ESPN's Adam Schefter reported this week that the Indianapolis Colts are open to trading three-time Pro Bowl running back Jonathan Taylor before the November 10 trade deadline. According to NFL insider Jeremy Fowler, Indianapolis is seeking "a second-round pick and more" for the star running back.
Schefter identified the New York Giants, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, and Denver Broncos as teams that have spoken with the Colts. Jordan Schultz later added the Cincinnati Bengals to the list of interested franchises. With talks ongoing, here is a ranking of the five contenders based on their likelihood of completing a deal.
5. New York Giants
The Giants would benefit greatly from Taylor's addition, but they are considered the least likely to finalize a trade. After sending a 2027 fifth-round pick for quarterback JJ McCarthy in September, parting with second- or third-round picks would leave them with as few as four selections in next year's draft. For a roster still being built under new head coach John Harbaugh, such a move would be highly risky.
4. Green Bay Packers
Green Bay possesses 11 picks in the 2027 draft, including two each in the third, fourth, and sixth rounds, plus three in the fifth, allowing them to assemble a strong package without a first-rounder. However, the Packers already have Josh Jacobs on the roster, and a potential suspension for Jacobs could complicate the logic of acquiring another high-priced running back. If the bidding war escalates to require a first-round pick, Green Bay would likely withdraw.
3. Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals enter the sweepstakes with a defense allowing 20.3 points per game, eighth-best in the NFL, but their rushing offense ranks third-worst at 81.2 yards per game. Taylor would significantly upgrade a 4-2 team's offense. Cincinnati owns all its 2027 picks plus an extra third-rounder, though fitting Taylor's contract under the salary cap could be challenging given existing financial commitments.
2. Minnesota Vikings
Veteran Aaron Jones Sr. has provided solid production, but Taylor offers a game-breaking dimension both on the ground and through the air that could elevate Minnesota's offense to match its elite defense. The Vikings could put together the best offer if willing to include a first-round pick, potentially packaging it with one of their two third-rounders and one of three fifth-rounders in 2027.
1. Denver Broncos
The Broncos top the rankings due to their urgency to win now. A Bo Nix injury before last season's AFC Championship Game likely cost them a Super Bowl appearance, and with Nix on his rookie deal for only two more seasons, Denver's title window is roughly two-and-a-half years. Facing a resurgent Kansas City Chiefs in the division, the Broncos are prepared to meet the Colts' asking price, armed with all their future draft capital and extra picks in 2027.
