THE Sunday Splash! The report regarding a possible fire sale in Indy was conditional on Chow the Olts performed in their remaining three games before the trade deadline. After just one game, they pressed the “Everything Must Go” sign in the front yard.
Guard Quenton Nelson, as expected, was traded to the Seahawks. Defensive tackle DeForest Buckner was returned to the 49ers, as expected.
So who’s next? Running back Jonathan Taylor has been at the center of speculation, with ESPN linking him to the Packers, Seahawks, Broncos and Vikings.
The Vikings had the final opportunity to spot Taylor on Sunday, when he accounted for 110 of the team’s 218 yards of offense in a 16-10 win at Minnesota. Taylor averaged 5.3 yards per carry and ran for 38 yards for the Colts’ only touchdown of the day.
There is a clear incentive to maximize 2027 draft picks, especially with the Colts’ first-round commit to the Jets as the backdrop to the Sauce Gardner trade. But Taylor is under contract for two more years; they may want to keep him until the offseason, giving the next general manager the opportunity to decide whether to keep Taylor or trade him in March.
Of course, Taylor would now be more valuable to a team hoping to add to their roster for a playoff push. Although the Vikings were burned 37 years ago this month by the Herschel Walker trade, it would take a lot less than the ridiculous crop of picks and players (who became more picks after the Cowboys cut them) to get Taylor.
Taylor could make a huge difference for a team built on a strong defense. While Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason have proven to be capable options at guard, Taylor is among the best in the league. He has the power and speed to move the chains and, when given an opening, go the distance.
Whatever happens with Taylor, it’s clear the Colts aren’t waiting to see what happens over the next two weekends. In a deadline-driven business, the Colts’ schedule isn’t driven by the deadline. This is determined by making deals now and moving on.
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