The Indianapolis Colts are open to trading running back Jonathan Taylor and are actively engaging with teams regarding a deal, according to ESPN and NFL Network.
The news comes amid a Colts selloff that saw Indianapolis (2-5) trade two cornerstones this week. The Colts exchange Quenton Nelson to Seattle for a 2027 third-round pick and a 2028 fifth-round pick and exchange DeForest Buckner to San Francisco for a 2027 fourth-round pick.
The return promises to be much more important for Taylor. The Colts have already received at least one offer that includes a second-round pick as well as additional compensation, according to ESPN. Taylor, who said Thursday he was proud to wear the horseshoe and had not requested a trade, remains one of the most productive backs in the league. He twice led the NFL in rushing touchdowns, including last season, and led the league in rushing yards in 2021, en route to first-team All-Pro honors. He has eight rushing touchdowns in seven games this year, putting him on pace for his career high of 18.
ESPN reports that teams with at least some interest include the Broncos, Packers, Vikings, Giants and Seahawks. Here’s how everyone could adapt:
Green Bay Packers
The Packers (5-3) recently removed Josh Jacobs from the commissioner’s waiver list, but Green Bay’s rushing struggles are reaching historic proportions. Green Bay is last in rushing yards per game (60.6) and yards per carry (2.9). The former is on track to be the worst since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger, the latter is on track to be the second worst. This has put a huge weight on quarterback Jordan Love: currently, nearly 82% of Green Bay’s yards have come via passing, which is the highest rate since the merger.
New York Giants
John Harbaugh has toyed with New York’s running back rotation this season, but said he would “love” a Derrick Henry or Saquon Barkley-style bell cow on his team. The Giants (4-2-1) lead a wide-open NFC East, and Taylor could not only relieve new starter JJ McCarthy, but also be a godsend; playing next to Jaxson Dart would be an attractive look next year. Cam Skattebo Week 7 performance rebound After not receiving any touches in Week 6, that might have eased previous concerns on the field, but it’s clear New York is ready to look for an upgrade.
Denver Broncos
The Broncos (5-2) sent a first-round pick to Miami for Jaylen Waddle this offseason, although it hasn’t really worked out yet. Would they make another big move, this time for a running back? Denver struggled to put much together on the field, which only exacerbated Bo Nix’s struggles. Broncos running backs rank 10th in yards before first contact per carry, which suggests good blocking, but 30th in yards after first contact per carry. Rookie Jonah Coleman has impressed but also dealt with injuries. Denver has an additional fourth-round pick in 2027.
Seattle Seahawks
Seattle (4-3) has already dealt with Indianapolis this week, and perhaps reuniting Nelson and Taylor could be the boost they need to win a second straight Super Bowl title. The Seahawks greatly miss Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III and haven’t found much on the field without him. Zach Charbonnet is on his way back, as is first-round pick Jadarian Price, but Emanuel Wilson and George Holani both had devastating fumbles in the meantime. Offensive coordinator Brian Fleury was with the 49ers when they acquired Christian McCaffrey midseason, so he knows the value of a great running back.
Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings are 6-0, but their 10 touchdowns are the fewest by a 6-0 team since the 1934 Lions. Minnesota moved the ball decently but couldn’t find the finishing touch to get into the end zone. Taylor has 40 touchdowns over the past three seasons, third-most in the NFL, and pairing him with a mobile quarterback like Kyler Murray would be a treat for Kevin O’Connell. Minnesota also has draft capital to spare, including an additional third-round pick, two additional fifth-rounders and two additional sixth-rounders.
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