To trade, or not to trade Jonathan Taylor. That is the question for the Indianapolis Colts.
The Colts have already made some hard decisions about the future of their franchise by trading cornerstones Quenton Nelson – to the Seahawks – and DeForest Buckner – to the 49ers. Is their star running back next up on the trade block before the NFL trade deadline?
Taylor spoke to members of the media on Thursday, Oct. 29 and addressed some of the uncertainty that enshrouds his future in Indianapolis.
"I haven't heard anything," Taylor said. "I can't control that. Obviously, you guys know that I'm always proud to wear the horseshoe. I'm always proud to be here. ... But obviously, circumstances may cause otherwise. Hopefully that day may not come, but I can't control that."
The seven-year NFL veteran said he has his focus on helping keep the locker room together after the Nelson and Buckner trades. Taylor said he knows the Colts' Week 8 opponent, the Jaguars, think they can take advantage of a weakened roster, but it's up to him to help Indianapolis get their game plan ready for Sunday.
Taylor is off to an excellent start to the 2026 season with 587 yards on 140 carries in seven games. His eight rushing touchdowns are tied for the league lead, and his 83.9 yards per game rank fifth. He also has 17 catches for 178 receiving yards so far.
The former second-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft has played for the Colts his entire career. In six and a half seasons in Indianapolis, Taylor has earned Pro Bowl nods three times and one first-team All-Pro recognition. Last year, Taylor ranked third in the NFL in scrimmage yards (1,963) and led the league in scrimmage touchdowns (20).
Will the Colts trade Jonathan Taylor?
It is uncertain whether the Colts would be willing to trade Taylor unless they receive a significant return for him. Indianapolis signed the running back to a two-year, $44 million contract extension before the season, so he's under contract through 2028.
ESPN insider Adam Schefter reported on Tuesday, Oct. 27 that the Colts' principal owner, Carlie Irsay-Gordon, does not want to move Taylor ahead of the NFL trade deadline.
"My understanding is that the owner doesn't want to trade Jonathan Taylor," Schefter said. "I'm sure (the Colts) don't want to trade Jonathan Taylor, and if I had to guess today, I would say I don't think they'll trade Jonathan Taylor."
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What Colts RB Jonathan Taylor said about latest NFL trade speculation
