Steelers Listed By CBS Sports As A Potential Landing Spot For Jonathan Taylor

The NFL offseason has once again reminded us that nothing is off the table. Big moves can materialize without warning, and this year has already delivered its share of seismic shifts. The most notable so far: the Los Angeles Rams’ bold swing for Myles Garrett, last season’s Defensive Player of the Year.

That kind of blockbuster has fueled broader conversations about player empowerment across leagues. Drawing inspiration from the Miami Heat’s stunning acquisition of Giannis Antetokounmpo, Garrett Podell of CBS Sports explored which NFL stars might force their way into similarly dramatic scenarios. Among the five names he highlighted, one stood out for its potential ripple effects: Jonathan Taylor and a hypothetical move to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Taylor enters the final year of his three‑year deal, and Podell argues that a sluggish start in Indianapolis could accelerate a split between the Colts and one of the decade’s most productive running backs. In his projection, a third‑round pick would be enough to get a deal done—an eyebrow‑raising valuation for a player of Taylor’s caliber, but one that reflects the league’s evolving economics at the position.

Even with Jaylen Warren and newly signed Rico Dowdle in the fold, Podell sees Taylor as the kind of true “bell‑cow” back that Mike McCarthy hasn’t had in years. In that light, Taylor isn’t just another weapon—he’s the type of player who could reshape Pittsburgh’s offensive identity overnight.

"Taylor would give McCarthy the bell-cow back he's missed since Ezekiel Elliott's decline and Tony Pollard's fibula injury in the 2022 postseason while coaching the Cowboys."

Assuming the Steelers find real success this season with the tandem of Jaylen Warren and Rico Dowdle, the odds of Pittsburgh pursuing Jonathan Taylor would naturally shrink. Stability tends to quiet speculation. Still, it’s impossible to ignore the talent gap. Taylor would represent an immediate upgrade over any back currently on the roster.

His production speaks for itself. Last season, Taylor finished third in the NFL with 1,585 rushing yards and led the league with 18 rushing touchdowns, reaffirming his status as one of the most dynamic runners in football. Even if the Steelers’ committee approach proves effective, a player with Taylor’s resume forces any front office to at least consider the possibilities.