Colts Face Decision on Jonathan Taylor After Trading Two Stars

Indianapolis has sent guard Quenton Nelson to Seattle's Seahawks and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner to San Francisco's 49ers. The moves followed the Colts’ 2-5 start to the 2026 season and left Taylor, their star running back, at the center of deadline speculation. Coach Shane Steichen said Taylor had not asked to be traded.

Taylor, whom Indianapolis drafted in 2020, signed a two-year, $44 million extension this past offseason that keeps him under contract through 2028. He has 587 rushing yards and eight touchdowns through seven games, with his touchdown total leading the league.

A trade could bring the Colts additional draft picks and let them seek a return while Taylor is still in his prime. The team has already acquired extra third-, fourth- and fifth-round selections in the Nelson and Buckner deals, but traded away its 2027 first-round pick in the Sauce Gardner deal. Taylor’s longer contract could make him more valuable than players who were nearing free agency.

Keeping Taylor would preserve a proven offensive playmaker during a rebuilding period. He rushed for 1,585 yards and a league-best 18 touchdowns in 2025, earning his third Pro Bowl selection. The team could otherwise have to rely on seventh-round pick Seth McGowan or use draft picks or free-agent spending to find another running back.

The Colts face Jacksonville in Week 8. Their choice on Taylor could shape the team’s plans for the coming seasons.