The Indianapolis Colts have sparked a major trade deadline fire sale by dealing Quenton Nelson to the Seattle Seahawks and DeForest Buckner to the San Francisco 49ers. With these marquee departures, attention has shifted to star running back Jonathan Taylor and whether he will also leave the franchise.
Taylor’s Stance on the Trade Rumors
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Taylor addressed the speculation and stated that he has not asked for a trade. He emphasized his desire to remain with the organization that selected him in the second round of the 2020 draft, marking his six and a half professional seasons in Indianapolis.
“I haven’t heard anything,” Taylor said. “I can’t control that. Obviously, like you guys know, I’m always proud to wear the horseshoe, proud to be here. Similar to Quenton and Buck. They were proud to wear the horseshoe. They were proud to be here. But obviously, circumstances may cause otherwise. Hopefully that day may not come, but I can’t control that.”
The uncertainty has also affected his family, with Taylor’s wife, Ayanna, expressing her anxiety over the trade buzz in a social media post where she said her mind was spiraling.
Looming Uncertainty and Upcoming Games
Taylor must now balance the trade rumors with his team responsibilities as the Colts prepare for a divisional matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday. Sitting at a 2-5 record, the squad enters Week 8 as sizable underdogs following the blockbuster trades that signal a clear franchise rebuild and the recent firing of general manager Chris Ballard.
“Obviously, it was all speculation until stuff started happening,” Taylor said. “Quenton, Buck, those guys are the gold standard of the NFL. Obviously the business side of things, that’s where it sucks at. I wish some way, somehow, I could have done more. I wanted to win for those guys. We wanted to get it done here with those guys. Especially Q. He’s part of the guys who laid the groundwork. They’re definitely gonna be missed.”
As one of the most impactful trade candidates available, Taylor has twice led the league in rushing touchdowns—including last season—and topped the rushing yards list in 2021 with a first-team All-Pro nod. With eight touchdowns already through seven games, he is on track to challenge his career high of 18.
The Colts are expected to field numerous inquiries regarding their star running back ahead of the November 10 deadline, with teams like the Minnesota Vikings emerging as potential suitors given their offensive needs and strong defense.
