Jonathan Taylor has had enough of watching the Colts undermine themselves. Their 27–23 defeat to Dallas on Sunday was their fifth in a row and left Indianapolis at 2–7.
The star running back has been one of the few bright spots on a struggling offense, and he seems well aware of how difficult the situation has become.
With the trade deadline approaching Tuesday and the Colts reportedly considering major changes, Taylor offered a reflective response when asked about his future. His words sounded, at least a little, like a farewell.
“I think you play every game like it’s your last, but at the end of the day, this has been a place where I grew up,” Taylor said.
He spoke about arriving as a young man after college, starting a family and becoming part of the Indianapolis community. “This place helped shape me into the man I am today. If it is [my last game], I’m very grateful for the city of Indianapolis.”
Taylor added that he hoped the city understood how much he appreciated it. He said it had been a pleasure to show his own hard work, as well as the team’s, week after week and year after year.
Before Sunday’s game, NFL insider Jay Glazer reported that the New York Giants had withdrawn their trade offer for Taylor. The Giants had reportedly proposed a package built around second- and fifth-round picks, with additional compensation, but backed away after Indianapolis sought a first-round selection.
That asking price remains an obstacle. Denver and Cincinnati are among the other teams that could be interested, with both clubs potentially looking for a lead back to strengthen their playoff push.
Taylor, a three-time Pro Bowler, led the league in rushing in 2021 with more than 1,800 yards and 18 touchdowns. He also had a standout 2025 season, rushing for nearly 1,600 yards.
The Colts have already fired general manager Chris Ballard and traded locker-room leaders Quenton Nelson and DeForest Buckner for future draft picks. Taylor is under contract through 2028, which gives Indianapolis some leverage in negotiations.
If the team doesn’t lower its price before Tuesday’s 4 p.m. ET deadline, Taylor could remain in Indianapolis, where he has been a central part of an offense that has struggled to get out of its own way.
