Retour
Several teams, including a pair of division leaders, are chasing a Jonathan Taylor trade ahead of the NFL’s Nov. 10 deadline. But of course, only one team can end up with the First-Team All-Pro, and that’s if the Indianapolis Colts even trade their best remaining player. For all the teams who miss out on Taylor, they could pivot to another target: Tony Pollard of the Tennessee Titans.
Currently on pace for his fifth consecutive 1,000-yard season, while the 29-year-old one-time Pro Bowler may not quite be as dominant as Taylor has been, Pollard would be an upgrade for several teams. But which ones should try to trade for him? Here are a few possibilities.
Coming into the season, few would have seen Tony Pollard as an upgrade for the Cincinnati Bengals. Yet, Chase Brown’s performance has dropped off dramatically, and he is averaging a career-low 3.6 YPC. With Joe Burrow leading the NFL in completion rate and passing touchdowns, the Bengals owe it to their franchise QB to provide him with a competent running game. Are there better options available? Sure, but Pollard is who the Bengals can afford, and he’s a clear upgrade.
Josh Jacobs has played just two games this season after missing action due to offseason troubles. Yet, even with the First-Team All-Pro’s return, the Green Bay Packers still have the NFL’s worst rushing offense, averaging a league-worst 2.9 YPC. With Jacobs’ playing future once again in question, the Packers really have no choice but to add to their backfield before the trade deadline. Yet, trading for Taylor would essentially be saying goodbye to Jacobs. Are the Packers ready to make that statement?
The Seattle Seahawks just spent the 32nd overall pick on running back Jadarian Price back in April, which means they’re not going to be trading for a bona fide star like Taylor. However, finding someone who can complement this backfield, perhaps someone like an eight-year vet like Pollard, could be the perfect solution.
The Minnesota Vikings have the 10th-most rushing attempts in the NFL, but coach Kevin O’Connell doesn’t seem entirely confident in any of his running backs. With both Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason in the final year of their contracts, the Vikings will need to find a different running back for the foreseeable future. The 29-year-old Pollard may not be a long-term solution, but he can provide an immediate boost to Minnesota’s backfield, perhaps helping unlock better production from Kyler Murray in the process.
Perhaps the team that makes the most sense to land Pollard is the New York Giants. Not only do they have a need for another running back after bouncing between Cam Skattebo, Tyrone Tracy, and the now-released Najee Harris, but Pollard has also already played for Giants QB coach/pass game coordinator Brian Callahan in Tennessee. While Callahan may no longer be coaching him directly, the added familiarity could help convince New York’s front office to part with some draft capital for someone they feel will be a great fit in the locker room.