Well….somebody is going to get him

I absolutely love Aaron Jones and appreciate everything he’s brought to the Vikings on the field, off the field, and in the locker room. And, of course, I’ll never forget what he’s done against the Packers. But the reality is that he’s getting up there in age and has had a difficult time staying healthy.

I really liked the Jordan Mason signing and envisioned him taking over as the goal-line back while spelling Jones when needed. Unfortunately, his pass blocking has been a major liability, and he’s had his own injury issues. You can’t have a running back on the field in obvious passing situations if he can’t reliably pick up a blitz.

I think the Vikings could potentially bring in Kimani Vidal from the Chargers at a much more reasonable price. He looks like a really good fit for this offense. He has good hands, can pass block, runs with vision, and has surprising shiftiness for a thicker back. He could be an every-down option and handle the goal-line work as well.

That said, Jonathan Taylor is a different level of player. He’s a true three-down workhorse who can carry the load in every facet of the game. He’s developed into a very good pass protector, particularly when it comes to recognizing and picking up blitzes. That would be a huge asset for a QB who isn't a traditional pocket passer and an offensive coach who loves to dial up longer-developing pass plays.

Taylor reminds me of Saquon Barkley in terms of being a complete back who can hurt defenses in multiple ways, while bringing a physical running style that wears down defensive fronts over four quarters. He's not going to be jumping backward over defenders anytime soon, but he doesn't need to. He's a smart, physical runner who can take over a game.

I could see Frank Smith and the offensive staff absolutely salivating over the possibilities of building a running game around Taylor, much like the creative ways Smith utilized De'Von Achane in Miami.

The big question is, what would Taylor cost? And the bigger question might be: can the Vikings afford not to pursue him if the opportunity is there?

We all know defense wins championships. But there's a reason people say the running game travels in the playoffs. A dominant running game controls the clock, keeps the defense fresh, and takes pressure off your quarterback. Imagine giving this offense that kind of weapon.

I understand why this might be dragging into next week, but the longer it goes, the more someone's going to have to pay. Just the fact that several teams are mentioned means any one of them can break the ice with a godfather offer. If I'm the Packers, I call the Colts and tell them I'm interested. If only to force the Vikings to pay more. Dangerous game, but would not surprise me.

He's a premium, 3 down NFL RB that's a difference maker. Good pass blocker. Very doable contract to absorb. 27 years old. Should be impactful for 4 more years. Can the Vikings get it done and what will it cost? Should know Monday.

I am leaning at it not happening, I don't see the '26 Vikings as a RB away from a deep playoff run.

Ive read they want a 1 for him.

Also heard mention last weekend that his pass protection isn't that good, I dont watch much of the Colts so I cant say for sure, just what I've read/heard.

Jonathan Taylor can’t fit under the #Vikings cap at the moment, so if they want to acquire him, they would need to shed some salary, per @jjones9:

“He can’t fit under Minnesota’s cap right now. So either the Vikings would have to rearrange a deal or two, or the Colts would have… pic.twitter.com/R5r7GIgbcv

— VikingzFanPage (@vikingzfanpage) October 31, 2026

For the Vikings specifically, the Taylor conversation is less about money for ‘26 than it is the future money on his contract. Pay a premium at the RB position in ‘27 and ‘28, and you’re then having to make a bunch of real tough decisions with a ton of major roster questions (QB,… https://t.co/XCJsY5Sgfs

— Alec Lewis (@alec_lewis) October 31, 2026

Sorry to be the eeyore this morning...

I wish I could feel something imminent on this front, but for whatever reason? I dont.

I dont have intuition on Teasley yet. Does he think a move like this moves the needle enough? Does he think this is a team capable of a playoff run? Do the future contract years make it a bridge too far?

OR is someone else on the radar?

StickierBuns wrote:

https://x.com/adamschefter/status/2116489136496365588?a=aJGnQ0wb_fZR9X-T28s&s=46

This means he gave them the ok to be traded...

I can see the Giants pairing him with JJM and running away with the NFC Least, followed by a board wide meltdown…! 😏😇

StickierBuns wrote:

https://x.com/alec_lewis/status/2116534456890593366?a=dfxtPDkSPhDA9AwQwvs&s=20

Without a quarterback locked in for next season, a trade with this much compensation for a non-QB just isn't wise.

