Where Will Jonathan Taylor Land? Breaking Down The Colts’ Most Likely Trade Partners

The Indianapolis Colts have already made it clear that significant changes are coming, trading two of their most accomplished veterans in Quenton Nelson and DeForest Buckner following the dismissal of general manager Chris Ballard. With the team now sitting at 2-6 after Sunday’s humiliating 42-7 defeat against the Jacksonville Jaguars, attention has increasingly shifted toward the future of another franchise cornerstone: Jonathan Taylor.

A little over two weeks ago, I examined Taylor’s hypothetical trade value, projecting that Indianapolis could realistically receive a 2027 second-round pick and a 2028 third-round selection in exchange for its star running back. That evaluation came before the Colts began moving key veterans, and with several teams now reportedly expressing serious interest, the market appears to be considerably more competitive than initially anticipated.

According to reports from ESPN’s Adam Schefter and NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Indianapolis has been engaged in trade discussions involving Taylor, with the Denver Broncos, Minnesota Vikings, Seattle Seahawks, New York Giants and Green Bay Packers among the interested teams. Cincinnati has also reportedly entered the conversation, leaving the Colts with several potential trade partners ahead of the November 10 deadline.

Perhaps the most important development concerns the asking price. Indianapolis is reportedly seeking compensation comparable to what Carolina received for Christian McCaffrey in 2022, and reports have indicated that the Colts have discussed a package involving a first-round pick and a defensive tackle. While the exact minimum price remains uncertain, I believe it will take a first-round selection, or an exceptional alternative package, to convince Indianapolis to move Taylor.

That is a significant investment for a running back, particularly one who will turn 28 next season and is scheduled to earn approximately $34 million over the final two years of his contract. However, Taylor remains one of the league’s best players at his position, and acquiring him would give a contender an immediate offensive centerpiece for the remainder of 2026 and two additional seasons.

With just over a week remaining before the deadline, the timing of these discussions is particularly important. Teams aren’t evaluating what their backfields looked like during training camp or even a month ago. Recent performances, injuries, divisional standings and the pressure to win immediately will all influence whether an organization is willing to surrender a premium draft pick.

So, which teams actually make the most sense, and where do I believe Taylor will ultimately end up?

Denver Broncos

Denver has been widely linked to Taylor over the past several days, and there are certainly reasons to understand the interest. The Broncos are 6-2 following Sunday’s crazy 28-24 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs, a result that moved them into first place in the AFC West. With one of the league’s stronger defenses and an offense led by Bo Nix, adding an elite running back could make Denver an even more dangerous contender.

However, the emergence of rookie Jonah Coleman has complicated the situation considerably. The former Washington running back produced 104 yards from scrimmage and scored the game-winning touchdown against Kansas City, including an impressive 51-yard reception that helped set up the decisive score. Coleman finished with 11 carries for 41 yards and four receptions for 63 yards, outproducing veteran J.K. Dobbins while demonstrating the explosiveness and versatility Denver had been searching for in its backfield.

Coleman’s performance was not an isolated development, either. He had already shown encouraging signs during the previous week’s victory over Arizona, and his increasing workload suggests the coaching staff is becoming more comfortable giving him meaningful opportunities. Denver also has Dobbins available as a veteran complement and RJ Harvey, who remains an intriguing receiving weapon despite recently landing on injured reserve with a knee injury.

There is no question that Taylor would represent an immediate upgrade, but the Broncos would effectively be committing premium draft capital and substantial future salary to a position where they already have multiple capable options. Coleman is still a rookie, and one impressive performance should not eliminate interest in a proven star, although it does make the decision considerably more difficult than it appeared a few weeks ago.

Denver’s interest appears legitimate, with local reporting suggesting the organization is strongly motivated to pursue Taylor. I simply have a difficult time believing the Broncos will ultimately surrender a first-round pick when their current backfield is beginning to show encouraging signs of improvement.

