2 Teams Emerge as Favorites to Trade for Colts RB Jonathan Taylor

Three games could decide whether the Indianapolis Colts keep Jonathan Taylor or shop him before the Nov. 10 deadline.

If the running back hits the market, the New York Giants and Minnesota Vikings loom as possible bidders, according to The Athletic’s Jonathan Jones. The 2-4 Colts haven’t engaged anyone on him so far.

Both clubs surfaced in his reporting.

“Sources believe the New York Giants and Vikings could be potential suitors for Taylor if he’s available for trade,” Jones wrote.

Jones also cautioned that the Colts are in no rush.

“The Indianapolis Colts are not entertaining discussions of a potential Jonathan Taylor trade. At least not yet,” Jones wrote.

Ownership’s affection for Taylor is part of the holdup, according to an unnamed team executive who spoke with Jones.

“Indy ownership loves him,” the executive said. “They’d have to drop more games to move him.”

Tom Pelissero, an NFL insider, reported that DeForest Buckner and Quenton Nelson have drawn “strong trade interest.” Nobody on the roster, Taylor included, is “expected to be off limits” if Indianapolis sells, he added.

Both are on expiring deals. Taylor agreed in August to a two-year, $44 million extension that runs through 2028.

Chris Ballard was fired as general manager after Indianapolis fell 26-20 to the Tennessee Titans in Week 6. Ed Dodds, an executive with the club since 2017, took over on an interim basis.

Ballard handed Daniel Jones an $88 million contract and Alec Pierce a four-year, $116 million deal.

Minnesota is 5-0 despite an offense that ranks 22nd in scoring and 12th in rushing yards per game. Aaron Jones starts, and Jordan Mason is expected back from injury.

New York’s backfield is shakier. Cam Skattebo’s 294 rushing yards are a team high, yet ball-security problems kept him from getting a carry over six snaps against the New Orleans Saints in Week 6.

Najee Harris, whose 31 carries ranked second on the team, was released after criticizing how the Giants used their backs.

Indianapolis faces Minnesota and the Jacksonville Jaguars in its next two games, then the Dallas Cowboys right before the deadline. One of those opponents could end up calling about Taylor.