... But neither is gambling and sometimes that's fun and you can win big.

Fwiw, prognosticators saying it's most serious for MN or Gmen...Cant discount a late entry too I suppose, Bronco's interested as well.

I thought NY was perfectly happy with Skatebo?

Kentis wrote:

I can see the Giants pairing him with JJM and running away with the NFC Least, followed by a board wide meltdown…! 😏😇

Very possible. PT would become unreadable for all the told you so comments. Frankly, I'm not pleased that JJM was traded, viewing that he would have at least provided a 2027 fallback position if KM does not pan out.

It's been confirmed that the Colts turned down a 2nd round pick plus another for Jonathan Taylor. No idea what the other was or where it came from, but I hope our new GM knows he can't let the Colts think it's Taylor or bust for us. Like any other deal, you have to be able to walk away from one deal into another and still feel like you improved short term without sacrificing your long term. In other words, I hope we have backup plans.

The only GM newer than ours is the one in Indy. And neither one of them wants to look like a fool. Could get sketchy.

purplefaithful wrote:

Fwiw, prognosticators saying it's most serious for MN or Gmen...Cant discount a late entry too I suppose, Bronco's interested as well.
I thought NY was perfectly happy with Skatebo?

I have no clue why the Giants are involved in this, unless like Green Bay they just want to stick it to the Vikings. The Giants are not a playoff team, let alone one who should be adding Lombardi juice at the deadline.

MaroonBells wrote:

I have no clue why the Giants are involved in this, unless like Green Bay they just want to stick it to the Vikings. The Giants are not a playoff team, let alone one who should be adding Lombardi juice at the deadline.

Don't tell that to New York, they are in first place in the NFC East. I think they are very much in on this season and Harbaugh said as much a week ago....I think JJM's play changed that to a large extent. They feel they can run a Jaxson Dart offense with JJ. For me, there's still a bunch to prove there but 4-2-1 isn't bad at all as it stands right now. 12th in offensive production and 7th best defense? Why wouldn't they be interested in improving that team right now in a very winnable division? LOTS of games to be played yet.

What is the magic number for RBs where they start to decline....is it age? Seems rather easy to say its a birthday. Yes Taylor is only 27, nearly 28, but that doesnt tell much of a picture.

What about carries? Hes had nearly 1700 carries already in his career, yes there are hacks that have had much more, but this number puts him in the range of Barkley, Jones, and Mccaffrey who are all showing signs of breaking/ wearing down and have for a while.

I know that each player is different amd and those others are all older, but are we looking at giving up 3 picks for a guy because he is a need now player, or is it the thought he could be our RB1 for the next few years, I know age is just a number, but are there other numbers to consider before giving up those picks and.penciling in him as our future RB1?

I think the ask might be a lot of blue sky, especially since we are not simply a RB away from being among the best or even high middle of the pack offensively.

Would rather see those resources used on younger players that will improve a position of greater need for years to come.

Whats the word on the OG from Philly? Would much prefer to fix the o line in hopes of making murray more comfortable to where he will get our stars involved in the game more. Or provide better protection for Wentz to pick apart the opposing D when they have to blitz him.

I just get a gut feeling Taylor isn't the right move, especially at that price and where hes at in his career, and that Indy OL has been pretty easy to run behind for most of his production. Fools gold maybe?

This is like a mini silly season with all the heated noise, and just like silly season it's 98% bullshit.

comet52 wrote:

This is like a mini silly season with all the heated noise, and just like silly season it's 98% bullshit.

98%?? If you are on X, its 99.5%. I mentioned this before as it pertains to Taylor, Carlie might just be stubborn enough to sit on him and keep him in Indy. If he plays today, that's exactly what is probably going to happen. I don't think Nolan wants to give up our first rounder and I tend to agree.

StickierBuns wrote:

98%?? If you are on X, its 99.5%. I mentioned this before as it pertains to Taylor, Carlie might just be stubborn enough to sit on him and keep him in Indy. If he plays today, that's exactly what is probably going to happen. I don't think Nolan wants to give up our first rounder and I tend to agree.

We just need to get a peek at that notebook she scribbles in on the sidelines all afternoon, then we'll know which way is up...