The Indianapolis Colts might be open for business ahead of the trade deadline, and that’s good news for teams in need of a running back.
Colts running back Jonathan Taylor has been sensational since turning pro in 2020, rushing for over 8,000 yards and 76 touchdowns. A year ago, he had 1,585 yards and 18 touchdowns on 323 carries. Although the Colts are struggling this season, Taylor has produced at a high level.
During an appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show” this Friday, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport said “many teams” will be interested in Taylor if he’s available. It could take at least a Day 1 pick in order to make things happen.
“You know the goal. They don’t have a No. 1 pick because of [the] Sauce [Gardner trade]. You know that’s what they’re going to try to get back,” Rapoport said. “If they have the kind of market that players never have during the season, maybe they can get it. Maybe they get a No. 1 pick and give something back.”
So which teams will pursue Taylor in a mid-season trade?
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The Giants could be in the market for a star RB.
According to SNY’s Connor Hughes, the Giants are expected to pursue a running back before the trade deadline on Nov. 10. If they’re interested in taking a huge swing, pursuing Taylor makes sense.
The G-Men are currently in first place in the NFC East despite losing Jaxson Dart to a season-ending knee injury. Acquiring an All-Pro running back like Taylor would give John Harbaugh’s a huge boost.
For what it’s worth, the Giants don’t have a ton of holes on offense. An argument can be made that Taylor could be the missing piece for the 2026 season and beyond.
Don’t count out the Seahawks.
It’s very evident that Seattle misses Kenneth Walker III right now. While the front office can’t change the past, trading for Taylor would certainly minimize the pain of losing the reigning Super Bowl MVP.
While the Seahawks have already invested a first-round pick in Jadarian Price, the reality is he’s not ready to take over their backfield.
Taylor, on the other hand, would immediately give the Seahawks a balanced attack on offense.
The Vikings could go all in.
If the Vikings are serious about contending in the NFC, they’ll need to improve their overall production on offense. Adding Taylor to a group that already features Justin Jefferson would be awfully intriguing.
What makes Minnesota such an interesting landing spot for Taylor is the fact that Kevin O’Connell could utilize both him and Aaron Jones at running back.
We’ll see if Minnesota swings for the fences ahead of the trade deadline.
