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Colts open Jonathan Taylor trade talks as several teams make offers
Multiple NFL teams have contacted the Indianapolis Colts about running back Jonathan Taylor as the rebuilding club fields offers before the November trade deadline.
The Indianapolis Colts are fielding trade inquiries for All-Pro running back Jonathan Taylor, according to reports from ESPN and NFL Network. Several teams have reached out to the franchise and owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon to ask whether Taylor is available, and the discussions are described as active and ongoing.
The teams reported to have called include the Denver Broncos, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, New York Giants and Seattle Seahawks. ESPN also reported that at least one offer included a second-round draft pick along with additional compensation for Taylor.
The interest comes as the Colts have made clear they expect to be sellers before the November 10 NFL trade deadline. The club fired general manager Chris Ballard after a 10-year tenure with the franchise, and it has already moved several veterans. Indianapolis traded All-Pro guard Quenton Nelson, a former first-round pick, to the Seahawks. Defensive tackle DeForest Buckner was also dealt, reuniting with the San Francisco 49ers just hours after the Nelson trade.
Wide receiver Josh Downs, who is in the final year of his rookie contract, has reportedly requested a trade as well. The Colts have told teams he is worth a third-round pick, though the club would prefer to keep him if possible.
Taylor has said he wants to remain in Indianapolis but acknowledges the decision is not his. Irsay-Gordon and Taylor reportedly met this week for an in-depth conversation about the future, and the owner is believed to want Taylor to be part of the rebuild. The franchise is aware, however, of the return Taylor could command. He signed a two-year extension before the start of this season.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Taylor addressed the speculation. « I haven’t heard anything, » he said, according to FOX59’s Mike Chappell. « I can’t control that, obviously. I’m proud to wear the horseshoe, proud to be here. Similar to Quenton and DeForest, they were proud to wear the horseshoe. But circumstances may cause otherwise. Hopefully that day may not come, but I can’t control that. »
The Colts are seeking draft capital as they struggle through a season in which they stand 2-5 in the AFC South. The team has already secured a 2027 third- and fourth-round pick and a 2028 fifth-round selection from the Nelson and Buckner deals. Indianapolis will not have its own 2027 first-round pick, which the New York Jets own after sending Sauce Gardner to the Colts in 2025.
Head coach Shane Steichen is focused on the Colts’ upcoming game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday and the players currently on the roster. Taylor, 27, has rushed for at least 1,100 yards in four of his six NFL seasons and has 587 yards with eight touchdowns through seven games this year. If Indianapolis trades him for the right package, a team would be acquiring one of the top running backs in the league.
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