The New England Patriots are weighing trade options at running back ahead of Tuesday’s 4 p.m. ET deadline after starting RB Rhamondre Stevenson suffered a knee tendon injury in Sunday’s 45-27 loss to the Green Bay Packers. Stevenson is expected to miss a short period of time and will likely sit out this weekend’s game against the Detroit Lions, though the Patriots’ Week 11 bye could allow him to return for Week 12.
New England has received multiple calls about Indianapolis Colts RB Jonathan Taylor, who has been the subject of trade speculation since the Colts entered rebuild mode. While Taylor did not formally request a trade, his postgame remarks following Sunday’s 27-23 loss to the Dallas Cowboys appeared to signal a farewell to Colts fans. The Colts have reportedly set a high asking price for Taylor, including a first-round pick or a package of Day 2 selections similar to the one the San Francisco 49ers sent for Christian McCaffrey last season.
The Patriots are among several teams monitoring the situation, with other potential targets including Baltimore Ravens RB Derrick Henry, New York Jets RB Breece Hall, Tennessee Titans RB Tony Pollard, and Titans RB Tyjae Spears, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent in the offseason. Stevenson currently leads New England with 499 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 102 carries, while also contributing 26 receptions for 258 yards and two more scores.
Colts’ Trade Stance Faces Scrutiny
The Colts’ handling of Taylor’s trade status has drawn criticism from analysts and former players. ESPN’s Adam Schefter highlighted the team’s contradictory messaging, noting that Indianapolis has publicly stated it does not want to trade Taylor while simultaneously fielding offers and limiting his playing time. On Sunday, Taylor carried just 13 times for 46 yards in a loss to Dallas, a performance that followed his emotional remarks to Colts fans.
Former Colts QB Nick Foles, speaking on the OutKick interview, acknowledged the team’s rebuild status but suggested Taylor’s age and value could justify a trade. “As a personnel decision maker, he’s getting older as a running back, and if you can get something super value like a high draft pick for him—you are in rebuild,” Foles said. “I feel like you’re going to do it.”
Pat McAfee Advocates for High Asking Price
Former Colts punter and media personality Pat McAfee has been vocal about the Colts’ trade strategy, arguing the team should demand a first-round pick in any deal for Taylor. McAfee, who has been critical of the Colts’ front office decisions, emphasized that the team lacks a 2027 first-rounder, making Taylor’s value even more critical to their rebuild. “There’s no way we are trading Jonathan Taylor without a first,” McAfee said on The Pat McAfee Show, though he later clarified that his comments were not directed at team officials.
The trade deadline’s proximity adds urgency to the situation, with teams like the Minnesota Vikings, New York Giants, and Green Bay Packers reportedly expressing interest in acquiring a proven running back. However, the Colts’ high asking price may limit their options, as leverage diminishes with each passing hour. The Patriots, meanwhile, must decide whether to pursue Taylor or explore other options before the deadline passes.