The Indianapolis Colts are reportedly willing to consider trading star running back Jonathan Taylor ahead of the NFL’s Nov. 10 trade deadline. After weeks of speculation, the three-time Pro Bowler may be available to teams looking for an immediate offensive boost.
The reported asking price is a second-round pick and additional compensation. That would be a significant return, but Taylor’s ability to change a game could attract multiple offers—and a bidding war might push the price higher.
Four teams are believed to have spoken with Indianapolis about a possible deal: the New York Giants, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings and Denver Broncos. Here is how their chances stack up.
## 4. New York Giants
Taylor could give the Giants a major upgrade on offense. New York could use a dependable, high-impact player in its backfield, and Taylor is a proven star who can contribute as both a runner and a receiver. If quarterback J.J. McCarthy can continue to play at the level he showed in Week 7, adding Taylor could strengthen the team’s chances of competing in the NFC East.
The challenge is the cost. The Giants traded a 2027 fifth-round pick for McCarthy in September, and surrendering a second- or third-round choice for Taylor would further reduce their draft capital. They could be left with as few as four picks in next year’s draft.
That would be a risky move for a team still building its roster under new head coach John Harbaugh. Taylor might make the Giants better right away, but the price could limit their ability to address other needs. Of the four interested teams, New York appears to have the least flexibility to complete a deal.
## 3. Green Bay Packers
Green Bay has the draft capital to make an attractive offer if the Colts are willing to move Taylor for less than a first-round pick. The Packers have 11 selections in next year’s draft, including multiple picks in several rounds. That depth could allow them to assemble a package of several worthwhile choices without giving up a first-rounder.
There is an obvious complication: Josh Jacobs is already on the roster. If Jacobs’ potential suspension is not significant, adding another high-priced running back could be difficult to justify. The Packers would need to weigh Taylor’s potential impact against the cost of carrying two prominent backs.
Green Bay’s chances would also depend on how much the Colts demand. If negotiations reach the point where a first-round pick is necessary, the Packers are considered unlikely to make that offer. With several teams reportedly interested, that possibility cannot be ruled out.
## 2. Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings have received dependable play from veteran running back Aaron Jones Sr., but Taylor would offer a different level of game-breaking ability. He can threaten defenses on the ground and through the air, potentially giving Minnesota another major weapon to pair with its strong defense.
Minnesota could also have the resources to make one of the strongest offers. A package might include a first-round pick, one of the team’s two third-round selections and one of its three fifth-rounders in next year’s draft.
The question is whether the Vikings would be willing to pay that price. A first-round pick and additional selections would be a substantial investment in a running back, even one with Taylor’s impact. Still, if Minnesota believes he could help elevate its offense, the team has a plausible path to a competitive offer.
## 1. Denver Broncos
Denver ranks first because it may have the strongest incentive to make an aggressive move. The Broncos were viewed as a team with the potential to reach the Super Bowl last season, but a Bo Nix injury before the AFC Championship Game altered that outlook. Adding Taylor could strengthen an offense built around Nix and help Denver make the most of its current opportunity.
Nix is on an affordable rookie contract for two more seasons after this one, giving the Broncos a limited period to compete while managing quarterback costs. With the Kansas City Chiefs resurgent in the division, Denver may feel pressure to make a significant addition.
The Broncos also have the draft resources to pursue a deal. They reportedly hold all of their future picks, along with additional selections in 2027. That could give them more room than the other interested teams to meet Indianapolis’ asking price, particularly if the Colts seek a first-round selection or a larger package.
Denver would still need to decide whether Taylor is worth the investment. But among the four reported contenders, the Broncos appear to have both a compelling reason to pursue him and the flexibility to build a strong offer.
