After initial reports indicated the Colts were more likely to retain Jonathan TaylorIndianapolis’ deadline fire sale appears to be ready to include the All-Pro running back. A handful of teams are on the radar, setting up what should be a good return for the team.
The Giants and Vikings have been mentioned as top options for Taylor, who has also been connected to the Packers – who have seen more Josh Jacobs problems arise – with the Bengals, Chiefs, Broncos and Seahawks. Although the Colts are believed to have received an offer of a second-round pick and up, one general manager told Jason La Canfora of Casino Guru News that the team would likely move him for a second. It could then come down to projected draft slots, as Indy would naturally want the highest pick possible in the second round – with the team not having their first round pick.
Although a Christian McCaffrey-like package was mentioned as a target here, it never seemed likely that the Colts could bring in that kind of haul for Taylor. McCaffrey has been a more dynamic player and was both younger and fresher, despite Carolina’s injuries, at the time of the October 2022 trade. The 49ers sent the Panthers second, third, fourth and fifth round picks for McCaffrey that year, beating out the Rams and Bills.
The fact that many teams are linked to Taylor doesn’t necessarily mean the Colts have a handful of offers, but we’ve heard enough talk about a second-rounder that it’s safe to assume that will be the word here. Taylor, 27, signed a two-year extension worth $44 million. This deal does not provide a fully guaranteed salary for 2027 ($15 million) until February 19. That would give a team options, but if a club wants to trade a sophomore for the seventh-year running back, it would make sense for the player to be in their plans beyond 2026.
An executive mentioned the Broncos in La Canfora, and Denver has been aggressive in trading high picks under GM Georges Paton. The Broncos traded two first-rounders and two seconds for Russell Wilson and included the first and second rounds in their Sean Payton parcel (which brought a third). Denver then traded its 2026 prime for Jaylen Waddle.
Considering Jonah ColemanThe play of late, it would be a slight surprise if the team shelled out a second-rounder for Taylor. RJ Harvey is on IR, but no reports of his season-ending knee injury have been released. The asking price indicates the Broncos will walk away, according to Troy Renck of the Denver Post, although he expects the team to monitor that market.
Carlie Irsay-Gordon is described as “motivated to move” in the commercial market. The team appears likely to trade Taylor and others, with one high-ranking executive informing La Canfora that the team “wants to turn a corner.” The Colts have veterans Sauce Keeper And Charvarius district registered. Both should be considered in the game, although Gardner’s injury issues since arriving in Indianapolis would create a sell-low situation here.
Gardner, 25, wants to stay with the Colts. His monster contract (four years, $120.4 million) will not be easy to change. It carries a $24.95 million guarantee in 2027, and Indy would take on more than $45 million in dead money if it trades Gardner this year. That would be a record number for the defenseman, and it’s quite possibly unsustainable – even for a rebuilding team.
Ward is 30 years old and plans to retire this offseason, after suffering three concussions in 2025. He is tied to a three-year, $54 million contract that pays him a base salary of $12.98 million this season. While none of Ward’s money is guaranteed in 2027, the Colts may have to pay part of his ’26 salary — which remains around $7 million — to facilitate reasonable compensation.
Josh Downs requested an exchange. Clubs were already asking the Colts about Downs before his trade request, notes Tom Pelissero of The Ringer. Downs is in the final season of his third-round rookie contract, shaping up to be a rental (while Brian Thomas Jr. he has two years remaining on his first-round pact). Keenan Allen also presents himself as a natural trade chip, as the six-time Pro Bowler is 34 years old and has a base salary of $1.3 million.
Gn sports
