Jonathan Taylor trade: Colts star's future in limbo ahead of deadline
Jonathan Taylor's possible trade remains unresolved as the NFL deadline nears. The Colts are reportedly seeking a first-round pick, and the Giants have pulled their offer.
Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor remains at the centre of trade speculation as the NFL's deadline approaches. The Colts, who fell to 2-7 after a 27-23 loss to Dallas on Sunday, 8 November, are reportedly asking for a first-round pick in return for the three-time Pro Bowler, and no deal has been announced.
Giants pull offer as price sticks
New York had been among the most active suitors. Fox NFL Insider Jay Glazer reported before Sunday's kickoff that the Giants had pulled their proposal, which included a second- and fifth-round pick package plus extra compensation. The offer was withdrawn after Indianapolis held out for a first-rounder.
Giants head coach John Harbaugh has since said the club did pull its offer, but added that "things do change." That leaves the door open, though the price gap remains the main obstacle.
Taylor's farewell-style remarks
Taylor spoke to reporters after the loss and did not give the usual noncommittal answers about his future. He said he tries to play every game as if it could be his last, and described Indianapolis as the place where he grew up, started a family and built ties with the community.
"If it is [my last game], I'm very grateful for the city of Indianapolis," Taylor said, according to the Fox News transcript. He also said he hoped the organisation knew how much he appreciated the team's work over the years.
Other teams in the mix
NFL.com's analysis listed several possible destinations. Green Bay, which has the league's weakest rushing attack by yards per game, is one. Minnesota, Washington and New England also have backfield needs, according to the same report, which noted that a New England back, TreVeyon Henderson, is dealing with an unexpected medical emergency.
Denver and Cincinnati are the teams most often linked to Taylor in recent weeks. The Broncos rank near the bottom of the league in rushing yards per game, while the Bengals have attempted fewer rushes per game than all but one team, making a dominant runner a potential fit for a playoff push. Neither club has been reported to have made an offer that matches Indianapolis's asking price.
What we know so far
Taylor is under contract through 2028, which gives the Colts leverage. The team has already fired general manager Chris Ballard and traded veterans Quenton Nelson and DeForest Buckner for draft capital. Indianapolis's deadline is Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET. Unless the front office lowers its demands, Taylor is expected to remain with the Colts, though no official decision has been announced.
Taylor's situation may shift quickly before the deadline. Until a deal is announced, his future in Indianapolis remains unresolved.
Note: Reports of the Colts' asking price come from media sources and have not been officially confirmed by the team.
Trade and roster updates will be added as they become available.
[Note: pending confirmation]
[Kept brief]