The Indianapolis Colts made some bold moves Tuesday, trading away both DeForest Buckner and Quenton Nelson. With the franchise seemingly waving the white flag on the 2026 season, fans and analysts are wondering which players could be shipped out next.
The most coveted of those players would almost certainly be running back Jonathan Taylor, who is off to a tremendous start following a 1,500-yard performance last year.
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As of Wednesday, however, Taylor has not requested a trade from the team, according to head coach Shane Steichen.
Taylor would presumably draw a ton of interest if placed on the market. While Taylor has battled injuries during his career, he’s been one of the best running backs in the game when healthy. The 27-year-old has exceeded 1,100 rushing yards in four of his six NFL seasons so far, and is on pace to beat that figure again in 2026.
That excellence, combined with Taylor’s current contract, should net the Colts a significant return in a deal. Taylor still has two years and $44 million left on his deal, meaning he would remain with his next team through the 2028 season.
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Given that, it could be in the Colts’ best interest to deal the star running back, even if he’s not trying to force his way out.
Wideout Josh Downs, on the other hand, is reportedly ready to leave. Reports emerged Wednesday suggesting Downs has informed the team he would like to be traded.
Downs was asked about those rumors, though didn’t directly address them. He didn’t deny them, either.
Downs, 25, has shown flashes of strong play since being selected by the team in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft, but has yet to post a 1,000-yard season. He came closest in 2024, going for 803 yards and five scores in just 14 games during his second season. His numbers dropped in 2025 despite Downs playing in more games.
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Big things were expected of the wideout this year, especially with Alec Pierce recovering from an ankle injury during the offseason. Downs is on pace to beat last year’s receiving total, but has turned in modest production so far. Through seven games, he has 307 yards and zero touchdowns.
Because of that, Downs is unlikely to draw a massive return if he’s dealt. While his numbers with the Colts have been muted, Downs could seen an uptick in his production if he goes to a team with a more explosive, pass-heavy offense.
The Colts have until Tuesday, Nov. 10 to make a decision on both players. But after already making some moves, the team has shown a willingness to act quickly if the right deal falls into its lap.
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