The NFL trade deadline has passed, and the Indianapolis Colts have moved several key players as their season has faltered. Running back Jonathan Taylor stayed in Indianapolis, but receivers Keenan Allen and Josh Downs, along with Quenton Nelson and DeForest Buckner, were dealt to other teams.
Quarterback Daniel Jones and Taylor had both been mentioned in trade speculation before the deadline. Now, with the roster thinner, they’ll remain with the Colts for the final eight games of the season.
Jones said Wednesday that he was disappointed to see teammates traded, though he recognized the decisions were out of the players’ hands. His experience with the New York Giants, he said, has taught him that football is also a business. For now, his responsibility is to prepare and play well.
Taylor’s future drew particular attention after Indianapolis traded Nelson and Buckner, signaling that the team was willing to part with major assets. The Colts initially indicated they weren’t looking to trade their star running back, but interest reportedly came from teams including the Giants and Denver Broncos. In the end, Indianapolis kept both Taylor and Jones.
Taylor said he was relieved not to be the one making those difficult decisions. He had even said goodbye to Indianapolis and its fans after the Colts’ loss to Dallas, unsure whether he would be moved. He added that the team has a plan, but its immediate focus is executing better and trying to beat Miami.
With the deadline behind them, Jones and Taylor can turn their attention to the rest of the season. They’ll likely be central to the effort to get the offense back on track under head coach Shane Steichen, though doing so may be tougher with so many contributors gone.
