The Colts look like a team headed for a teardown, and Jonathan Taylor has become the name everyone is watching.
Indianapolis is 2-6 entering Week 9, and after trading offensive Quenton Nelson to the Seattle Seahawks on Oct. 27, the message is hard to miss. The Colts also dealt wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. to the Steelers ahead of the season, making it plain they are rebuilding. That has opened the door to speculation about whether Taylor, one of the NFL’s most reliable featured backs, could be next.
Through eight games in 2026, the 27-year-old three-time Pro Bowler has 610 yards on 4.1 per touch and eight touchdowns. With that kind of production, there should be no shortage of teams willing to call.
Seattle is the first obvious fit. No contender needs backfield help more badly, especially after losing Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker to Kansas City in the offseason.
The Seahawks drafted Jadarian Price to be the future of their run game, but injuries have wrecked that plan and pushed Zach Charbonnet into the lead role. Indianapolis may not love sending another premium piece to Seattle, but Taylor would also be reunited with Nelson and moved out of the conference.
If the Seahawks get desperate enough, they could put together a serious offer.
Green Bay also belongs in the conversation. The Packers are dealing with uncertainty around Josh Jacobs, whether that means a possible suspension or simply a return to his old form.
Jacobs has only 75 rushing yards in two games this season, and the lack of a ground game has made Jordan Love’s job much harder. With Green Bay sitting at the bottom of the NFC North, the Packers need a spark if they’re going to climb back into the playoff race.
Cincinnati makes sense for a different reason: urgency. The Bengals went all in this offseason and live under the pressure of making the most of Joe Burrow.
They’re just behind Pittsburgh in the AFC North, but they’ve been winning while Chase Brown has managed only 340 yards and one touchdown. That kind of imbalance can only last so long.
Taylor would change the equation fast and send a clear message to Burrow that Cincinnati is serious about winning.
Minnesota could also be in the mix, especially if Indianapolis prefers to send Taylor to the NFC. The Vikings are 6-1 and leading the division, but they’ve done it with a running back by committee approach and with starting quarterback Kyler Murray out injured. Taylor would fill a real need, help them stay afloat, and give the defense more time to breathe.
In Other News...
Seahawks Suddenly Face Another O-Line Problem Before Cardinals Showdown
The Seahawks offensive line got a little more complicated Thursday, when Quenton Nelson showed up on the injury report with a knee issue and did not practice ahead of Sundays Week 9 meeting with the Cardinals. Seattle was already juggling a long list of absences, with nine players sitting out, including six starters such as quarterback Sam Darnold and left tackle Charles Cross, leaving the front line with more uncertainty than it wanted heading into a division game.
If Nelson cant go, the ripple effect could be significant for Seattles interior alignment. Anthony Bradford could slide back into his usual spot at right guard, which would open the door for rookie Grey Zabel to move back to left guard and restore a setup the Seahawks may prefer if the lineup cooperates. For a team already dealing with enough moving parts, the next practice report will matter a lot. [Read more 🡒]
Seahawks Suddenly Have A Drew Lock Problem They Cant Ignore
Sam Darnolds quad injury has opened the door for Drew Lock to get another look in Seattle, and the timing is awkward in more ways than one. Lock is expected to be the option in Week 9, which gives the Seahawks a chance to see what he can do in a meaningful stretch, but it also comes with the reminder that his own elbow issue could complicate how long that chance lasts.
Even if Lock gives Seattle a lift in the short term, the bigger picture around the quarterback room is not suddenly changing. Darnold is under contract through 2027, while Lock is heading toward free agency next season and could be looking for a fresh opportunity elsewhere, which leaves the Seahawks with a familiar kind of uncertainty even as they navigate the immediate one. [Read more 🡒]
Seahawks Could Be Headed For Another Deadline Move After Offensive Issues
The Seahawks already made one notable swing before the NFL trade deadline, landing guard Quenton Nelson from the Colts, but the move may not be the last one they make to try to steady an offense that has shown some cracks. After a recent loss, Seattle is looking at other ways to add help, and the tight end spot has emerged as a possible area to address if the front office decides the group needs another boost.
Among the names being discussed are Detroits Sam LaPorta, Philadelphias Dallas Goedert, and tight ends from the Colts and Chargers, giving Seattle a range of options if it chooses to keep shopping. The question now is whether the Seahawks are content with one major addition or whether the deadline still has another move in store as they try to sharpen the offense for the stretch run. [Read more 🡒]