The Colts’ backfield situation has taken a sharp turn, and Jonathan Taylor’s future in Indianapolis is suddenly part of the conversation.
After a 42-7 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Colts are staring at a rough stretch that included DJ Giddens leading the team in rushing and a call for Taylor to demand a trade afterward. Shane Steichen also added to the uncertainty by making a cryptic comment about the starting quarterback battle, then going with Daniel Jones over Anthony Richardson as Indianapolis gets ready for the Cowboys in Week 9.
On Monday, November 2, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN reported that the Colts are now at least willing to hear trade offers for Taylor, and that the asking price would be steep.
“The Indianapolis Colts are at least listening to offers now for Jonathan Taylor and open to dealing him. Now what they look like is a Christian McCaffrey type package, which would be, a two, a three, a four (draft picks), and potentially more. Remains to be seen whether or not they'll be able to get it, it is a hefty price to pay, there are some other running backs who could potentially be available if Jonathan Taylor is too pricey,” Fowler added, mentioning Tony Pollard of the Tennessee Titans as one.
Taylor has piled up 610 rushing yards and eight touchdowns this season, but he was held to just 23 yards against Jacksonville as Giddens got a shot in his place. After the loss, Taylor sent a stern message to his Colts teammates and has remained committed to playing in Indianapolis, even as the trade chatter grows louder.
The former Wisconsin standout remains one of the league’s top running backs, and if the Colts do move him, they’ll be parting with a major weapon. Still, the sense around Steichen’s team is that bigger changes may be coming as the deadline gets closer.
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