My estimated probability: 15%.

Seattle Seahawks

Seattle is another team that has been heavily connected to Taylor, and the Seahawks’ previous trade with Indianapolis could certainly help facilitate discussions. Just last week, Seattle acquired Quenton Nelson for a third- and fifth-round selection, demonstrating its willingness to invest additional resources in improving an offense that has struggled with consistency.

The Seahawks are 4-3 heading into Monday night’s matchup against Chicago, and their running game has been a concern following the offseason departure of Kenneth Walker III. However, the situation has changed somewhat in recent weeks, particularly with Emanuel Wilson emerging as a capable contributor. Wilson rushed for 100 yards against Kansas City in Week 7 and has accumulated 403 rushing yards this season, providing Seattle with a dependable option while other members of its backfield have been sidelined.

More importantly, Zach Charbonnet is expected to make his season debut Monday after recovering from a torn ACL, while rookie Jadarian Price has also returned to practice following a chest injury. Seattle selected Price with the 32nd overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, making him an important part of the organization’s long-term plans. George Holani provides additional depth, leaving the Seahawks with four running backs who could reasonably factor into the rotation once everyone is healthy.

Taylor would immediately become the most accomplished player in that group, but acquiring him would require Seattle to make another substantial investment at a position where it has already spent a first-round pick this year. If the Colts insist on another first-round selection, the Seahawks would effectively be committing consecutive first-round picks to running backs while also taking on Taylor’s expensive contract.

There is an argument for doing so. Seattle is attempting to defend its Super Bowl title, and another elite player could help compensate for an offense that has become too dependent on Sam Darnold. The addition of Nelson also creates an interesting opportunity to reunite Taylor with one of the offensive linemen who helped him become such a productive runner in Indianapolis.

Still, I believe Seattle has enough options to avoid making a desperate move. Charbonnet’s return and Price’s continued development could provide much of the improvement the Seahawks are searching for without surrendering additional premium draft capital.

My estimated probability: 15%.

Minnesota Vikings

Minnesota is where I believe the conversation becomes considerably more interesting.

The Vikings are 6-1 following Sunday’s narrow 19-15 loss to the Detroit Lions, remaining near the top of a highly competitive NFC North. They have already demonstrated that they can compete with some of the league’s strongest teams, although the running game remains an area where a significant upgrade could make an enormous difference.

Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason have provided Minnesota with a respectable backfield, but neither is an ideal long-term centerpiece. Jones is now 31 years old and approaching the later stages of his career, while Mason has generally been more effective as a complementary power runner rather than someone capable of consistently carrying an offense.

Their performance against Detroit reinforced those concerns. Jones managed just 22 rushing yards on five carries, while Mason added only 20 yards on eight attempts. Minnesota’s inability to establish a consistent ground attack placed additional pressure on quarterback Kyler Murray, who was forced to carry much of the offensive responsibility against a strong Detroit defense.

Taylor would immediately change that dynamic.

His ability to handle a substantial workload, generate explosive runs and consistently produce in short-yardage situations would provide Minnesota with a legitimate offensive centerpiece alongside Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. He could also take considerable pressure off Murray, allowing the Vikings to operate a more balanced offense rather than relying so heavily on their quarterback and receiving corps to generate production.

Financially, Minnesota is in a relatively favorable position to absorb Taylor’s remaining contract, particularly considering the value of adding a proven veteran to a roster that is already capable of competing for the NFC’s top seed. A first-round pick would be expensive, but the Vikings could reasonably argue that their championship window is open right now and that Taylor provides a substantial enough upgrade to justify the investment.

The NFC North is also unlikely to become any easier. Detroit remains one of the conference’s strongest teams, while Chicago and Green Bay are both capable of competing for playoff spots. Minnesota cannot afford to assume its current position in the standings will be enough to carry it through the remainder of the season.

