Report: Broncos have ‘pondered’ or ‘expected to consider’ Jonathan Taylor trade

The Denver Broncos have three running backs with interesting skillsets they used against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday.

J.K. Dobbins is the veteran, while RJ Harvey showed off his wheels on a 52-yard touchdown catch and Jonah Coleman actually led the group with nine carries for 54 yards.

But even with upside to Dobbins, Harvey and Coleman, could the Broncos add one of the best running backs in the NFL to their room?

That’s what ESPN’s Adam Schefter and Ian Rapoport reported on Sunday, lumping in Denver with a few other teams who might try to pry three-time Pro Bowl selection Jonathan Taylor away from the Indianapolis Colts.

“The Green Bay Packers, Seattle Seahawks, Denver Broncos and (Minnesota) Vikings are among the teams that have pondered, or are expected to consider, the possibility of a trade for the star running back, according to sources,” Schefter and Rapoport wrote.

The NFL trade deadline is in 15 days, so the Broncos would have to decide they’re willing to pay a premium price soon for Taylor. The Colts, currently without a full-time GM, would need to be convinced to deal him.

“While Taylor is the splashiest name being discussed in trades, sources informed of the Colts’ thinking made one strong point: (Indianapolis owner Carlie) Irsay-Gordon views Taylor as a key part of the organization and a likely mainstay in their rebuild. There is always a price, and this one would likely cost premium draft pick compensation,” Schefter and Rapoport added.

The Broncos gave up last year’s first-round pick to add Jaylen Waddle in a trade with the Miami Dolphins. Would they really do it again for Taylor? That remains to be seen, especially with the rookie Coleman flashing and Harvey reminding everyone why his speed is so feared.

Denver also gave Dobbins a two-year, $16 million deal in the spring, so one would think he’d likely have to be part of a move. Taylor is due the rest of his $7 million base salary this season, then $16 million in 2027 and $18 million in 2028.

But there’s no doubt he’s a great player, rushing for more than 1,400 yards in 2021, 2024 and 2025, the three years he made the Pro Bowl. Taylor also has 77 career rushing touchdowns, including eight this season through only seven games to go along with 587 rushing yards.

We’ll have to monitor how this shakes out over the next two weeks, but Schefter and Rapoport named the Broncos as a potential suitor for a reason.

You can bet head coach Sean Payton and GM George Paton are at least kicking the tires on a trade, although it takes two to tango.

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