Colts demand steep price for Jonathan Taylor
The trade deadline arrives Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET, with the Colts’ asking price for their star running back setting the tone for a market defined by high costs and high need.
By Rahul Garnier ·
The 2026 NFL trade deadline is set for Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET, and the primary focal point is the valuation of Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the Colts are seeking a return comparable to the Christian McCaffrey package from 2023, which included a second-round pick, a third-round pick, and additional capital. This asking price has frozen the market, forcing other teams to weigh the risk of overpaying against the necessity of upgrading their backfields.
Taylor’s statistics support a premium valuation. Over the past two seasons, he has posted a 41.2% success rate and averaged 4.7 yards per carry. For context, Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry recorded success rates of 35.4% and 37.8%, respectively, before their respective 2024 trades. Teams with serious run-game concerns, including the Broncos, Vikings, Packers, and Bengals, are staring down the Colts' demands while assessing their own rosters.
The uncertainty surrounding Taylor has created a secondary market of interest. If the Colts hold firm, teams may pivot to alternatives like the Titans' Tony Pollard or the Jets' Breece Hall. Jets head coach Aaron Glenn stated after a loss to the Raiders, "We're in the business of keeping good players, and he's one of our better players. So, Breece will still be here." However, speculation persists that general manager Darren Mougey might move Hall if a high bid comes from a team that misses out on Taylor.
The Dallas Cowboys present a contrasting scenario, where financial structure is driving potential movement. Executive vice president Stephen Jones said this week that the team is open to acquiring a player to help salvage the season. The Cowboys currently hold a 3-5 record and are heavily leveraged in future draft capital. They have 10 total picks over the next two drafts, the fewest in the league alongside the Rams, Texans, and Bears who have 12 each.
The financial pressure is driven by the franchise tag on wide receiver George Pickens. He is playing on a $27.3 million tag and will either enter free agency or receive a second tag worth approximately $32.8 million in 2027. The Cowboys also face similar obligations with Joey Porter Jr., who is also playing on a tag. Over the Cap data places Dallas 22nd in the league in 2027 cap space and 25th in 2028 cap space, limiting their ability to absorb another $33 million contract.
Pickens had a career-best 93 catches and 1,429 yards last season, but he has cleared 100 receiving yards only once this year. The Cowboys have the second-most expensive quarterback in Dak Prescott and the sixth-most expensive receiver in CeeDee Lamb, whose average annual value is $34 million. Extending Pickens at a market rate would likely push his salary near Lamb's level, complicating the team's cap management strategy for 2027.
Other teams are also evaluating their running back depth. The Cardinals have three players, Bam Knight, Tyler Allgeier, and James Conner, competing for touches while rookie Jeremiyah Love recovers. The Jaguars' Chris Rodriguez Jr. has lost his timeshare to Bhayshul Tuten but remains a solid option. The Saints are set to add Travis Etienne Jr. back into a backfield that already includes Alvin Kamara and Kendre Miller.
Historical data suggests this is a common occurrence. In four of the past nine seasons, at least two running backs changed teams during the October and November window. In 2022, six running backs were traded. The current market features a higher volume of available players than previous deadlines, yet the need is concentrated among four clear contenders: the Broncos, Bengals, Packers, and Vikings.
The Vikings and Packers are particularly concerned with their run games, as they are aiming for deep NFC playoff runs. The Vikings have struggled to establish a rushing attack, with quarterback Kyler Murray serving as their leading rusher against the Lions. The Packers have Josh Jacobs back from the commissioner exempt list, but he has not returned to his previous form. These teams may look beyond the top targets to find value in the remaining options.
The deadline will conclude on Nov. 10 at 4 p.m. ET. If the Colts do not trade Taylor, the market may stall, leaving the other contenders to scramble for the remaining options. The decision on Taylor will dictate the flow of capital and the final composition of several contending rosters for the second half of the season.
Source: ESPN
