Colts Rebuild: Jonathan Taylor's Status Amid Blockbuster Trades
The Indianapolis Colts shipped two Pro Bowlers this week, leaving running back Jonathan Taylor as the primary asset at the November 10 deadline.
By Anthony Shevchenko ·
Running back Jonathan Taylor has recorded eight rushing touchdowns in the first seven games of the 2026 season. That pace positions him to challenge his career high of 18 touchdowns, a mark he set last year when he led the league in that category.
The Indianapolis Colts completed two major transactions this week that reshaped their roster. The team sent offensive tackle Quenton Nelson to the Seattle Seahawks and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner to the San Francisco 49ers. These moves represent two of the largest in-season trades in the NFL this year. With those two stars off the roster, the focus has shifted entirely to Taylor.
Taylor played for the Colts during his first six and a half professional seasons. The team selected him in the second round of the 2020 draft. On Thursday, he stated that he wants to remain with the franchise that drafted him. He confirmed he has not requested a trade despite the recent departures and the team's apparent pivot toward a rebuild.
"I haven't heard anything," Taylor said. "I can't control that. Obviously, like you guys know, I'm always proud to wear the horseshoe, proud to be here. Similar to Quenton and Buck. They were proud to wear the horseshoe. They were proud to be here. But obviously, circumstances may cause otherwise. Hopefully that day may not come, but I can't control that."
The uncertainty surrounding his status has affected Taylor's family. His wife, Ayanna, posted on social media that her mind is spiraling due to the trade rumors. Taylor must balance these personal concerns with his role as the team's leading offensive player.
The Colts face the Jacksonville Jaguars in a divisional matchup on Sunday. The team enters Week 8 as sizable underdogs following the two blockbuster trades. They are in danger of falling further down the league standings with additional losses added to their 2-5 record.
General manager Chris Ballard was fired in the middle of the season, adding to the organizational changes. As the Colts slip out of playoff contention, the primary question is which other players might be traded. Taylor acknowledged the business side of the sport. "Obviously, it was all speculation until stuff started happening," he said. "Quenton, Buck, those guys are the gold standard of the NFL. Obviously the business side of things, that's where it sucks at. I wish some way, somehow, I could have done more. I wanted to win for those guys. We wanted to get it done here with those guys. Especially Q. He's part of the guys who laid the groundwork. They're definitely gonna be missed."
Taylor is considered the most impactful candidate among the players potentially on the trade block. He led the league in rushing yards in 2021, earning a first-team All-Pro selection. The Minnesota Vikings are identified as a potential fit due to their offensive needs, though other teams may seek a running back upgrade before the November 10 deadline.
