The Indianapolis Colts are now open to trading star running back Jonathan Taylor, sources tell ESPN and NFL Network.
According to sources, several teams have reached Indianapolis and it is being said that talks are active and ongoing.
Sources said teams that have expressed at least some interest in trading for Taylor include the Denver Broncos, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, New York Giants and Seattle Seahawks.
Colts owner and CEO Carly Irsay-Gordon and Taylor met this week in what sources called an in-depth conversation to discuss the future. Irsay-Gordon is said to be enamored with the three-time Pro Bowler and the Colts would love to have Taylor be a part of their rebuild.
But the Colts also recognize the potential upside Taylor could bring in a trade.
In 2022, the San Francisco 49ers traded second, third, fourth, and fifth round draft picks with the Carolina Panthers to bring back Christian McCaffrey. According to sources, the Colts would want a similar compensation package from teams that acquire Taylor.
Taylor, 27, has a contract worth $15 million in 2027 and $9.46 million in 2028, making him even more attractive to any acquiring team. Indianapolis paid him a $15 million signing bonus before the season.
But the Colts don’t mind shedding salary and players in exchange for draft picks. In the past week, the Colts have traded Pro Bowl guard Quenton Nelson and Pro Bowl defensive tackle DeForest Buckner, along with a 2027 third-round pick, a 2027 fourth-round pick, and a 2028 fifth-round pick. It appears the Colts are not done.
They are also engaged in trade talks for wide receiver Josh Downs, who has shown teams worth third-round draft pick value. The Colts have told teams they want to remain on Downs but are engaged in trade discussions regarding their wide receiver who requested a trade last week.
Downs is expected to play Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars, like Taylor, despite the Colts’ desire to deal both players at the right price.
Colts coach Shane Steichen addressed the trades in a meeting with the team, and told his players that while they all have love and appreciation for the players who have been traded, it is the NFL’s business and he understands that. He asked players to be professional in how they handle it and sources said practice has been solid.
But the business of these trades is tough, especially for Ed Dodds, a new owner at Irsay-Gordon and an interim general manager.
After the Colts lost to the Vikings on Sunday, organizational talks led by Irsay-Gordon were said to have taken place on Monday, leading to Indianapolis being involved in the Nelson and Buckner trade on Tuesday — and potentially more down the road.
Taylor said Thursday that he has not asked for a trade amid the Colts’ roster changes, adding that he has “always been proud to wear the horseshoes.” However, he acknowledged that tradeoffs are possible.
“Whether you like it or not, that day may come,” Taylor said. “You might get to live somewhere forever, but you understand the business side of it.”
Taylor is the second-leading rusher in Colts history with 8,185 yards, trailing only Hall of Famer Edgerrin James (9,226), and he 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.