the salary cap and draft resources the team has, general manager Ryan Poles could look to trade for Taylor to help address the running back position. With roster cuts, the Bears could have over 80 million dollars in salary cap space, and have three draft selections in the first 41 spots of the 2025 NFL Draft. Additionally, Chicago could net two third-round selections over the next two years if assistant general manager Ian Cunningham is hired by the Jacksonville Jaguars as their new general manager.
With the immense salary cap space and potentially nine draft selections this offseason, Chicago would have the flexibility to trade for Jonathan Taylor, while still being able to address other positions of need. Adding Taylor would give Johnson the proven running back who has the ideal balance of power and speed that the offensive play-caller covets. Chicago’s new head coach is keen on making the passing offense successful by first building success with the rushing game, which will make play-action calls more effective against opposing defenses.
Jonathan Taylor would provide a significant boost to Chicago’s offense immediately
Adding Taylor to Chicago’s offense would be a massive upgrade from Swift, even though Swift had a respectable 2024 campaign. Johnson’s offensive scheme relies heavily on a strong rushing attack, as the Lions’ offense featured a 1,000-yard running back in each of the last three seasons. Although Swift has rushed for 1,000 yards in his career before, Jonathan Taylor is more of a proven between the tackles runner, while also possessing elite-speed to break off significant rushing gains.
Most of Johnson’s passing offense is predicated off play-action designs whether it is traditional drop backs, bootlegs, or helping to set up trick-plays. Taylor’s legitimate ability to score on any potential rushing attempt, would make him an ideal back amongst those available to help Chicago’s new offensive scheme. Imagine a scenario where quarterback Caleb Williams is able to connect on a deep throw because opposing defenders bit on a fake handoff to Jonathan Taylor.
Although there are concerns about Taylor’s health and contract situation, a potential trade for him could be the best option for Chicago with their current offseason needs. A trade would likely cost the Bears a second-round pick paired with a mid-round pick, still leaving them seven to eight selections depending on what happens with Cunningham. Acquiring Jonathan Taylor would also still give Chicago the chance to draft an offensive or defensive lineman, which is the team’s top priority, instead of drafting Boise State running back Aston Jeanty.
A trade would also provide lesser risk than potentially signing a running back in free agency, only for the free agent not to pan out. There are no elite-level running backs expected in free agency this year that matches the free agent class of last offseason that featured Derrick Henry, Josh Jacobs, Barkley, and Swift. Relying on a mid-level running back or a rookie running back may not generate the same result Jonathan Taylor could if the Bears acquire him.
Chicago’s roster needs will begin to be addressed in six weeks, starting with free agency and the new league year on March 12th. Although it is unlikely that the Colts trade Taylor, especially after his 2024 season, it doesn’t hurt to explore a potential trade, given the circumstances that have surrounded him the last few years. Acquiring Jonathan Taylor would give Chicago’s rushing offense an immediate and immense talent boost, something that Johnson is keen on doing to improve the overall offense for the 2025 season.
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