Colts Open to Trading Star Running Back Jonathan Taylor Amid Sell-Off

The Indianapolis Colts, currently sitting at 2-5 on the season, are reportedly in active discussions to trade star running back Jonathan Taylor, adding him to a list of significant players who could be moved. This comes after the team previously traded away Pro Bowl guard Quenton Nelson and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner as part of a wider sell-off.

According to ESPN, the Colts are open to trading Taylor, who is 27 years old and was the league's leading rusher in 2024 with 1,585 yards and 18 touchdowns. He has accumulated 8,185 career rushing yards, the second-most in Colts franchise history.

The New York Giants have expressed interest in acquiring Taylor, as confirmed by The Post's Ryan Dunleavy. Other teams reportedly showing interest include the Denver Broncos, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, and Seattle Seahawks. The Giants' running back situation has been a point of concern this season, with Najee Harris released and Tyrone Tracy Jr. currently on injured reserve.

Taylor is under a contract with base salaries of $15 million for the upcoming year and $9.46 million in 2028. While the Colts could potentially view him as part of a future successful team, his value on the trade market could also bolster the draft capital they have already gained from previous trades.

The Ringer reported that the Colts have already rejected an offer that included a 2027 second-round pick and an additional pick. ESPN cited the 2022 trade that sent Christian McCaffrey from the Carolina Panthers to the San Francisco 49ers for a package of second-, third-, fourth-, and fifth-round picks as a potential precedent for Taylor's trade value.

Despite the trade rumors, Taylor has publicly stated that he has not requested a trade, expressing his pride in playing for the Colts. "I’m always proud to wear the horseshoe," Taylor told reporters this week.