Colts are now open to trading Jonathan Taylor as teams call Indianapolis

The Indianapolis Colts are now open to trading running back Jonathan Taylor, ESPN and NFL Network said Saturday morning. Multiple teams have reached out, and those talks are active and ongoing, according to sources for both outlets.

That is a sharp turn from Tuesday, when Colts ownership did not want to move Taylor. Since then the team has traded guard Quenton Nelson and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner for a 2027 third, a 2027 fourth and a 2028 fifth.

What is confirmed: Taylor said Thursday he has not asked for a trade, while admitting one is possible. "Whether you like it or not, the day may come," he said. He is expected to play Sunday against Jacksonville.

What sources describe: Denver, Green Bay, Minnesota, the Giants and Seattle are thought to have shown at least some interest. Indianapolis wants a package similar to the second, third, fourth and fifth-round picks San Francisco sent Carolina for Christian McCaffrey in 2022. Owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon met with Taylor this week, and the club would still prefer he stay for the rebuild.

The contract helps a buyer. Taylor, 27, is due $15 million in 2027 and $9.46 million in 2028, and the Colts already paid his $15 million signing bonus. He has 587 rushing yards this season and is tied for the league lead with eight rushing touchdowns.

What it means for RSO owners

If you roster Taylor, nothing changes this week. He plays Sunday, and his salary on your RSO contract stays the same wherever he lands. The question is volume. A move to Green Bay, Minnesota or Seattle could mean sharing work with an established back, while Denver or the Giants might hand him a bigger share. Hold him, and don't sell at a discount on rumor alone.

If you have a Colts backup on your roster or watch list, keep him there. A Taylor deal would open the backfield in Indianapolis for the rest of the year, and the Colts are clearly shedding veterans.

What to watch next

Watch for a deal before the Nov. 10 deadline, the snap split Sunday against Jacksonville, and whether the Colts move Josh Downs too. Indianapolis has told teams it values Downs at third-round pick level.