Of the teams reportedly interested in Taylor, the Vikings have one of the clearest combinations of immediate need, financial flexibility and championship aspirations. I believe they should be considered among the favorites to acquire him, particularly if the organization is willing to sacrifice future draft capital for a legitimate opportunity to win now.

My estimated probability: 25%.

New York Giants

The New York Giants might be the most fascinating potential destination because their current situation is almost the opposite of what many expected entering the season.

Under first-year head coach John Harbaugh, New York has surprisingly climbed to first place in the NFC East with a 4-2-1 record. The Giants are certainly not a complete football team, and injuries have created significant uncertainty at several important positions, but the division has been considerably weaker than anticipated. With Philadelphia, Dallas and Washington all struggling, New York has a legitimate opportunity to win the NFC East and secure a home playoff game.

That opportunity could be enough to convince Harbaugh and the front office to pursue an aggressive move.

The Giants already have an intriguing young running back in Cam Skattebo, whose physical running style has provided the offense with an important dimension. However, the backfield becomes much less convincing beyond him, particularly following Tyrone Tracy Jr.’s recent hamstring injury that landed him on injured reserve. Devin Singletary and Gregory Desrosiers provide depth, but neither offers anything close to the explosive ability and consistency Taylor would bring.

A combination of Taylor and Skattebo could give New York one of the league’s more physical rushing attacks, allowing Harbaugh to establish the offensive identity he has traditionally favored throughout his coaching career. Taylor would handle the primary workload, while Skattebo could continue contributing as a complementary runner capable of punishing defenses and providing fresh legs throughout games.

The quarterback situation makes that possibility even more appealing. With Jaxson Dart sidelined and J.J. McCarthy attempting to establish himself following his arrival from Minnesota, having a dependable running game would take considerable pressure off an offense that has been forced to adjust repeatedly this season. Taylor would provide stability at a time when the Giants desperately need it, particularly with several important divisional games approaching.

New York has also demonstrated interest in acquiring a premier running back before, reportedly pursuing Kenneth Walker III during free agency. Harbaugh has made it clear that he values having a legitimate workhorse in the backfield, and Taylor would provide exactly that.

There are certainly financial and draft-capital concerns. The Giants remain a team with several roster weaknesses, and surrendering a first-round selection could make it more difficult to address those needs in the future. However, with an unexpected division title within reach and a head coach who has consistently emphasized the importance of a physical running game, I believe New York has a stronger incentive to make this move than several of the teams currently receiving more attention.

My estimated probability: 25%.

Green Bay Packers

Green Bay is another intriguing possibility, particularly given the continued struggles of its rushing attack.

Josh Jacobs recently returned to action after missing the beginning of the season, but his performance has not been especially encouraging. In Thursday’s 27-19 victory over Carolina, Jacobs managed just 39 rushing yards on 21 carries, averaging fewer than two yards per attempt against a defense that had struggled considerably against the run. Although he scored twice, Green Bay’s inability to consistently move the football on the ground remained one of the most concerning aspects of an otherwise important victory.

The Packers are now 5-3 and remain firmly in the NFC playoff race, but their offense has become increasingly dependent on Jordan Love and the passing game. Taylor would give Green Bay a more explosive and dependable option in the backfield, potentially restoring some of the offensive balance that helped make the team so dangerous in previous seasons.

The biggest issue, however, has relatively little to do with Taylor’s ability or his potential fit within the offense.

Green Bay does not own its first-round selection in the 2027 NFL Draft, having surrendered that pick to Dallas as part of the Micah Parsons trade. If Indianapolis is genuinely insisting on first-round compensation, the Packers would therefore have to offer their 2028 first-round selection or construct an alternative package involving multiple picks.

I have a difficult time seeing either option as particularly attractive for the Colts.

A 2028 first-round pick would not arrive until an additional year into Indianapolis’ rebuilding process, and there is a reasonable possibility that Green Bay will remain a competitive team throughout that period. If the Packers continue performing at their current level, the selection could fall somewhere in the 20s, significantly reducing its appeal compared with a 2027 first-round pick from a team facing more uncertainty.

