Running back Jonathan Taylor and wide receiver Josh Downs have surfaced as potential trade candidates as the Indianapolis Colts undergo a swift roster overhaul. Following Tuesday’s trades sending guard Quenton Nelson to the Seattle Seahawks and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner to the San Francisco 49ers, speculation persists that the 2-5 franchise might continue offloading significant players.
Jonathan Taylor Trade Speculation and Contract Details
Taylor stands as the most valuable asset left on the Indianapolis roster, though questions remain regarding whether interim general manager Ed Dodds intends to deal him. According to ESPN reporter Jeremy Fowler, rival organizations are not entirely convinced the franchise will trade Taylor despite receiving substantial interest, noting that a deal is far from certain. The organization locked Taylor down through the 2028 season by signing him to a two-year contract extension worth $44 million in August.
ESPN analyst Dan Graziano explained that Taylor’s deal is manageable for potential suitors because any new team would only assume $8 million in prorated salary and bonus money for the current campaign. Furthermore, the acquiring club could theoretically release Taylor within five days following the Super Bowl without incurring financial obligations for the following year. Even amid a apparent fire sale, analysts question whether management will part with the face of the franchise, who is secured long-term and serves as the focal point of the offense after surpassing 1,400 rushing yards in consecutive prior seasons.
Josh Downs Generates Wide Receiver Interest
Unlike Taylor, wide receiver Josh Downs is scheduled to reach free agency during the upcoming offseason, a factor that could make a deal more feasible. Fowler reported that Downs has become a prominent name in trade discussions this week as several clubs seeking wide receiver help have expressed interest. Fowler also indicated a sense that Downs would welcome a fresh start elsewhere, though doubts remain over whether Indianapolis will deal him given an already depleted receiving corps that includes Alec Pierce on the injured reserve list.
Selected by the franchise in the third round of the 2023 NFL draft, Downs established career bests during the 2024 campaign with 72 catches, 803 yards, and five touchdowns. His numbers declined the following year to 58 receptions, 566 yards, and four scores. Through the first seven games of the 2026 season, he has accumulated 26 receptions for 307 yards without a touchdown, tracking toward his lowest statistical output.
