Market Has Spoken: Why the Colts Appear Ready to Keep Jonathan Taylor

Colts hold firm on Taylor

With the NFL trade deadline approaching, the Colts have shown little desire to move Taylor, a central player for the franchise. NFL insider Tom Pelissero reported that Indianapolis is increasingly likely to keep him beyond Tuesday.

Pelissero said the team recently turned down an offer centered on a 2027 second-round selection and another pick. He reported that no interested club has presented a package strong enough to persuade the Colts to trade their star running back.

Pelissero wrote that no team has offered the premium draft capital Indianapolis would need to make a deal. Unless a major offer arrives before the deadline, Taylor is expected to remain with the Colts.

Taylor looks toward Dallas

Taylor is set to play Sunday, when the 2-6 Colts host the 3-5 Dallas Cowboys. Asked about a possible trade request, he instead pointed to the upcoming game and the need to improve after last week’s performance.

“We’ve got a home game” and need to give fans a win, Taylor said, as shared by James Boyd of The Athletic. He also said the team must deliver a better performance.

A steep price for a deal

Sports Illustrated senior writer Albert Breer said a first-round pick, or a package comparable to the one sent for Christian McCaffrey, would likely be enough to complete a trade. Breer added that the Colts have not received that level of offer. In October 2023, the San Francisco 49ers sent the Carolina Panthers 2023 second-, third- and fourth-round picks, plus a 2024 fifth-round pick, for McCaffrey.