Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor stated he is back to normal routines after staying with the franchise past the NFL trade deadline. The star running back spent the past month surrounded by heavy trade rumors, but ultimately avoided being dealt as the team made several other moves.
Trade Deadline Deals and Roster Changes
The Colts parted ways with four key players who were on expiring contracts. Indianapolis traded All-Pro defensive tackle DeForest Buckner and six-time Pro Bowler wide receiver Keenan Allen to the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for 2027 fourth-round and sixth-round draft picks, respectively. Wide receiver Josh Downs and a 2027 seventh-round pick went to the Kansas City Chiefs for 2027 fourth-round and fifth-round selections. Additionally, All-Pro guard Quenton Nelson was sent to the Seattle Seahawks for a 2027 third-round pick and a 2028 fifth-rounder.
Taylor, however, signed a two-year, $44 million extension in August that ties him to the team through the 2028 season, allowing the Colts to retain him without immediate pressure regarding free agency. New York Giants coach John Harbaugh confirmed prior to the deadline that his team attempted to acquire Taylor by offering a second-round and a fifth-round pick, but the Colts declined.
Teammate Reactions and Team Outlook
Taylor acknowledged that the franchise lost elite players during the trade deadline, but deferred management decisions to owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon and the front office. Meanwhile, quarterback Daniel Jones expressed clear frustration over losing top talents like Nelson, Downs, and Allen as the team struggles through a five-game losing streak.
With Allen and Downs gone, the Colts will look to players like Laquon Treadwell and Anthony Gould to fill the receiving voids. Indianapolis currently sits on a 14-loss stretch over their last 16 games and faces the Miami Dolphins next at home.
