Colts Weigh Trading Jonathan Taylor, Their 8,208-Yard Star, as 2-6 Start Deepens Rebuild
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Nov 4
Colts Weigh Trading Jonathan Taylor, Their 8,208-Yard Star, as 2-6 Start Deepens Rebuild
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Nov 4
Summary
Jonathan Taylor has emerged as Indianapolis’ most logical trade chip before Tuesday’s deadline after the Colts’ 2-6 start, following owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon’s decision to fire GM Chris Ballard and pivot toward a rebuild.
Two recent veteran exits sharpen that case: the Colts dealt Quenton Nelson for 2027 and 2028 picks and sent DeForest Buckner to San Francisco, signaling the roster is being stripped down rather than pushed for a turnaround.
Taylor, 27, is under contract through 2028 and has rushed for 8,208 yards since entering the NFL in 2020, second only to Derrick Henry, but Indianapolis has missed the playoffs in each of his standout seasons.
Sunday’s 35-point loss to Jacksonville underscored the mismatch between Taylor and the roster around him: he opened with a 19-yard run, then managed 4 yards on seven more carries as the Colts fell into a 28-0 halftime hole.
Minnesota and the Giants are among reported suitors, and while a first-round pick looks unlikely, a Christian McCaffrey-like package of multiple Day 2 picks would fit a franchise now prioritizing its rebuild over keeping its best runner.