Colts Running Back Jonathan Taylor Acknowledges Potential Trade Deadline Exit

Jonathan Taylor spent his six and a half seasons in Indianapolis building a career that culminated in the 2021 NFL rushing title. Now, with the league's trade deadline set for Tuesday, the running back has publicly acknowledged that his tenure with the Colts may be nearing its conclusion.

The possibility of a move became palpable during Sunday's game against the Dallas Cowboys. As Taylor warmed up, the stadium's large video screens displayed a montage of his career highlights. It was not an official send-off, but the visual tribute felt like a farewell given the weeks of speculation surrounding his contract status.

The Colts fell 27-23 in the contest, dropping their fifth straight game to improve to a 2-7 record. The team rallied from a 10-point second-half deficit to take a 23-20 lead with 1:37 remaining. However, the Cowboys answered that lead with a 1-yard touchdown run by Javonte Williams. A late interception by Caleb Downs sealed the final score.

Taylor's individual performance was modest. He carried the ball 13 times for 46 yards and caught five passes for 18 yards. He did not score a touchdown in his 13th season with the franchise, where he holds the career record for touchdown runs with 77. He also fumbled in the fourth quarter, a turnover that cost the team a potential scoring opportunity.

After the loss, Taylor expressed gratitude for his time in the city. "I think you play every game like it’s your last. But at the end of the day, this has been a spot where I’ve grown up," Taylor said. He noted that he started a family during his years in Indianapolis and that the community helped shape him into the man he is today.

Head coach Shane Steichen, whose own job security is under scrutiny, declined to confirm whether Taylor would remain for the next game. "I’m not going to get into any trade speculation. He’s on our football team," Steichen said.

The trade rumors extend beyond Taylor. Quarterback Daniel Jones, who started the 2025 season with 10 strong games, has struggled with turnovers recently. He was benched during last week's 42-7 loss at Jacksonville. On Sunday, Jones completed 20 of 34 passes for 180 yards with two touchdowns and one interception.

Receiver Josh Downs, who played against his younger brother Caleb Downs on Sunday, also faces uncertainty. Downs caught three passes for 24 yards and requested a trade last week. "I’m open to whatever," Downs said. "If they want me to stay here, I’ll be here. If they don’t, and they want to trade me away, they’ll trade me away."

The Colts have already traded several players to collect draft picks and clear salary cap space for the 2027 season. The team is scheduled to host the Miami Dolphins next week. Taylor described his current state as playing the waiting game, noting that the situation is now out of the players' hands.