The Indianapolis Colts are willing to consider trading running back Jonathan Taylor and are engaged in ongoing discussions with interested teams, sources told ESPN and NFL Network. The potential move comes as Indianapolis reshapes its roster, although the franchise would prefer to keep the three-time Pro Bowler as part of its rebuild.
The Denver Broncos, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, New York Giants and Seattle Seahawks are believed to be among the teams that have shown some interest, according to sources. Taylor met with Colts owner and CEO Carlie Irsay-Gordon during the week for an extensive discussion about their futures. Sources said Irsay-Gordon has an affinity for Taylor, but the organization also sees an opportunity to obtain a substantial return through a trade.
Indianapolis would seek compensation similar to the package Carolina received when it sent Christian McCaffrey to San Francisco in 2022, sources said. That deal brought the Panthers second-, third-, fourth- and fifth-round draft selections. Taylor, 27, is under contract for $15 million in 2027 and $9.46 million in 2028. The Colts paid him a $15 million signing bonus before this season, making his remaining contract more appealing to a potential acquiring team.
The Colts have already demonstrated a willingness to move prominent players and reduce salaries in exchange for draft capital. Their recent trades of Pro Bowl guard Quenton Nelson and Pro Bowl defensive tackle DeForest Buckner produced a third-round selection and a fourth-round selection in 2027, along with a fifth-round pick in 2028. After Indianapolis lost to Minnesota last Sunday, organizational discussions led by Irsay-Gordon on Monday preceded those Tuesday trades.
Wide receiver Josh Downs has also been the subject of trade discussions after requesting a move during the past week. Indianapolis has told teams it values him at a third-round pick, while also saying it wants to retain him. Both Downs and Taylor are expected to play against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, even as the Colts remain receptive to offers that meet their valuation.
Coach Shane Steichen discussed the departures with his players in a team meeting. He expressed appreciation for those who had been traded, acknowledged the business considerations behind the decisions and asked the remaining players to respond professionally. Sources described practices as solid. The roster decisions present a difficult situation for Irsay-Gordon, a new owner, and interim general manager Ed Dodds.
Taylor said Thursday that he had not requested a trade during the roster overhaul. He nevertheless recognized that leaving Indianapolis was a possibility. “Whether you like it or not, the day may come,” Taylor said, acknowledging the business side of playing in the NFL.
Taylor enters Sunday's matchup with 587 rushing yards this season and eight rushing touchdowns, tied for the league lead. His 8,185 career rushing yards rank second in Colts history behind Hall of Famer Edgerrin James, who recorded 9,226. Taylor holds the franchise record with 77 rushing touchdowns.
