Sources: Colts willing to trade RB Jonathan Taylor, active in talks with teams

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Oct 31, 2026, 07:15 AM ETShareLikeLikeOpen Extended ReactionsLikeWowFire200

The Indianapolis Colts now are open to trading star running back Jonathan Taylor, sources told ESPN and NFL Network.

Multiple teams have reached out to Indianapolis, and those talks are said to be active and ongoing, according to sources.

The list of teams that have expressed at least some level of interest in trading for Taylor so far is thought to include the Denver Broncos, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, New York Giants and Seattle Seahawks, sources said.

Colts owner and CEO Carlie Irsay-Gordon and Taylor met this week and had what sources described as an in-depth conversation to discuss their futures. Irsay-Gordon is said to have an affinity for the three-time Pro Bowler, and the Colts would prefer for Taylor to be a part of their rebuild.

But the Colts also recognize the potential haul Taylor could bring in a trade.

Back in 2022, the San Francisco 49erstraded second-, third-, fourth- and fifth-round draft picks to the Carolina Panthersfor star running back Christian McCaffrey. The Colts would want a similar type of compensation package from teams looking to acquire Taylor, according to sources.

Taylor, 27, is under contract in 2027 for $15 million and in 2028 for $9.46 million, making him even more attractive to any acquiring team. Indianapolis already paid him a signing bonus of $15 million before the season.

But the Colts do not mind shedding salaries and players in exchange for draft picks. Just last week, the Colts traded away Pro Bowl guard Quenton Nelson and Pro Bowl defensive tackle DeForest Buckner, netting a 2027 third-round pick, a 2027 fourth-round pick and a 2028 fifth-round pick. The Colts do not appear to be done there.

They also have engaged in trade talks for wide receiver Josh Downs, whom they have told teams is worth of third-round draft pick value. The Colts also have told teams that they want to hold on to Downs, but have had trade discussions regarding their wide receiver who requested a trade this past week.

Downs is expected to play Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars, as is Taylor, despite the Colts’ willingness to deal both players for the right price.

Colts coach Shane Steichen addressed the trades to the team in a meeting, telling his players that while they all have love and appreciation for the players who were traded away, this is the business of the NFL and that he understands it. He asked the players to be professionals with how they handle it, and sources say practices have been solid.

But the business of these trades is difficult, especially for a new owner in Irsay-Gordon and an interim general manager, Ed Dodds.

After the Colts lost last Sunday to the Minnesota Vikings, there were said to be organizational conversations on Monday spearheaded by Irsay-Gordon that led Indianapolis into the Nelson and Buckner trades on Tuesday — with more potentially ahead.

Taylor said Thursday that he has not asked for a trade amid the Colts’ roster overhaul, saying he is “always proud to wear the horseshoe.” He acknowledged, however, that a trade is possible.

“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 is the second-leading rusher in Colts history with 8,185 rushing yards, trailing only Hall of Famer Edgerrin James (9,226), and leads the franchise with 77 rushing touchdowns. He enters Sunday’s game against the Jaguars with 587 rushing yards this season and is tied for the league lead with eight touchdowns on the ground.

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Rob
Rob
Admin
1 November 2026 10:05 am

I’m waiting for the official Colts inactive list, should be released in about 25 minutes

Rob
Rob
Admin
Reply to  Rob
1 November 2026 10:41 am

Taylor is active for the game

Rob
Rob
Admin
Reply to  Lifer
31 October 2026 12:50 pm

According to Schefter the Broncos have entered the chat

Rob
Rob
Admin
Reply to  Lifer
31 October 2026 7:18 pm

Packers don’t have the draft capital for Taylor unless they move top level talent to the Colts at the same time

JRobert
JRobert
31 October 2026 9:21 am

It has been a very nice week. When you are 6-0 and the only arguments are over how to get even better that’s a pretty good place to be,.
And then there’s two of the sites “big” posters, NLV and Lifer, who have been absent dropped in with thoughtful posts – Lifer in a really big way.
All is good.
Now, just beat Detroit and then on to the next game!

Rob
Rob
Admin
Reply to  Lifer
31 October 2026 8:58 am

Damnit

pirateflip
31 October 2026 8:42 am

1st! (On the other Saturday page…)

DE Viking
31 October 2026 7:29 am

Seems to be enough chatter that Taylor is coming to the Vikings.
They are just trying to figure out the salary cap.

Rob
Rob
Admin
Reply to  DE Viking
31 October 2026 7:44 am

He’d cost approximately 8M this year against the cap, someone will get an extension or cash payout

DE Viking
Reply to  Rob
31 October 2026 7:46 am

Yep.

The Vikings have $6 million in cap space for 2026.

Taylors cap hit:
2026: $16 million ($8 million left)
2027: $21 million
2028: $23 million

Taylor has no guaranteed money in 2027 or 2028.

Contract terms are doable if Taylor wants guaranteed money in the future.

Rob
Rob
Admin
Reply to  DE Viking
31 October 2026 8:22 am

I’ll be interested to see if he plays vs the Jags tomorrow

Rob
Rob
Admin
Reply to  Lifer
31 October 2026 8:37 am

I’m slowly warming up to the idea of trading for him, I don’t want it to cost next year’s 1st round pick though.
2nd and the lesser 3rd would be okay with me

Rob
Rob
Admin
31 October 2026 7:29 am

DE Viking
Reply to  Lifer
31 October 2026 7:48 am

😆
When I first logged in I was like wtf!
I couldn’t see very well.

Rob
Rob
Admin
Reply to  Lifer
31 October 2026 8:22 am

About The Author

Lifer

Lifer

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