The Indianapolis Colts are shaking things up, and now their star running back is on the move. Jonathan Taylor, a three-time Pro Bowler, is officially available for trade, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter and Ian Rapoport. The news comes after the Colts traded away All-Pro offensive lineman Quenton Nelson and Pro Bowl defensive lineman DeForest Buckner this week, signaling a full-scale rebuild.
Taylor has been a workhorse for the Colts since being drafted in 2020, racking up 8,185 rushing yards and 77 touchdowns. This season alone, he's churned out 587 yards and eight scores on 140 carries in just seven games. But despite his production, the Colts are listening to offers.
Colts owner and CEO Carlie Irsay-Gordon reportedly met with Taylor this week for an in-depth conversation about his future. While she's said to have a soft spot for the back and would prefer he stay part of the rebuild, the front office recognizes the potential haul he could bring. "The Colts also recognize the potential haul Taylor could bring in a trade," Schefter and Rapoport wrote.
The Minnesota Vikings and New York Giants are the most obvious landing spots, given their glaring needs at running back. But three other teams are also in the mix, and if they're serious, the Colts could drive up the asking price.
Five Teams That Could Land Taylor
- Minnesota Vikings: They've been searching for a consistent ground game all season.
- New York Giants: A backfield upgrade is a priority, and Taylor would be a game-changer.
- Dallas Cowboys: With a playoff-caliber roster, adding Taylor could push them over the top.
- Buffalo Bills: They need a reliable rusher to complement Josh Allen's arm.
- Miami Dolphins: A dynamic offense would only get scarier with Taylor in the backfield.
The Colts are aiming high in trade talks. A week ago, Rapoport revealed that Indianapolis would love to land a first-round pick for Taylor. "You know the goal. They don't have a No. 1 pick because of [the] Sauce [Gardner trade]. You know that's what they're going to try to get back," Rapoport said. "If they have the kind of market that players never have during the season, maybe they can get it."
However, the recent Christian McCaffrey trade might set a precedent. The Panthers only received a 2023 second-round, third-round, fourth-round, and a 2024 fifth-round pick for McCaffrey. That suggests the Colts might have to settle for a package of Day 2 picks rather than a first-rounder.
Taylor's situation echoes other recent trade dramas across the league, like the Breece Hall trade rumors swirling in New York. And with the deadline approaching, teams are weighing their options. The Raiders' high bar in Maxx Crosby talks shows how much some teams value their stars, but the Colts seem ready to deal.
As the NFL trade deadline looms, all eyes are on Indianapolis. Will Taylor be shipped off for a king's ransom, or will the Colts hold onto their star? Either way, the rumor mill is churning, and fans are on the edge of their seats.
