The Indianapolis Colts are open to trading star running back Jonathan Taylor, and trade discussions involving multiple franchises are active and ongoing, ESPN and NFL Network reported Saturday.
The shift comes as Indianapolis continues a dramatic reshaping of its roster. Five teams have registered interest in acquiring the three-time Pro Bowl rusher: the Denver Broncos, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, New York Giants and Seattle Seahawks, according to ESPN. While team leaders initially preferred keeping Taylor as a foundational piece of their rebuild, the front office is now willing to move him if an interested club meets their asking price.
Seeking a major package of draft picks
Indianapolis is reportedly seeking a compensation package similar to the haul the Carolina Panthers received when they sent Christian McCaffrey to the San Francisco 49ers in 2022. That deal included second-, third-, fourth- and fifth-round draft choices. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported that Taylor could command at least a second-round selection and additional draft assets in return.
Taylor, 27, remains under contract through 2028 after signing a two-year, $44 million extension prior to the season. The Colts already paid his $15 million signing bonus, leaving an acquiring team responsible for base salaries of $15 million in 2027 and $9.46 million in 2028, ESPN reported. Those figures make the contract manageable for potential suitors.
Colts owner and chief executive Carlie Irsay-Gordon met privately with Taylor earlier in the week to discuss his standing with the organization, according to reports. Although Irsay-Gordon holds a strong affinity for Taylor, the franchise is actively evaluating the draft capital he could provide for their future.
Roster overhaul underway in Indianapolis
The dialogue surrounding Taylor follows a tumultuous stretch for Indianapolis under Irsay-Gordon and interim general manager Ed Dodds. Following a 16-10 loss to the Vikings, team leadership held internal discussions that resulted in the trades of Pro Bowl guard Quenton Nelson and Pro Bowl defensive tackle DeForest Buckner on Tuesday. Those two deals yielded a 2027 third-round pick, a 2027 fourth-round pick and a 2028 fifth-round pick, according to ESPN.
Indianapolis has also fielded calls regarding wide receiver Josh Downs, who asked for a trade earlier in the week. The team told interested clubs that Downs carries third-round value.
Colts head coach Shane Steichen spoke to the roster about the departures in a team meeting, emphasizing that player movements are part of the sport’s reality. Taylor addressed his situation on Thursday, stating that while he had not requested a trade and remains “always proud to wear the horseshoe,” he understands the unpredictable nature of the league.
“Whether you like it or not, the day may come,” Taylor said. “You may get to stay somewhere forever, but you understand the business side of it.”
Taylor ranks second in franchise history with 8,185 rushing yards, trailing only Edgerrin James, and holds the team record with 77 rushing touchdowns. Through seven games this season, he has compiled 587 yards and is tied for the league lead with eight rushing scores.
Both Taylor and Downs are expected to suit up on Sunday when the Colts visit the Jacksonville Jaguars, though trade negotiations could escalate at any time leading up to the deadline.
