Colts Hold Firm on High Asking Price for Jonathan Taylor Ahead of Trade Deadline

The Indianapolis Colts have indicated they are not inclined to trade running back Jonathan Taylor unless they receive a substantial return. ESPN analysts Dan Graziano and Jeremy Fowler said the team continues to set a high asking price and that enough interest from other clubs allows the Colts to hold their position.

"The Colts are still asking for a lot for RB Jonathan Taylor and taking the stance that they don't need to move him," Graziano reported.

Fowler added that NFL executives believe the Colts are seeking value comparable to a first-round draft pick, with some estimating Taylor’s worth at a second-round selection plus an additional pick. An AFC executive was quoted as saying the Colts "want a bunch" of assets in return.

The New York Giants and Minnesota Vikings have been mentioned as possible destinations for Taylor, according to the analysts. Using the standard NFL draft trade value chart, the combined value of the Giants' second- and third-round picks (610 points) falls between the 30th and 31st overall picks.

A comparable recent trade involved Christian McCaffrey, who was dealt to the San Francisco 49ers in 2022 for a package of second-, third-, fourth- and fifth-round picks. Unlike McCaffrey, Taylor has not missed a game since Week 7 of the 2024 season.

The Colts recently traded veteran linemen Quenton Nelson and DeForest Buckner, moves that aligned with the team's rebuilding timeline. Taylor signed a two-year extension in August that runs through the 2028 season, giving the club flexibility to rebuild while retaining his services.

One complication is that the Colts do not control their first-round pick in the upcoming draft, as the No. 4 overall selection will belong to the New York Jets following the Sauce Gardner trade.