Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor said Thursday he wants to remain with the team despite mounting trade deadline speculation following the franchise's blockbuster deals earlier this week.
The Colts shipped All-Pro guard Quenton Nelson to the Seattle Seahawks and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner to the San Francisco 49ers, signaling a clear rebuild. With the team sitting at 2-5 and general manager Chris Ballard fired mid-season, attention has turned to Taylor as the next potential departure.
Taylor commits to Colts
"I haven't heard anything," Taylor said. "I can't control that. Obviously, like you guys know, I'm always proud to wear the horseshoe, proud to be here. Similar to Quenton and Buck. They were proud to wear the horseshoe. They were proud to be here. But obviously, circumstances may cause otherwise. Hopefully that day may not come, but I can't control that."
Taylor, who has spent his first six and a half seasons with Indianapolis after being drafted in the second round in 2020, emphasized he has not requested a trade. The uncertainty has also affected his family; his wife, Ayanna, posted on social media that her "mind is spiraling" amid the trade buzz.
On-field focus
The Colts prepare for a Week 8 divisional matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, entering as sizable underdogs. Additional losses could push the team further toward the bottom of the NFL standings.
Trade value and suitors
Taylor has twice led the league in rushing touchdowns, including last season, and paced the NFL in rushing yards in 2021 when he earned first-team All-Pro honors. Through seven games this season he has eight rushing touchdowns, on pace to challenge his career high of 18. The Minnesota Vikings have been mentioned as a potential fit given their offensive needs and elite defense, but multiple teams could pursue a running back upgrade before the Nov. 10 deadline.
"Obviously, it was all speculation until stuff started happening," Taylor said. "Quenton, Buck, those guys are the gold standard of the NFL. Obviously the business side of things, that's where it sucks at. I wish some way, somehow, I could have done more. I wanted to win for those guys. We wanted to get it done here with those guys. Especially Q. He's part of the guys who laid the groundwork. They're definitely gonna be missed."
