Colts listening on Jonathan Taylor as trade deadline closes in

Why Taylor's name is in trade rumors

Multiple teams would be open to trading for Colts running back Jonathan Taylor, according to a source who spoke with ESPN on Thursday. It still isn't clear whether Indianapolis is ready to deal away key players before the Nov. 10 trade deadline. The timing isn't an accident. The Colts fired general manager Chris Ballard on Monday, and the front office shakeup has other teams checking in on what Indianapolis might be willing to move.

The firing came the morning after Indianapolis blew a 13-point lead to the previously winless Tennessee Titans at Lucas Oil Stadium, a loss that drew booing and chants of "Fire Ballard" from the home crowd. Ballard was in his 10th season with the Colts and the final year of his contract.

Taylor isn't engaging with it

Taylor addressed the speculation Thursday and shut it down, at least for now. "I haven't given any thought," he said when asked about his future with the team. He said thinking about a trade right now would be a disservice to his teammates and the organization, with Minnesota up next on the schedule. Ballard drafted Taylor in 2020 and signed him to two contract extensions, the most recent a three-year deal in August.

The production explains why teams are calling. Taylor leads the NFL in rushing yards per game at 89.9 this season, with 492 yards and seven touchdowns through six games. His 8,090 career rushing yards rank second only to Baltimore's Derrick Henry among players since he entered the league in 2020.

Taylor isn't the only one drawing interest

Defensive tackle DeForest Buckner, 32, is also part of the chatter. He downplayed it Thursday, saying, "I know how it works. But it's just distractions right now." Buckner, a 2020 first-team All-Pro who is set to hit free agency after the season, didn't rule out a deal either. "We'll see," he said. "If that happens, we'll see how it goes." All-Pro guard Quenton Nelson, in the final year of his own deal, said Wednesday he still wants to be in Indianapolis.

What's next for the Colts

Indianapolis is 2-4 and faces a tough stretch next, Minnesota and Jacksonville, two teams with a combined 9-2 record. Owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon had already put Ballard and coach Shane Steichen on notice this season, expecting progress after a disappointing prior year. With a new GM hire likely coming and the Nov. 10 deadline closing in, the next few weeks will decide whether Taylor, Buckner or anyone else on the roster actually gets moved.

Facts per ESPN. Opinion is the taproom's.