Jonathan Taylor is still in a Colts uniform for now, and he’s saying all the right things while the trade chatter keeps swirling around Indianapolis.
The star running back addressed his future during Thursday’s news conference, but he made it clear he has not asked out despite the noise around the Colts’ apparent fire sale before the NFL trade deadline on Nov. 10.
"I haven't heard anything," Taylor said about a possible trade, as shared by Mike Chappell of Fox59/CBS4 Sports. "And I can't control that.
Obviously, like you guys know, I'm always proud to wear the horseshoe. Proud to be here."
Taylor pointed out that he wasn’t the only Colts player who has stayed proud to suit up for Indianapolis. He mentioned eight-time Pro Bowl guard Quenton Nelson and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner, both of whom were dealt on Tuesday in moves that brought the Colts future draft assets.
"Circumstances may cause otherwise," Taylor continued. "Hopefully that day may not come.
But I can't control that. Only thing I can control is rallying these guys in the locker room, helping us put together a great plan and executing a great plan [for when the 2-5 Colts play at the 4-2 Jacksonville Jaguars this coming Sunday]."
Per Chappell, Taylor also said he has not requested a trade and has already spoken with Colts owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon "to discuss his role with franchise."
That conversation comes as speculation continues to build around what Indianapolis may do next. A recent report said Irsay-Gordon "doesn't want" to trade Taylor, though some believe that stance could be "posturing" to improve the return if a deal eventually happens. Taylor’s contract extension from this past summer gives the Colts the option to keep him under team control through 2028, which means they could hold onto him as a core piece through at least the beginning of the 2027 season.
For now, though, Taylor is focused on the Jaguars, and he didn’t miss the chance to call out what he thinks Jacksonville is feeling heading into Sunday.
On Wednesday, Jaguars head coach Liam Coen told his team that "anything can happen" on "any given Sunday" when a club like Jacksonville faces an Indianapolis squad that appears to be looking toward the future instead of the present.
"They're licking their chops right now," Taylor said about the Jaguars. "They think they're, ya know, gonna kick us while we're down. And that has to be a point of emphasis."
DraftKings Sportsbook listed the Colts as 10-point road underdogs against the Jaguars as of Thursday afternoon. Taylor appears on track to play in EverBank Stadium this weekend, even if his long-term future in Indianapolis remains unsettled beyond that.
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Jaguars Face One Big Question In A Suddenly Lopsided Colts Matchup
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The Colts still have plenty to sort through, from the noise around Jonathan Taylor to an offense that has not found much rhythm during the skid. For Jacksonville, the broader question is how much home-field comfort and a strong start in front of their own crowd can translate into a chance to push deeper into the AFC South race. [Read more 🡒]