There is no guarantee where that pick would eventually land, and future first-round selections can occasionally become extremely valuable when an unexpected collapse occurs. However, the combination of the delayed return and Green Bay’s relatively stable organizational situation makes this a difficult trade to justify from Indianapolis’ perspective.

I wouldn’t completely rule the Packers out, particularly if their running game continues struggling over the next week, but I believe the lack of immediate first-round draft capital makes them a less realistic destination than Minnesota or New York.

My estimated probability: 5%.

Cincinnati Bengals

Cincinnati is perhaps the most underrated team in the entire discussion.

The Bengals are 5-2 following Sunday’s wild 43-36 overtime victory over Tennessee, a game in which Joe Burrow threw for 462 yards and five touchdowns. With Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins continuing to provide one of the NFL’s most dangerous receiving combinations, Cincinnati has demonstrated that its offense is capable of producing at an exceptionally high level.

However, the running game has not consistently matched that production.

Chase Brown remains a useful offensive contributor, particularly because of his receiving ability, but I don’t believe he has demonstrated the consistency necessary to be considered an elite feature back. Against Tennessee, Brown finished with 55 rushing yards on 12 carries, although he added another 46 yards on eight receptions. Those numbers illustrate why he remains a valuable player, but also why he might be better suited to a complementary role alongside a more established runner.

Adding Taylor could potentially elevate Cincinnati’s offense into the same conversation as the most dangerous units in football.

Burrow would no longer be required to carry such a substantial share of the offensive burden, while Taylor’s presence would make it considerably more difficult for opposing defenses to concentrate primarily on Chase and Higgins. Cincinnati could also continue using Brown as a receiving back and change-of-pace option, giving the Bengals greater versatility without forcing either player into an unfamiliar role.

The AFC North provides another reason to consider making an aggressive move. Pittsburgh, Baltimore and Cleveland have all emphasized physical football and strong rushing attacks at various points in recent seasons, and Cincinnati could benefit from adding a legitimate workhorse capable of helping the Bengals control games rather than relying almost exclusively on Burrow’s arm.

Unlike Green Bay, Cincinnati has the draft capital necessary to make a first-round offer, and the organization could reasonably accommodate Taylor’s contract over the next two seasons if it views him as an important part of its championship window.

The biggest question is whether the Bengals would actually be willing to commit that level of resources to a running back while already carrying several expensive offensive contracts. Cincinnati has traditionally been somewhat selective about major in-season trades, and it may prefer to address other areas of the roster, particularly a defense that just surrendered 36 points to Tennessee.

Still, I believe the potential offensive impact is substantial enough to make Cincinnati a legitimate contender in these discussions, even if the market has generally treated the Bengals as a long shot.

My estimated probability: 10%.

New England Patriots

New England has also been mentioned as a possible destination, although I have a difficult time envisioning the Patriots becoming serious contenders to acquire Taylor.

The Patriots have generally favored a committee approach at running back, rotating different players depending on the situation rather than consistently relying on a single workhorse. That approach has continued with Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson, both of whom provide different strengths and offer enough ability to maintain a functional rushing attack.

Stevenson is coming off a solid performance against Miami, rushing for 82 yards on 19 carries in Sunday’s 24-19 victory. Henderson missed the game because of illness, but he remains an important part of the organization’s plans and should continue receiving opportunities as he develops.

Taylor would obviously be an upgrade from a pure rushing standpoint, but I don’t believe the difference is significant enough to justify surrendering a first-round selection when the Patriots already have two capable backs. New England has invested considerable resources in building around Drake Maye, and those assets would likely be better spent strengthening other areas of the roster rather than replacing a backfield that has generally been serviceable.

