The Colts appear to be entering a full-scale rebuild after their Week 8 loss to Jacksonville. If Indianapolis is looking toward the future, trading away even a star like Jonathan Taylor may be part of the plan.
The asking price isn’t clear. Adam Schefter has reported that the Colts may seek a package similar to what San Francisco gave up for Christian McCaffrey in 2022: second-, third-, fourth- and fifth-round picks.
That’s a substantial return for a running back, a position teams often treat as replaceable. But Taylor can change an offense, and a contender in need of a boost might consider him worth the cost. A few teams stand out as potential fits.
Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota’s offense has struggled, and its defense would benefit from a reliable ground game that can control the clock and take pressure off the unit. The Vikings haven’t consistently had that this season.
Finding a quarterback who can lift the team to the next level is an option, but it could be difficult and expensive, given the limited number of capable quarterbacks potentially available. Trading for Taylor could give Minnesota a clearer identity now, while leaving the quarterback question for the offseason.
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars are playing well, but a stronger running game could help turn them from a playoff team into a serious contender. Bayshul Tuten has shown promise, though he looks more suited to a rotation than to carrying the load as a three-down back.
The main complication is that Indianapolis may be reluctant to trade Taylor to a division rival. If the Colts were willing to do it, though, the move could give Jacksonville a major boost in the AFC South. Trevor Lawrence is throwing effectively and the defense is holding up; Taylor could help bring the pieces together.
Denver Broncos
Bo Nix’s long-term outlook will remain a subject of debate as the season goes on. Whatever the verdict, a strong running back could help Denver support its defense and give Sean Payton’s offense another dimension.
Payton’s teams have often leaned on the ground game, even during Drew Brees’ time in New Orleans. J.K. Dobbins has been serviceable, but hasn’t shown he can be the kind of difference-maker Denver needs when the passing game stalls. Dobbins could fill a change-of-pace role, while Taylor handles more of the heavy work.
Seattle Seahawks
Seattle let Kenneth Walker go in the offseason as it managed its salary cap, and the decision has left a noticeable gap. The Seahawks have plenty going for them, but an inconsistent running game is holding them back, especially with Sam Darnold not matching last season’s form.
Right now, Seattle is leaning heavily on its defense and the individual playmaking of Jaxon Smith-Njigba. That may not be enough to sustain a deep playoff run. Taylor could give the Seahawks the dependable ground presence they’re missing.
New England Patriots
The Patriots have improved in recent weeks and are beginning to look capable of competing for a wild-card spot. Catching Buffalo in the AFC East may be a tall order, but New England has a more complete roster than many teams in the mix.
The running game remains a weakness. The Patriots have shown a willingness to make significant offensive moves, and Taylor would address a clear need. He could give New England the added punch to make life difficult for opponents in the playoffs—and perhaps make a deeper run.
