People were shocked when the Green Bay Packers were announced as the mystery team that was showing an interest in acquiring Jonathan Taylor from the Indianapolis Colts. The Packers were seemingly set in the backfield with Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon handling things, as they are regarded by many as the best duo in the NFL.

Every team does due diligence when talent becomes available. The front office wouldn’t be doing their job if they didn’t but the Packers’ interest in Taylor seemed legitimate. It was also reported that they were willing to pay him a top-of-the-market contract had they acquired him.

While no deal was completed ahead of the season, an NFL executive expects the Packers to try against ahead of the trade deadline on October 31st. Alas, those efforts will likely be futile, as the executive ultimately doesn’t believe Taylor will be going anywhere.

“As the trade deadline gets closer, I think Green Bay will revisit Jonathan Taylor talks with the Colts. I don’t think Indy will trade him, but I think the Packers will make another effort.”

Green Bay’s interest in Taylor makes more sense when taking a deeper look into things. There is a good chance that neither Jones nor Dillon will be on the roster in 2024. After taking a pay cut to remain with the team this offseason, Jones has a cap hit north of $17 million in 2024. Dillon is set to hit free agency as he is playing out the final year of his rookie contract.

Taylor’s contract would be expensive in its own right, but he is four years younger than Jones is, so an investment in him wouldn’t be as risky. Dillon has struggled when thrust into the lead-back role, which could have the franchise rethinking their long-term plans for him as well.

It sounds as if Taylor won’t be going anywhere in the near future, but it is still worth keeping an eye on. If the Packers make an aggressive offer for the star running back, Indianapolis will have to think long and hard about it.