00:00Jonathan Taylor could be a surprise trade candidate for the Bears this offseason.
00:04Let's talk about where the Bears stand right now.
00:08We're looking at a team that's completely different from what we saw just two years ago.
00:13Ryan Poles has methodically built this roster, piece by piece,
00:18and now we're sitting on a gold mine of resources.
00:21The Bears are heading into 2025 with over $80 million in cap space.
00:27Now, about Jonathan Taylor.
00:29Listen, I've been studying film on this guy since his Wisconsin days,
00:33and what he did last season with the Colts was nothing short of spectacular.
00:38We're talking about 1,400 yards rushing, 11 touchdowns,
00:43and here's what the stats don't show you.
00:45His explosive play rate was off the charts.
00:49Taylor had more runs of 20-plus yards than any back in the league,
00:54and he did this while teams were stacking the box against him.
00:59But here's where it gets interesting.
01:00The Colts and Taylor have a complicated history.
01:03Remember that holdout last season?
01:05Six games on the sideline before they worked out his extension,
01:09and now, even with two years left on his deal, there's smoke coming out of Indianapolis.
01:14My sources there tell me the front office is at least willing to listen to offers.
01:20That's not something you do if you're 100% committed to keeping a player.
01:26Let's talk about scheme fit, because this is where things get really exciting.
01:29Ben Johnson, our new head coach, is an offensive mastermind.
01:33In Detroit, he built an offense that perfectly balanced
01:36power running with explosive passing plays.
01:39His system relies heavily on play action,
01:41and guess what Taylor does better than almost any back in the league?
01:45He forces defenses to respect the run,
01:47creating those perfect play action opportunities.
01:51Think about this offense for a second.
01:53You've got Caleb Williams, who we all know can make every throw in the book,
01:56DJ Moore, and Keenan Allen on the outside, two of the best route runners in the game.
02:01Now add Jonathan Taylor to that mix?
02:03Defensive coordinators would have nightmares game planning against us.
02:09But let's be realistic about what it would take to get him.
02:12I've talked to several front office executives around the league,
02:15and the consensus is that a second round pick plus a mid-round selection could get it done.
02:20Some might say that's steep for a running back,
02:23but Taylor isn't just any running back.
02:25He's a game changer.
02:26A guy who can turn a good offense into an unstoppable one.
02:31Now, I know what some of you are thinking.
02:33What about DeAndre Swift?
02:35Look, Swift had a solid 2024 season.
02:38He showed flashes of brilliance.
02:40But there's levels to this game.
02:42Taylor is in that elite tier with guys like Christian McCaffrey and Bijan Robinson.
02:47He's a three down back who can pass protect,
02:50catch out of the backfield, and most importantly, he's a closer.
02:53When you need those tough yards in the fourth quarter to ice a game, Taylor gets them.
02:59Let's talk about the injury concerns because they're real.
03:02Taylor has had his share of ankle issues.
03:06But here's something most people don't know.
03:08He's completely changed his training regimen.
03:11I spoke with his personal trainer last month,
03:14and they've implemented a new program focusing on mobility and injury prevention.
03:20The results showed last season he played in every game after returning from his holdout.
03:26The Bears offensive line is another factor here.
03:28We're likely looking at some upgrades through free agency in the draft,
03:31adding Taylor would make any offensive line look better.
03:34He's got that rare combination of vision and patience.
03:37He sets up his blocks perfectly and has the burst to hit the hole when it opens.
03:41Here's another aspect people aren't talking about enough,
03:44the impact on Caleb Williams' development.
03:46A strong running game is a young quarterback's best friend.
03:49It takes pressure off, keeps the defense honest,
03:51and opens up those deep shots we know Williams can hit.
03:55Taylor would essentially be an insurance policy for our franchise quarterback.
04:00The competition for Taylor could be fierce though.
04:02I'm hearing the Ravens might be interested,
04:04especially after losing their top back to free agency.
04:07The Eagles are another team to watch.
04:09They've always valued the running game heavily.
04:12But here's why I think the Bears have the edge.
04:15We've got the draft capital, the cap space,
04:18and most importantly, we can offer him a featured role
04:21in an offense that's built to maximize his skills.
04:25Looking at the Bears' schedule next season,
04:27we've got some tough run defenses on the slate.
04:29The Lions have beefed up their front seven.
04:31The Vikings are always solid against the run.
04:34And we can't forget about that Packers defensive line
04:37Having a back like Taylor who can produce against stacked boxes
04:41would be huge in these divisional games.
04:43Let's talk numbers for a second.
04:45Taylor's current contract is actually pretty reasonable for his production level.
04:48He's due around $14 million per year,
04:51which puts him right in the middle of the top running back contracts.
04:54When you consider what he brings to the table, that's excellent value.
05:00The timing of this potential trade is crucial too.
05:03The Bears are entering their window.
05:04We've got Williams on his rookie deal.
05:06Some key players locked up long-term.
05:09And a coaching staff that knows how to utilize talent.
05:12This isn't just about 2025.
05:16This is about building a sustainable contender in the NFC North.
05:20Now there's always the draft option,
05:22but here's the thing about rookie running backs.
05:24Even the most talented ones usually take time
05:26to adjust to the NFL's pass protection schemes.
05:29Taylor's already proven he can handle everything at the pro level.
05:33There's no learning curve, no adjustment period.
05:36He steps in day one as a difference.
05:39Think about how this move would change the perception of the Bears around the league.
05:44We're already trending up, but adding Taylor would send a clear message.
05:49We're not just building for the future.
05:51We're ready to compete now.
05:54That matters when you're trying to attract free agents and build a winning culture.
05:59The Bears have been patient in their rebuild,
06:02making smart, calculated moves.
06:05But sometimes you need to take that big swing,
06:08that move that pushes you over the top.
06:10Jonathan Taylor could be that move.
06:12He's the type of player who doesn't just help you win games.
06:16He helps you win championships.
06:19Before we wrap up, let's address one last point.
06:22The long-term outlook.
06:24Taylor's 26 years old, essentially entering his prime.
06:28Running backs typically start declining around 28, 29,
06:32which means we'd get his best years.
06:34And with the way he takes care of his body,
06:36maintains his speed,
06:38there's no reason he can't be productive even longer.
06:41The Bears have a chance to make a move that could reshape their offense
06:44and potentially the entire NFC North.
06:47Ryan Poles has shown he's not afraid to make bold moves when he sees an opportunity.
06:52This could be his biggest one yet.
06:55What do you think?
06:55Should the Bears go all-in for Jonathan Taylor?
06:58Drop your thoughts in the comments below.
07:00And don't forget to hit that subscribe button for more Bears content.
07:03We'll be covering every angle of this story as it develops.
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