5 Big-name NFL players who could be traded before 2020 kickoff
By Samuel Teets
4. Marlon Mack, RB, Indianapolis Colts
The Colts caught some fans off guard when they selected Wisconsin’s Jonathan Taylor with the 41st overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. Taylor set records in college, and he’d start immediately for several teams in the NFL. Which begs the question, is Indianapolis one of those teams?
More from NFL Spin Zone
- Dallas Cowboys made the trade everyone else should have made
- Pittsburgh Steelers rookie sleeper everyone should be talking about
- Anthony Richardson putting jaw-dropping talent on display immediately
- Denver Broncos’ stud wide receiver might be out for a while
- Washington Commanders: Three takeaways from win over Ravens
Over the past three seasons, Indianapolis built one of the deepest backfields in the NFL. However, Taylor’s arrival could signal an upcoming trade for Marlon Mack, who led the Colts in rushing in each of the past two seasons. A former fourth-round pick from 2016, Mack is in the final year of his rookie contract. Indianapolis owes him $2,237,912 this year.
While he isn’t a superstar, Mack is a reliable back who performs at a borderline Pro Bowl level. Over the past two seasons, he averaged 4.5 yards per carry and 76.9 rushing yards per game. In 26 appearances and 22 starts, he totaled 1,999 rushing yards and 17 rushing touchdowns. Mack doesn’t play a significant role in the passing game, which is primarily dominated by Nyheim Hines.
If the Colts feel satisfied with Taylor and believe he’s a Day 1 starter, there’s no reason for the team to waste a year of Mack’s prime. If a running back-needy team like the Buccaneers or Texans float a second-rounder Indianapolis’ way, the deal might be hard to resist.
So far, reports remain firm that the Colts don’t want to trade Mack, but Taylor makes him an expendable option.