The Indianapolis Colts are now open to trading star running back Jonathan Taylor, sources told ESPN and NFL Network.
Multiple teams have reached out to Indianapolis, and those talks are said to be active and ongoing, according to sources.
The list of teams that have expressed at least some level of interest in trading for Taylor is thought to include the Denver Broncos, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, New York Giants and Seattle Seahawks, sources said.
As they discuss potential Taylor trades with teams, the Colts already have received at least one offer that includes a second-round draft pick, along with additional compensation, sources told ESPN.
Colts owner and CEO Carlie Irsay-Gordon and Taylor met this week and had what sources described as an in-depth conversation to discuss the future. Irsay-Gordon is said to have an affinity for the three-time Pro Bowler, and the Colts would prefer for Taylor to be a part of their rebuild.
But the Colts also recognize the potential haul Taylor could bring in a trade.
In 2022, the San Francisco 49ers traded second-, third-, fourth- and fifth-round picks to the Carolina Panthers for running back Christian McCaffrey. The Colts would seek a similar compensation package from teams looking to acquire Taylor, according to sources.
Taylor, 27, is under contract in 2027 for $15 million and in 2028 for $9.46 million, making him even more attractive to any acquiring team. Indianapolis already paid him a signing bonus of $15 million before the season.
But the Colts do not mind shedding salaries and players in exchange for draft picks. Over the past week, the Colts have traded Pro Bowl guard Quenton Nelson and Pro Bowl defensive tackle DeForest Buckner, netting a 2027 third-round pick, a 2027 fourth-round pick and a 2028 fifth-round pick. The Colts do not appear to be done.
They also have engaged in trade talks for wide receiver Josh Downs, who they have told teams is worth third-round draft pick value. The Colts have told teams they would prefer to keep Downs but are engaging in trade discussions involving the wide receiver after he requested a trade this past week.
Downs is expected to play Sunday on the road against the Jacksonville Jaguars, as is Taylor, despite the Colts’ willingness to deal both players for the right return.
Colts coach Shane Steichen addressed the trades with the team in a meeting, telling his players that while they all have love and appreciation for the players who were traded away, this is the business of the NFL and that he understands it. He asked the players to be professionals with how they handle it, and sources said practices have been solid.
But the business of these trades is difficult, especially for a new owner in Irsay-Gordon and interim general manager Ed Dodds.
After the Colts lost Sunday to the host Vikings, there were said to be organizational conversations Monday spearheaded by Irsay-Gordon that led Indianapolis into the Nelson and Buckner trades Tuesday — with more potentially ahead.
Taylor said Thursday that he has not asked for a trade amid the Colts’ roster overhaul, saying he is “always proud to wear the horseshoe.” He acknowledged, however, that a trade is possible.
“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.”
Taylor is the second-leading rusher in Colts history with 8,185 yards, trailing only Hall of Famer Edgerrin James (9,226), and he leads the franchise with 77 rushing touchdowns. He enters Sunday’s game against the Jaguars with 587 rushing yards this season and is tied for the league lead with eight touchdowns on the ground.
