NFL teams have until 4 p.m. ET Tuesday to make their final moves before the trade deadline. Some are buying, others are looking to rebuild, and the Indianapolis Colts appear to be in the latter group. That has put running back Jonathan Taylor at the center of trade speculation.
Colts owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon has reportedly fielded calls about Taylor, quarterback Daniel Jones and receiver Josh Downs. The team has already moved on from guard Quenton Nelson and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner, adding to the sense that Indianapolis is reshaping its roster.
Former Colts quarterback Nick Foles was asked whether the team should trade Taylor. He said his personal feelings as a former teammate differ from the calculation a decision-maker might make.
“As a person who was his teammate, I would never trade him,” Foles said, pointing to Taylor’s leadership and ability. “But as a personnel decision-maker, he’s getting older as a running back, and if you can get something of real value, like a high draft pick, you’re in a rebuild. You’ve already shown that. I feel like you’re going to do it.”
Foles added that the idea of a trade was difficult for him, but said he hoped Taylor would land with a contender if Indianapolis decided to move him. He said Taylor would be missed for the kind of teammate and player he is, while acknowledging that acquiring draft picks could make sense for the Colts’ rebuild.
Indianapolis is reportedly seeking a substantial return, potentially comparable to the package San Francisco sent Carolina for Christian McCaffrey in 2022: second-, third- and fourth-round picks in 2023, plus a fifth-rounder in 2024.
A team willing to pay that price would have Taylor under contract through the 2028 season, making the deal about more than a short-term push. The New York Giants have been mentioned as an active suitor, while the Denver Broncos and Minnesota Vikings have also been linked to him. With the deadline approaching, there may not be much time for teams to reach an agreement.
