Jonathan Taylor trade rumors link him to Broncos
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The gist
The Colts are open to trading star running back Jonathan Taylor, with the Broncos among teams that have checked in.
Denver's weak rushing attack makes a deal worth watching before the Nov. 10 deadline.
Background
Jonathan Taylor is the Indianapolis Colts' star running back, a three-time Pro Bowler and former NFL rushing champion. The Colts have begun a fire sale ahead of the Nov. 10 trade deadline, already dealing star guard Quenton Nelson and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner, and are now open to moving Taylor, particularly after a 42-7 loss to division rival Jacksonville. Denver's interest stems from a bottom-10 rushing attack: RJ Harvey is on injured reserve and J.K. Dobbins is averaging 3.3 yards per carry. The Broncos are competing with several teams, including the Vikings, Giants, Packers and Seahawks, who have also inquired.
How it unfolded
- Oct 31, 2026The Colts turned down a trade offer that included a 2027 second-round pick and an additional pick for Taylor, per NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.
- Oct 31, 2026Sources told ESPN and NFL Network the Colts are now open to trading Taylor and talks are active; interested teams include the Broncos, Packers, Vikings, Giants and Seahawks.
- Nov 1, 2026Jordan Schultz reported the Vikings, Giants, Broncos, Bengals and Packers have checked in on Taylor, and the asking price is believed to be too high right now.
- Nov 2, 2026Broncos head coach Sean Payton said he and GM George Paton would evaluate opportunities to improve the roster but did not confirm any specific pursuit of Taylor.
- Nov 2, 2026The Denver Post reported Denver has checked in with Indianapolis about Taylor, and that the Colts are open to dealing him after already trading Quenton Nelson and DeForest Buckner.
- Nov 2, 2026Zac Stevens of DNVR said he believed Denver would make a strong push to acquire Taylor and suggested a move could develop quickly.
- Nov 3, 2026NBC Sports listed the Vikings and Broncos among potential landing spots, citing Stevens' reporting that Denver is pushing hard.
- Nov 5, 2026ESPN's Adam Schefter reported the Colts have received at least one offer of a second-round pick plus additional compensation but have not made a trade; Ian Rapoport implied Indy is looking for a first-round offer.
- Nov 5, 2026The Broncos became the favorites to land Taylor after their 28-24 win over Kansas City, per SI.
Key terms
- Pro Bowler
- The annual all-star game of the National Football League featuring the league's star players.
- injured reserve
- A designation in North American pro sports leagues for athletes who are injured and unable to play.
- second-round pick
- Selections in the NFL's annual player draft, which teams can use to choose players or trade.
Source: Wikipedia
Who’s saying what
- Caution
- Sean Payton declined to discuss what he called "internet gossip," saying only that he and GM George Paton would evaluate ways to improve the roster.
- Analysts
- Zac Stevens of DNVR said he believed Denver would make a strong push for Taylor and that a move could develop quickly.
- Analysts
- NFL On Prime insider James Palmer said the Broncos are monitoring the situation but that it is "more than likely" Taylor stays in Indianapolis.
- Bears
- Jordan Schultz reported the asking price is believed to be too high right now, while Ian Rapoport implied Indianapolis wants a first-round offer.
Still unverified
Whether the Broncos have made an offer for Taylor, what they would give up, or how close a deal might be is unconfirmed; Payton's comments supplied no confirmation of a pending transaction. Zac Stevens' report described Denver's intentions rather than an announced agreement, and James Palmer said it is "more than likely" Taylor stays in Indianapolis.