At least five teams could be in the market for Jonathan Taylor if the Indianapolis Colts were willing to trade the star running back.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Sunday that the Green Bay Packers, Seattle Seahawks, Minnesota Vikings and Denver Broncos would “likely consider the possibility” of acquiring the three-time Pro Bowler. The Athletic’s Jonathan Jones reported Saturday that “sources believe the New York Giants and Vikings could be potential suitors.”
The Colts are 2-4 and have fired general manager Chris Ballard. Their disappointing start left people wondering if they would wave the white flag for 2026 and start building for the future.
Taylor is Indianapolis’ biggest trade asset if that’s a lever the interim front office wants to pull. Finances would also be a factor in the decision given his 2027 salary cap hit is $21 million. This figure increases to $23 million in 2028.
Jones has put the brakes on a deal for now. He reported that Indy “needs to see what the landscape looks like in a few weeks before deciding on its star running back.”
Taylor’s 4.0 yards per carry is on pace to be a career low, but he still recorded the second-most carries in the league while rushing for 492 yards and seven touchdowns. A week ago, he rushed for 94 yards and scored in a 26-20 loss to the Tennessee Titans.
Give Taylor more support in the passing game — the Colts are averaging 199.8 yards per game through the air — and his numbers might improve a bit.
The Packers are an interesting team to have the veteran ball carrier on their radar.
Green Bay just activated Josh Jacobs from the commissioner’s exempt list, and he is under contract for one more year. If general manager Brian Gutekunst did something as bold as a trade for Taylor, most would probably assume that Jacobs is on his way out before the 2027 season.
The Seahawks, meanwhile, have a Kenneth Walker III-sized void in their backfield. Perhaps first-round pick Jadarian Price will become a viable long-term successor, but the rookie remains on injured reserve.
Adding Taylor to the mix would undoubtedly improve Seattle’s running game right now, but would raise some questions about where Price fits in the picture.
Gn sports
