The Colts’ fire sale could include a three-time Pro Bowler in whom the Giants are interested.
Indianapolis has traded away Quenton Nelson and DeForest Buckner after a 2-5 start and is reportedly in talks to move star running back Jonathan Taylor.
According to ESPN reports, the Colts are waving the white flag and are open to trading Taylor, but may not have made up their minds just yet. Taylor is one of the best backs in football at 27 years old and just a year removed from leading the league with 18 rushing touchdowns and 1,585 rushing yards.
Ryan Dunleavy of The Washington Post confirmed the Giants are interested in Taylor, and other teams listed in the report as believed to be interested include the Broncos, Packers, Vikings and Seahawks.
The Giants’ running back rotation has been an issue all season. Najee Harris is released. Tyrone Tracy Jr. was placed on injured reserve with a hamstring injury that is not expected to be season-ending.
The remaining running back room is without a leading back, including Cam Skattebo – who was recently punished in Week 6 when fumble issues meant he didn’t catch passes – Devin Singletary and recently signed Greg Desrosiers Jr., who is on the Chargers’ practice squad.
Taylor, who has 8,185 career rushing yards, the second-most in Colts history, would be an immediate and proven upgrade.
His contract is reasonable, with a base salary of $15 million next year and $9.46 million in 2028.
He’s still young and the Colts could imagine him being part of their next good team, but he’d have great value on the trade market and would add to the draft picks they’ve already acquired for Nelson and Buckner.
According to The Ringer , the Colts have declined a combination of a 2027 second-round pick and an additional pick.
ESPN reports that the Colts may use the 2022 Christian McCaffrey trade as a precedent.
The 49ers sent their second-, third-, fourth- and fifth-round picks to the Panthers in exchange for the then-26-year-old star running back.
Taylor said he didn’t ask for a trade.
“I’ve always been proud to wear horseshoes,” Taylor told reporters this week.