The noise is growing that the Indianapolis Colts (2-4) plan to sell at the trade deadline, with other NFL general managers interested in players on both sides of the ball.
Johnathan Taylor is the centerpiece for most of those conversations, as the All-Pro running back has been placed in multiple trade rumors.
The Packers, Seahawks, Broncos and Vikings are some of the teams that have contemplated and are considering the possibility of trading for the star running back, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter and Ian Rapoport.
The Packers explored a Taylor trade in August 2023, when the Colts sought young wide receiver Christian Watson and additional compensation. The deal never materialized, but talks could resurface as the Packers look to bring Taylor back to Wisconsin, where he starred for the Badgers in college.
Moving on from Taylor is an unsettling revelation for Colts fans, as the seven-year veteran signed a two-year, $44 million extension during training camp. Taylor showed pleasure in getting the deal done, even mentioning his aspirations of retiring in Indianapolis.
The 27-year-old Taylor is still due the rest of his nearly $7 million base salary this year, followed by $16 million next season and nearly $18 million in 2028.
Taylor has held up his end of the bargain so far this season, rushing for 492 yards and seven touchdowns. He is also averaging four yards per carry behind a lackluster Colts offensive line.
After firing general manager Chris Ballard, the Indianapolis Colts sent a signal to the rest of the NFL to take a closer look at their roster for potential trade opportunities.
Other key pieces the Colts are willing to part ways with are defensive tackle Deforest Buckner and one of the best interior offensive linemen in the NFL, Quentin Nelson.
