The Indianapolis Colts have reversed their stance and are now open to trading All-Pro running back Jonathan Taylor, according to multiple reports published on Saturday.
Multiple teams have contacted the Colts about Taylor, with the Denver Broncos, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, New York Giants, and Seattle Seahawks among those expressing interest. ESPN and NFL Network reporters described the discussions as active and ongoing.
The Colts had previously indicated they were not actively seeking to trade Taylor despite a 2-5 start to the season and the recent firing of general manager Chris Ballard. However, the franchise has since traded All-Pro guard Quenton Nelson to the Seattle Seahawks and All-Pro defensive tackle DeForest Buckner back to the San Francisco 49ers, both for future draft picks.
Colts owner and CEO Carlie Irsay-Gordon met with Taylor this week to discuss his future, though the team has not disclosed the outcome of that conversation. Taylor, who signed a two-year, $44 million contract extension in August, has publicly expressed a desire to remain with the Colts. The team is now evaluating whether to retain him as part of a rebuild or pursue draft capital in exchange for his services.
Colts reject reported offer for Taylor
One team proposed a 2027 second-round pick plus an additional selection in exchange for Taylor, but the Colts declined the offer, according to The Ringer’s Tom Pelissero. The team has not specified its asking price but has drawn comparisons to the 2022 trade of Christian McCaffrey, which fetched the Carolina Panthers second-, third-, and fourth-round picks in 2023 and a fifth-rounder in 2024.
Teams eye Taylor as potential Super Bowl piece
Taylor, 27, leads the NFL with eight rushing touchdowns and has 587 rushing yards through seven games this season. His production comes amid a league-leading 18 rushing touchdowns in 2025, his last full season. Contending teams have reportedly viewed him as an immediate workhorse back, while the Colts may prioritize accumulating draft picks to bolster their roster.
Colts’ trade deadline posture remains unclear
The Colts have not confirmed whether they will pursue a trade for Taylor by the November 10 deadline. The franchise has emphasized a need for draft capital but has also indicated a desire to retain Taylor as a franchise cornerstone. The team’s recent trades suggest a willingness to move star players, though the owner has stated the franchise is not in “fire sale mode.”
Background: Taylor’s contract and performance
Taylor signed a two-year extension worth $44 million in August, making him one of the highest-paid running backs in the league. He has been selected to the Pro Bowl three times and ranks among the top running backs of the past decade. Despite his individual success, the Colts’ team performance has declined, with a 2-5 record in the AFC South.
Next steps
The Colts are expected to continue evaluating trade offers for Taylor while weighing the long-term value of retaining him. Teams interested in acquiring Taylor will likely need to meet the Colts’ asking price, which sources suggest could be comparable to the McCaffrey trade. The deadline for trades is November 10.