NFL Rumors: Bears-Jonathan Taylor buzz, Cowboys loved Hurts, Raiders trade

NFL Rumors: Bears downplay interest in Colts RB Jonathan Taylor

The Chicago Bears are out on Colts running back Jonathan Taylor -- or so they say.

ESPN's Adam Schefter recently revealed that per his sources, the Bears "won't be trading" for Taylor in 2023. Schefter was also asked about Bears' interest in Chiefs' Chris Jones and declined to give specifics -- that's a rumor for another day.

Ever since the Colts granted Taylor permission to seek a trade partner last week, the 24-year-old running back has been speculated to join a handful of needy teams. At the top of the list is arguably the Miami Dolphins, who missed out on Dalvin Cook earlier this offseason.

In 2023, the Bears have 2021 sixth-rounder Khalil Herbert anchoring their ball-carrying room, a rising star who averaged an insane 5.7 yards per rushing attempt last season. Behind Herbert is ex-Panther D'Onta Foreman and a host of unproven options.

It's not inconceivable to see the Bears -- who have two first-round picks in 2024 along with a second and third -- go after a game-changer like Taylor. But doing so would mean Chicago is suiting up for one of its most serious years in the Justin Fields era (Taylor and Fields on the ground? What a dynamic duo!), and the franchise may not feel like it's quite there yet.

Taylor has the credentials of a bona fide RB1 with only a slightly concerning injury history. The Colts have reportedly been sniffing around for a first-round pick for him, which is more of a scoffed-at dream than a reality.

Instead, Taylor could be worth a Day 2 pick, something the Bears could reasonably give up but don't seem to want to. Based on Schefter's report, Bears fans probably shouldn't get their hopes up about a Taylor trade. Chris Jones on the other hand....