Colts Open Trade Talks for Star Running Back Jonathan Taylor

Indianapolis Colts have opened discussions about trading star running back Jonathan Taylor as the franchise continues a major roster overhaul. Multiple NFL teams have contacted Indianapolis, with negotiations described as active and ongoing, according to sources cited by ESPN and NFL Network.

The Denver Broncos, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, New York Giants and Seattle Seahawks are among the teams believed to have expressed interest in acquiring the 27-year-old running back, according to sources.

Colts owner and CEO Carlie Irsay-Gordon met with Taylor this week for an extensive conversation about their respective futures. Although Indianapolis would prefer to retain the three-time Pro Bowl selection as part of its rebuilding plans, the organization recognizes the potential draft compensation his departure could generate.

Indianapolis is reportedly seeking a substantial package comparable to the compensation received by the Carolina Panthers when they traded Christian McCaffrey to the San Francisco 49ers in 2022. That deal included second-, third-, fourth- and fifth-round draft picks.

Taylor remains under contract through 2028. His scheduled salary is $15 million in 2027 and $9.46 million in 2028, while Indianapolis has already paid him a $15 million signing bonus before the current season.

The Colts have demonstrated their willingness to exchange established players for future draft selections. During the past week, Indianapolis traded Pro Bowl guard Quenton Nelson and Pro Bowl defensive tackle DeForest Buckner, receiving a 2027 third-round pick, a 2027 fourth-round pick and a 2028 fifth-round pick.

Wide receiver Josh Downs is another player involved in trade discussions. Indianapolis has indicated that it values Downs at a third-round pick, although the organization has also expressed a preference to keep him after he requested a trade earlier this week.

Both Taylor and Downs are expected to play Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars despite the ongoing trade discussions.

Colts head coach Shane Steichen addressed the roster changes during a team meeting. He acknowledged the organization's appreciation for the departing players while reminding the squad that personnel moves are part of the NFL business.

Steichen also asked players to maintain professionalism as the franchise navigates the changes. Sources told ESPN that practices have remained solid despite the uncertainty surrounding the roster.

The latest decisions followed organizational discussions on Monday, spearheaded by Irsay-Gordon, after Indianapolis lost to the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday. Those conversations preceded the Nelson and Buckner trades on Tuesday, with additional moves still possible.

Taylor addressed the possibility of leaving Indianapolis on Thursday, emphasizing his commitment to the franchise while acknowledging that professional football can bring unexpected changes.

"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."

The running back also said he had not requested a trade and remained proud to represent Indianapolis. His comments came as the Colts continued evaluating their roster under Irsay-Gordon and interim general manager Ed Dodds.

Taylor ranks second in Colts history with 8,185 rushing yards, behind Hall of Famer Edgerrin James, who recorded 9,226. He holds the franchise record with 77 rushing touchdowns.

Entering Sunday's matchup against Jacksonville, Taylor has accumulated 587 rushing yards this season and shares the NFL lead with eight rushing touchdowns.