Trade speculation continues to surround Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor, with ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter offering a significant update about whether a deal could happen.
"The big name is Jonathan Taylor, and my understanding is that the owner doesn't wanna trade Jonathan Taylor. So, again, we have two weeks from now until the deadline," Schefter said on "The Pat McAfee Show," adding, "I'm sure they don't want to trade Jonathan Taylor, and if I had to guess today, I would say, I don't think they will."
The NFL insider suggested that interested teams might still make offers, but a deal seems unlikely if the Colts maintain their stance against trading Taylor. Schefter also speculated that the Colts' stance could be an effort "to drive up the [asking] price" from interested teams.
More news: Madison Beer Reacts to Disney Heckler Over Justin Herbert’s Winless Chargers
...
In August, Taylor signed a two-year contract extension with the Colts worth up to $47 million, with $33 million guaranteed. This season, he's racked up 140 carries and ranks fifth in the NFL with 587 rushing yards and is tied for first with eight rushing touchdowns. In addition, Taylor has 17 receptions for 178 yards.
The Colts drafted him in the second round in 2020 out of Wisconsin. Taylor has dealt with injuries in his career, including ankle issues and a torn thumb ligament that caused him to miss games during the 2022 and 2023 seasons. He played in all 17 regular-season games last season.
And as McAfee mentioned on his show, Taylor is currently among the NFL's best running backs. However, he's also playing for a Colts team that continues to struggle. The team is 2-5 this season despite Taylor's production and the return of starting quarterback Daniel Jones after last season's injury woes.
The Colts last appeared in the NFL Playoffs in 2020 when they lost to the Buffalo Bills. However, they've since missed the last five postseasons, illustrating the difficult situation that Taylor could be stuck in.
There is no indication that Taylor requested a trade from the Colts this season. However, NFL.com previously reported that he requested a trade in 2023 under owner Jim Irsay, and Irsay said they wouldn't trade Taylor then.
Irsay died last May at 65, and daughter Carlie Irsay-Gordon took over as principal owner and team CEO.
Last week, Indianapolis fired general manager Chris Ballard after nearly 10 seasons, with Irsay-Gordon indicating it was due to a lack of championship urgency in managing the team. Ed Dodd took over as the team's interim general manager.
Next up, Indianapolis faces the division-leading Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, Nov. 1 at 1 p.m. ET.
More news: Saquon Barkley Gets Honest About Eagles’ Season After ‘MNF’ Loss to Cowboys
For more about the Indianapolis Colts and the NFL, head over to Newsweek Sports.