The Patriots could theoretically become involved if Taylor’s asking price falls dramatically, but with Indianapolis apparently seeking premium compensation, I would be surprised if New England emerges as a particularly aggressive bidder.

My estimated probability: 2%.

What about Taylor staying in Indianapolis?

There is still a possibility that Taylor remains with the Colts beyond the deadline, although I believe that outcome has become increasingly unlikely.

Indianapolis has already traded Nelson and Buckner, two of its most respected veterans and longtime leaders, suggesting that the organization is willing to make difficult decisions in order to improve its long-term position. Taylor is also approaching the later stages of his prime, and with the Colts potentially several years away from genuine contention, the timeline for his remaining high-level seasons may not align with the organization’s rebuilding process.

Taylor has maintained that he is proud to represent Indianapolis and has not requested a trade. He also remains under contract through 2028, meaning the Colts are not facing the same immediate contractual pressure that existed with Nelson and Buckner.

That gives Indianapolis leverage in negotiations, but it also creates an important decision for ownership. If another organization is willing to surrender a first-round selection for a 27-year-old running back who may be entering the final few seasons of his prime, turning down that offer would require a considerable amount of confidence in the Colts’ ability to rebuild quickly.

Given the amount of reported interest, I believe Indianapolis should eventually find a team willing to meet its asking price, or at least come close enough to make a trade worthwhile. However, with reports indicating that ownership would still prefer to retain Taylor, the possibility of the Colts deciding to keep him cannot be dismissed entirely.

So, where will Jonathan Taylor actually end up?

After examining each team’s current situation, I believe Minnesota and New York are the two most logical destinations.

Both organizations have immediate opportunities to compete for division titles, legitimate reasons to upgrade their running games and the draft capital necessary to satisfy Indianapolis’ asking price. The Vikings have a more established roster and could benefit enormously from pairing Taylor with Murray and their talented receiving corps, while the Giants have an unexpected opportunity to seize control of the NFC East under Harbaugh.

Denver and Seattle remain serious possibilities, but their recent backfield developments make me somewhat skeptical that either organization will ultimately surrender a first-round pick. Coleman’s emergence gives the Broncos reason to be patient, while Seattle has already invested heavily in Price and is preparing to welcome Charbonnet back into the lineup.

Cincinnati is the team I would watch most closely outside of the leading contenders. The Bengals have an exceptional passing offense, a legitimate opportunity to compete in the AFC and a backfield that could benefit considerably from adding an elite runner. If their front office decides to become aggressive, they have the resources and offensive infrastructure to make the trade worthwhile.

Here is how I would distribute the probabilities of Taylor’s destination based on the current market, roster situations and reported interest:

• Minnesota Vikings – 25%
• New York Giants – 25%
• Denver Broncos – 15%
• Seattle Seahawks – 15%
• Cincinnati Bengals – 10%
• Green Bay Packers – 5%
• Staying with Indianapolis – 3%
• New England Patriots – 2%

These are subjective estimates rather than probabilities generated by a statistical model, and they could change considerably based on injuries, upcoming performances and developments in trade negotiations. The market has generally been more optimistic about Denver and Seattle than I am, while I believe Minnesota, New York and Cincinnati deserve more attention.

Ultimately, the biggest obstacle remains Indianapolis’ asking price. Taylor is a tremendous player, but surrendering a first-round selection for a running back approaching 28 is a major commitment, particularly when the acquiring team would also inherit two expensive future seasons.

However, championship windows can close quickly, and several teams currently in contention have legitimate reasons to believe Taylor could make the difference between a good season and a deep playoff run.

If I had to make a prediction today, I would narrow the race to Minnesota and New York, with the Vikings perhaps holding a slight advantage because of their overall roster strength and more established championship aspirations.

The Colts have already demonstrated that few veterans are untouchable. With November 10 approaching and several contenders reportedly involved in discussions, Taylor could become the next major piece of Indianapolis’ increasingly dramatic roster overhaul.