A few weeks ago, the drama in Indianapolis began. Colts star running back Jonathan Taylor asked to be traded, and the NFL world reacted. Of course, Chicago Bears fans had to ask: what about us?
At first, it sounded like a fun idea. Jonathan Taylor and Justin Fields in the same back field? the league-leading rushing attack lands a stud running back like Taylor? The possibilities seemed tantalizing. While a trade for Taylor would be fun, it didn't always make sense.
Now, it appears as though the Bears are, in fact, one of the worst possible destinations for Taylor, according to Alex Kay of Bleacher Report.
Kay writes:
"Not only does Chicago now employ an elite receiver in DJ Moore, but it also has a stacked backfield with veterans D'Onta Foreman and Khalil Herbert along with rookie fourth-round pick Roschon Johnson brimming with upside as a tertiary option. There's little space for Taylor in their plans."
Furthermore, it was confirmed by ESPN's Adam Schefter on ESPN 1000 that the Bears are not in on Taylor.
The Chicago Bears do not make sense for running back Jonathan Taylor, with the future in mind
General manager Ryan Poles has done wizardry with this Bears roster over the past year and a half. He began by stripping it down and ridding the team of heftier contracts and aging veterans. Fans may not have loved the idea at first, but it's all coming into focus now, heading into this coming season.
It's true, the Bears do have the necessary cap space to give Taylor the contract he desires. However, with future planning in mind, Poles shouldn't risk that type of cash. Chances are, after this season, he and Fields' camp will be looking into negotiating a contract extension.
At the very latest, Fields' extension could come after the 2024 campaign. Regardless, Poles and the Bears need the money saved aside for that Fields deal when it does happen. Paying a running back in today's NFL just isn't a wise move.
The Bears have already proven they can lead the league in rushing without Taylor, therefore, it can happen once again.