Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor has been entrenched in offseason drama stemming from his demands for an extension as his rookie contract winds down.
A second-round pick in 2020 (41st overall), Taylor is in the final season of his four-year, $7.83 million contract. Wanting to be paid like one of the best running backs in the NFL, Taylor asked for a new contract before the 2023 NFL season.
After his demands weren’t met, he requested a trade. However, the Colts didn’t move him because their trade compensation requirements weren’t satisfied.
Before the season, Taylor was placed on the NFL’s Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list and is slated to miss the season’s first four games.
As the season enters Week 4, many fans wonder if Taylor will play for Indianapolis or be dealt. Taylor can opt to sit out, but missing additional time would cost him money.
With Taylor’s situation still unclear, DraftKings Sportsbook has presented bettors with an opportunity to bet on where the embattled running back will land.
Jonathan Taylor’s Next Team Odds
DraftKings’ top-10 odds for Taylor’s next team are listed below.
Make sure to note the language of this wager, which states the following: “If not [the] Colts, for which NFL team will Jonathan Taylor take his first 2023/24 regular season snap?”
With this language, it’s implied that the wager will push if Taylor’s first snap of the season comes with the Colts. In other words, your money will be returned if he plays for the Colts.
- Cleveland Browns: +175
- Miami Dolphins: +300
- Baltimore Ravens: +400
- Buffalo Bills: +1200
- Dallas Cowboys: +1200
- Minnesota Vikings: +1400
- Green Bay Packers: +1400
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: +1600
- Philadelphia Eagles: +1600
- Washington Commanders: +1600
Taylor Next Team Best Bets
Miami Dolphins (+300)
The Dolphins are not only the team linked to Taylor, but they’ve been one that’s made a legitimate offer for the star running back. Equipped with a Super Bowl-worthy offense, Miami could send away some draft picks and potentially a running back in exchange for Taylor.
Jeff Wilson Jr. or Raheem Mostert could be on the chopping block for a player like Taylor, who would be the every-down back and beautifully complement rookie RB De’Von Achane.
Denver Broncos (+2500)
The Broncos are a playable long-shot candidate. With new head coach Sean Payton, one of the wealthiest ownership groups in the sport and a desire to win, Denver could be a potential landing spot for a guy who wants to get paid.
Payton is a massive advocate for the run game, and Taylor could be the missing piece this offense needs to get going.
The Broncos are also desperate for a spark after starting the year 0-3 and suffering a historic 70-20 loss in Week 3. Taylor could provide a much-needed boost and take some pressure off quarterback Russell Wilson, who isn’t the talent he used to be.
Given its current situation, Denver must be considered a strong contender for Taylor, especially if it’s willing to part ways with young RB Javonte Williams.
Kansas City Chiefs (+5000)
The Chiefs are a dark horse here, as they’ve focused more on their passing attack than their ground game in recent seasons. They’re also trying to save some money this year, at least on the offensive side of the ball.
That said, Patrick Mahomes lacks weapons beyond Travis Kelce, and the running game has been underwhelming. If Kansas City wants an upgrade, it could make a package centered around former first-round draft pick Clyde Edwards-Helaire to get him off the roster and make the offense more balanced.
Photo by Joshua Bessex/Getty Images
