Colts Demand Second-Round Pick for Jonathan Taylor Ahead of NFL Trade Deadline
With the NFL trade deadline set for Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET, the Indianapolis Colts are seeking a package similar to the 2023 Christian McCaffrey deal for their star running back.
By Adrian Kovalenko ·
The Indianapolis Colts are demanding a substantial return for running back Jonathan Taylor as the NFL trade deadline approaches next Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET. Reports from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and ESPN’s Adam Schefter indicate the franchise is asking for a second-round pick, a third-round pick, and additional capital. This specific package mirrors the compensation structure used in the 2023 Christian McCaffrey trade.
Taylor is a central figure in the current rumor mill, with teams like the Minnesota Vikings, New York Giants, Denver Broncos, and Cincinnati Bengals identified as potential suitors. The market is currently stagnant because many contenders are waiting to see if they can secure Taylor. If the Colts get their desired price, other available running backs such as the Titans’ Tony Pollard and the Jets’ Breece Hall may see increased interest.
New York Jets head coach Aaron Glenn dismissed trade speculation following the team’s 2-6 record and recent loss to the Raiders. Glenn stated, "We’re in the business of keeping good players, and he’s one of our better players. So, Breece will still be here." However, uncertainty remains regarding General Manager Darren Mougey’s willingness to trade Hall if a large offer materializes, particularly if the team moves on from Glenn.
The Philadelphia Eagles appear less likely to move Saquon Barkley. Barkley noted that the front office mentioned he would remain with the team beyond the deadline. Despite the Eagles’ recent loss to the Washington Commanders, analysts estimate the probability of a Barkley trade is low, though General Manager Howie Roseman has never ruled out a move completely.
The need for running back upgrades is evident across several competing rosters. The Denver Broncos rely heavily on fourth-round rookie Jonah Coleman, while the Minnesota Vikings struggled to establish a rushing attack against the Detroit Lions. The Green Bay Packers are navigating the return of Josh Jacobs, who may still face suspension. The Cincinnati Bengals seek an upgrade over Chase Brown, and the New York Giants have limited trust in Cam Skattebo as a three-down player.
Other teams face backfield questions ahead of the deadline. The Los Angeles Rams are distributing carries between Blake Corum and Kyren Williams, with Corum seeing more touches recently. The San Diego Chargers have three playable backs but only two wins. The New Orleans Saints will welcome back Travis Etienne Jr. from injured reserve to join Alvin Kamara and Kendre Miller. The Carolina Panthers may consider moving Chuba Hubbard if they fall to 3-5 next Sunday.
The Dallas Cowboys present a complex situation involving wide receiver George Pickens. Executive vice president Stephen Jones stated the team is open to acquiring players to help salvage the season. The Cowboys are heavily leveraged against their future draft capital, holding only 10 total picks over the next two drafts. They are missing third, fifth, and sixth-round picks in the upcoming draft due to previous trades. Over the Cap projects the Cowboys to have the 22nd most cap space in 2027 and the 25th in 2028.
Pickens is currently playing on a franchise tag worth $27.3 million. He will either hit free agency or receive a second tag worth approximately $32.8 million in 2027. The Cowboys face pressure to manage their cap space while retaining other key players like quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb. The team has restructured contracts for Jake Ferguson, DaRon Bland, and Kenny Clark to create short-term space. The decision on Pickens will likely hinge on how Dallas balances its 2027 financial commitments against the need to retain other rising free agents like Joey Porter Jr.
Source: ESPN
