After a loss to the previously winless Titans dropped the Indianapolis Colts to 2-4 on the young season, the franchise fired general manager Chris Ballard, marking the first dismissal by owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon. Head coach Shane Steichen, who has zero postseason trips in four seasons, remains in charge but his seat is warming as Irsay-Gordon demands better results. The Colts' struggles are evident: quarterback Daniel Jones has been a turnover machine, and the defense ranks 28th in yards per play allowed and 26th in net yards per attempt allowed. Indianapolis is already without a 2027 first-round pick, traded to the Jets at the 2025 deadline, and could become significant sellers before the Nov. 10 trade deadline.
Jonathan Taylor emerges as prime trade candidate
Star running back Jonathan Taylor, who posted 20 touchdowns and nearly 2,000 yards from scrimmage last season and is on pace for another big year, headlines the list of players who could be moved. The 27-year-old has appeared in just one playoff game — as a rookie in 2020 — and the Colts' lack of contention makes a trade plausible. The situation draws comparisons to the Carolina Panthers' 2022 deal that sent Christian McCaffrey to the San Francisco 49ers for second-, third-, fourth- and fifth-round picks.
Mock trade scenarios for five potential suitors
New York Giants: Giants receive RB Jonathan Taylor; Colts receive RB Cam Skattebo, a 2027 second-round pick, and a 2028 fourth-round pick. The Giants used a four-running-back committee against the Saints and released Najee Harris. Coach John Harbaugh expressed a desire for a workhorse like Derrick Henry or Saquon Barkley, and Taylor could fill that role alongside quarterback Jaxson Dart next season.
Cincinnati Bengals: Bengals receive RB Jonathan Taylor and a 2027 fourth-round pick; Colts receive RB Chase Brown, a 2027 second-round pick, and a 2027 fifth-round pick. Brown, 26, is younger with less wear and a proven pass-catching ability. Cincinnati, which traded the No. 10 pick for Dexter Lawrence in April, could use Taylor to improve its under-center offense.
Denver Broncos: Broncos receive RB Jonathan Taylor and a 2027 fifth-round pick; Colts receive RB J.K. Dobbins, a 2027 second-round pick, and a 2027 fourth-round pick. Denver, which traded a first-round pick for Jaylen Waddle, has struggled to establish a ground game, exacerbating quarterback Bo Nix's difficulties. Dobbins is on a two-year deal with an out after this season.
Seattle Seahawks: Seahawks receive RB Jonathan Taylor; Colts receive RB Jadarian Price and a 2027 second-round pick. Seattle misses Kenneth Walker III and has suffered fumbles from Emanuel Wilson and George Holani. Offensive coordinator Brian Fleury, formerly with the 49ers, understands the value of a top running back.
Minnesota Vikings: Vikings receive RB Jonathan Taylor; Colts receive RB Jordan Mason, a 2027 second-round pick, and a 2027 fifth-round pick. The 5-0 Vikings have shown an improved run game, and Mason is returning from a thumb injury. Pairing Taylor with mobile quarterback Kyler Murray would give Kevin O'Connell a dynamic offense, while Minnesota has ample draft capital to spare.
