The Indianapolis Colts hold a second-round draft pick and more for star running back Jonathan Taylor as Tuesday’s NFL trade deadline approaches, anchoring a chaotic marketplace where teams weigh acquisition costs against roster rebuilds, according to Yahoo Sports.
Colts Demand McCaffrey Package While Taylor Expects Trade
Indianapolis seeks a return comparable to the package the Carolina Panthers received when sending Christian McCaffrey to the San Francisco 49ers in October 2023—a deal that cost a second-, third-, and fourth-round pick in 2023 along with a fifth-rounder in 2024, Sports Illustrated reported.
#Colts RB Jonathan Taylor was asked if he’s requested a trade. His answer was unclear. “At this point, the hay is in the barn now. We’re preparing for the #Cowboys. We got a home game. After last week, nothing else matters. We just gotta give these fans a win.” pic.twitter.com/hzFbDnNFOO
NFL Network reported that the Colts do not feel they have to trade Taylor, though they lack a 2027 first-round pick.
Taylor himself believes he will be moved before the Nov. 10 deadline, according to “NFL on Prime” reporter James Palmer, as cited by the New York Post.
What's the latest on Jonathan Taylor heading into the weekend? My report on our @NFLonPrime postgame show. pic.twitter.com/nmW4l3Xdcm
The 27-year-old running back is under contract for two and a half more seasons, carrying a 2027 salary of $15MM that does not become fully guaranteed until Day 5 of the 2027 league year, The Daily Reporter and Pro Football Rumors noted.
When asked directly about whether he demanded a trade from the team that drafted him in 2020, Taylor stated that the hay is in the barn and his focus remained on preparing for the Dallas Cowboys.
💥💥 11.6 Pre-Trade Deadline Notes 💥💥 ➡️ What Jonathan Taylor would cost. ➡️ @Chiefs among the WR shoppers. ➡️ @Giants, @Jaguars looking for DTs. ➡️ @Titans hesitant to move Pollard. ➡️ @Chargers still not budging on vets. ➡️ MORE!https://t.co/4T4snDWkLr
Giants Lead Market as Vikings and Broncos Weigh In
Prediction market Kalshi lists the New York Giants as the favorite for Taylor’s next team at 28 percent, with the Colts sitting as the second option at 25 percent, down from the Giants’ 40 percent earlier in the week, the, New York Post reported.
Giants head coach John Harbaugh is reportedly “hellbent” on adding another offensive playmaker to lead an NFC East-leading squad holding a 4-2-1 record, the, Post reported.
ESPN’s Judy Battista proposed a hypothetical deal sending Taylor to Minnesota for 2027 second- and third-round picks alongside two 2027 fifth-round selections, Yahoo Sports reported.
Colts Pause Talks Ahead of Sunday Clash With Dallas
Indianapolis has hit pause on trade discussions to play through the weekend, with insider Jordan Schultz reporting that the league-wide belief is the Colts plan to wait until after Sunday’s home game against the Dallas Cowboys before revisiting offers, Yahoo Sports reported.
Sources: The #Colts have received plenty of calls on several players, including Jonathan Taylor, Josh Downs, Grover Stewart and others. But the belief around the league is that, barring an offer that blows them away, Indianapolis plans to wait until after Sunday’s game vs the… https://t.co/R9AJq2MRRR pic.twitter.com/1p08ZP9gIi
Alongside Taylor, Indianapolis has explored dealing wide receiver Josh Downs—who requested a trade in the final year of his contract with a fourth-round offer waiting from a team after the Colts initially asked for a third-rounder—and defensive tackle Grover Stewart, ESPN reported.
The franchise has already traded veterans Quenton Nelson and DeForest Buckner following the dismissal of general manager Chris Ballard, Stampede Blue reported.
NEW: Colts RB Jonathan Taylor is ready for some closure on trade speculation: "No one wants uncertainty," he said. (Same, Jonathan. We're all ready for it to be over!)https://t.co/mHVE8uboY1
We’ve got an opportunity, especially this week—especially after last week—to come back and put a better product on the field,
Taylor told The Daily Reporter. That’s my biggest goal. Last week was tough.
From @GMFB: The #Colts are at a standstill with RB Jonathan Taylor and the rest of their trade candidates. pic.twitter.com/u7NkvO18rr
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