Indianapolis Colts Will Not Trade Running Back Jonathan Taylor

The Indianapolis Colts have decided to keep Pro Bowl running back Jonathan Taylor through the NFL trade deadline. While the 2-7 franchise has actively sold off several veteran assets following a front-office shakeup, Taylor will remain with the team for the remainder of the campaign.

Ahead of the deadline, the Colts informed Taylor that he would not be dealt. Indianapolis had reportedly sought a blockbuster trade package comparable to the return the Carolina Panthers received for Christian McCaffrey in 2022. However, inquiring teams offered no more than a second-round pick as their best asset, falling short of the team's high valuation.

Speculation had swirled for weeks regarding potential landing spots for the former All-Pro runner. Several clubs across the league dealing with offensive struggles, backfield injuries, and inefficient rushing attacks were reportedly monitoring his availability as they pushed toward the second half of the season.

Through the first eight games of the year, Taylor has rushed for 656 yards and eight touchdowns on 4.1 yards per carry, while adding 26 receptions for 220 yards. Although he has not rushed for 100 yards in a single game this season and saw limited carries over a recent two-game stretch, he remains under contract with Indianapolis through 2028.

The decision to hold onto Taylor contrasts sharply with the team's other recent transactions. Following the dismissal of longtime general manager Chris Ballard on October 19 and the promotion of interim general manager Ed Dodds, the Colts shifted firmly into a rebuilding mode. In the weeks following the change, Indianapolis traded guard Quenton Nelson to the Seattle Seahawks, defensive tackle DeForest Buckner to the San Francisco 49ers, and wide receiver Keenan Allen also to San Francisco.

In addition to deciding against moving Taylor, the franchise also informed quarterback Daniel Jones that he would not be traded before the deadline. With his future in Indianapolis secured for now, Taylor will continue anchoring the backfield as the Colts navigate the remainder of their season.