Jonathan Taylor has become one of the biggest names to watch ahead of the NFL trade deadline.
The Indianapolis Colts are 2-5, general manager Chris Ballard was fired last week, and several contenders have begun evaluating whether Taylor could be available before the Nov. 10 deadline.
The Green Bay Packers, Seattle Seahawks, Denver Broncos and Minnesota Vikings are among the teams that have been linked to the star running back.
Which Teams Have Been Linked to Jonathan Taylor?
Reuters reported that Green Bay, Seattle, Denver and Minnesota are among the teams considering whether to pursue Taylor.
The wording is important.
That does not mean the Colts have agreed to trade Taylor or that a deal with any of those teams is imminent.
What it does mean is that contenders around the league are studying Indianapolis’ roster and evaluating what it might cost to acquire one of the NFL’s most productive running backs.
Why Jonathan Taylor Has Become a Trade Candidate
Indianapolis’ season has created the opening.
The Colts fell to 2-5 after Sunday’s 16-10 loss to Minnesota, and the franchise is already entering a period of front-office transition after Ballard was dismissed.
NFL.com noted that Taylor’s name has surfaced as one of the most valuable potential assets on the roster because of both his production and his contract.
Taylor signed a two-year, $44 million extension in August and is under contract through the 2028 season.
That makes him different from a typical deadline rental.
A team trading for Taylor would be acquiring a proven feature back for multiple seasons, not simply a player for a playoff push.
The Colts Still View Taylor as a Core Player
There is also a strong argument for Indianapolis to keep him.
Reports indicate owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon views Taylor as a key part of the organization and a possible centerpiece of whatever comes next.
The Indianapolis Star reported that the Colts are not actively treating Taylor like a player they have to move, and that any deal would likely require premium draft compensation.
That is why this situation is better viewed as a developing market than a guaranteed trade.
What Could Jonathan Taylor Cost?
If Indianapolis does decide to move Taylor, the price is expected to be significant.
He is 27 years old, under contract for multiple years and remains one of the league’s most productive backs.
Taylor has 587 rushing yards and a league-leading eight rushing touchdowns through seven games this season.
He also remains a major part of Indianapolis’ passing game, giving contenders more than a traditional early-down runner.
Premium draft compensation — potentially including a high pick — would almost certainly be part of the conversation.
Why the Packers Make Sense
Green Bay has been connected to Taylor before.
The Packers explored a deal with Indianapolis in 2023, and Taylor’s Wisconsin roots make the connection even more obvious.
Green Bay is also trying to stay in the NFC North race and could view Taylor as another explosive piece for an offense built around Jordan Love.
The question is whether the Packers would be willing to pay a premium price for a running back when they already have resources invested at the position.
Why the Seahawks Make Sense
Seattle is one of the more interesting fits.
The Seahawks are 4-3 and still firmly in the NFC playoff race.
A back like Taylor could give Seattle a more explosive rushing threat and reduce the burden on Sam Darnold and the passing game.
If the Seahawks believe they are one impact player away from becoming a more complete contender, Taylor is exactly the type of swing that could make sense.
Why the Broncos Make Sense
Denver is 5-2 and has relied heavily on its defense.
The Broncos rank near the bottom third of the league in rushing offense, which makes Taylor an obvious theoretical fit.
Adding a player of his caliber would give Denver a way to control games offensively and take pressure off Bo Nix.
Why the Vikings Make Sense
Minnesota may have the most immediate reason to explore the market.
Aaron Jones aggravated his left knee in Sunday’s win over Indianapolis, creating another layer of uncertainty in the Vikings’ backfield.
The Vikings remain unbeaten, and adding Taylor would give them one of the NFL’s most dangerous offensive rosters.
It would also keep him away from Green Bay, a division rival that has also been linked to him.
Jonathan Taylor Is Not Fueling the Speculation
Taylor has largely stayed out of the trade conversation publicly.
After Sunday’s game, he said the rumors have already been circulating and that his focus remains on playing football.
NBC Sports reported that Taylor said his wife discussing the possibility publicly does not change anything for him.
His wife, Ayanna Taylor, has acknowledged the possibility that the family could be preparing for a move.
When Will the Colts Make a Decision?
The NFL trade deadline is Nov. 10.
Indianapolis still has games against Jacksonville and Dallas before the deadline, and reports indicate the Colts want to see whether the team can recover before committing to a sell-off.
That gives Indianapolis time.
It also gives interested teams time to decide how aggressive they want to be.
What Happens Next?
For now, Taylor remains a Colt.
There is no completed trade, no confirmed destination and no guarantee Indianapolis will move him at all.
But the market is clearly forming.
Green Bay, Seattle, Denver and Minnesota have all been connected to the possibility.
And with the Colts sitting at 2-5, Taylor may be the biggest name available if Indianapolis decides to turn its attention toward the future.
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