NFL2026-11-07Jonathan Taylor Trade Watch: The Colts Want a First-Round Pick, Five Teams Have Called and What Each Landing Spot Means for Fantasy Before Tuesday's Deadline
By Verdexed Fantasy Desk
Jonathan Taylor is the biggest name left on the NFL trade market with the deadline set for Tuesday, Nov. 10, at 4 p.m. ET. NFL Network and ESPN have reported that the Indianapolis Colts are open to trading their star running back, with discussions described as active and ongoing. The Colts are reportedly still asking for a first-round pick and maintaining that they do not have to move him, while interested teams believe a second-round pick plus another asset should be enough. That gap is the story of the next 72 hours, and for fantasy managers who roster Taylor or the backs on his potential new teams, it is the most consequential situation of the week.
The Denver Broncos, Minnesota Vikings, Green Bay Packers, Cincinnati Bengals and New York Giants have all reportedly reached out to Indianapolis. One insider reported that Taylor himself expects to be traded. Head coach Shane Steichen said this week he is not limiting Taylor's workload, and the Colts plan to start him Sunday against Dallas.
Where Taylor stands this season
Taylor has been productive but not dominant by his standards. Through eight games he has 148 carries for 610 yards and eight touchdowns, plus 21 receptions for 202 yards. His 4.1 yards per carry is the lowest of his career, and he has posted five games of at least 90 rushing yards without topping 100. His contract runs through the 2028 season.
| Stat (8 games) | Total |
|---|---|
| Carries | 148 |
| Rushing yards | 610 |
| Rushing touchdowns | 8 |
| Receptions | 21 |
| Receiving yards | 202 |
The touchdowns have carried his fantasy value. That matters for evaluating any trade: Taylor's value in a new offense will depend heavily on goal-line role, and every team in the mix has a different situation near the end zone.
Sunday first: Taylor vs. Dallas
Before any trade, Taylor gets one of the best matchups of the season. The Cowboys enter Week 9 allowing about 153 rushing yards per game, the worst mark in the league. Taylor is a must-start RB1 on Sunday regardless of the trade noise. The only risk is the remote possibility of a deal completed before kickoff, which is unlikely given the Colts' stated plan to play him.
Landing spot fantasy outlooks
Each reported suitor offers something different.
| Team | Fit | Fantasy outlook for Taylor |
|---|---|---|
| Denver | Rookie Jonah Coleman leads now | RB1, with a share for Coleman |
| Minnesota | Kyler Murray hurt, Wentz starting | RB1, heavy volume |
| Green Bay | High-scoring offense, Jordan Love | RB1 upside, best TD environment |
| Cincinnati | Joe Burrow, pass-first offense | RB1 / RB2, receiving role |
| NY Giants | NFC East leaders, injured backfield | RB1, workhorse role |
Denver would be the most disruptive for current fantasy rosters. Rookie Jonah Coleman has emerged as the Broncos' lead back after sealing their comeback over Kansas City, and a Taylor trade would almost certainly reduce him to a change-of-pace role. Coleman managers would need to treat Denver as the worst-case scenario.
Green Bay offers the best scoring environment. With Jordan Love among the league leaders in passing, Taylor would see lighter boxes and more red-zone opportunities. Minnesota and the Giants offer the clearest path to a workhorse role, with the Giants' backfield currently down to Devin Singletary while Cam Skattebo battles a hamstring injury and Tyrone Tracy sits on injured reserve. Cincinnati is the most pass-heavy fit, which could lower Taylor's carry volume but increase his target share.
Who wins and loses in Indianapolis
If Taylor is dealt, the Colts' backfield becomes a committee in the short term. The backup who inherits early-down work would become one of next week's top waiver-wire adds, and managers should monitor the depth chart and practice reports immediately after the deadline. Quarterback Daniel Jones, who kept the starting job despite nine interceptions, would also lose his most dependable weapon, which lowers the floor of the entire Indianapolis offense.
The deadline clock
Trades at the deadline often come together in the final hours, and the gap between the Colts' asking price and what suitors want to pay makes a late resolution likely in either direction. Physicals and league processing take time, so a deal agreed in principle on Tuesday afternoon may not be official until later in the evening. Fantasy managers should not drop or bench anyone on an initial report alone. Wait for confirmation from the team or league before making roster moves, and remember that waiver claims in most leagues will not process until Wednesday morning, which gives you time to react.
It is also worth remembering that the Colts can simply keep him. Indianapolis has said publicly that it does not have to trade Taylor, and a team that values him at a first-round pick may decide the return is not worth losing its most productive offensive player.
The Verdexed angle
The asking price is the key variable. The Colts holding firm at a first-round pick suggests they would rather keep Taylor than accept a discount, and a deal could come together late on Tuesday or not at all. For Verdexed's game-by-game view of Taylor's matchup with Dallas, see the NFL predictions page and the Week 9 picks.
What to do in your league
Taylor managers: start him Sunday and hold. Any landing spot keeps him an RB1-caliber player, and some upgrade his touchdown outlook.
Jonah Coleman managers: a Denver trade is the main risk. If you can sell Coleman for fair value before Tuesday, consider it. If not, hold and see.
Speculators: Indianapolis' backup running back is the Tuesday afternoon waiver add if a deal happens. Keep a roster spot flexible and watch the 4 p.m. ET deadline closely.