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Jonathan Taylor, the Indianapolis Colts' star running back, clarified on Thursday that he has not asked to be traded, though he admitted the outcome is not up to him. "I haven't heard anything," Taylor told reporters, according to FOX59's Mike Chappell. "I can't control that, obviously. Like you guys know, I'm proud to wear the horseshoe, proud to be here. Similar to Quenton [Nelson] and [DeForest Buckner], they were proud to wear the horseshoe, they were proud to be here. But obviously, circumstances may cause otherwise. Hopefully that day may not come, but I can't control that."
Taylor emphasized that his focus remains on preparing for the upcoming game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. "The only thing that I can control is rallying these guys in the locker room, helping us put together a great plan and executing a great plan for Jacksonville because it's a division game and they're licking their chops right now," he said. "They think they're going to kick us while we're down and that has to be the point of emphasis."
The running back's remarks follow a week in which the Colts traded guard Quenton Nelson and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner, and reports surfaced that wide receiver Josh Downs has requested a trade. According to reports, Colts owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon does not want to trade Taylor as the Nov. 10 NFL trade deadline approaches. However, with the team sitting at 2-5 and seemingly in a fire sale, interest in the All-Pro running back would likely be substantial if he were made available.
Head coach Shane Steichen addressed the situation on Wednesday when asked if Taylor had requested a trade. "Those are hypothetical things right now," Steichen said. "I know there's stuff floating around out there, but JT's on our football team."
Taylor, 27, is in his seventh NFL season, all with the Colts. He signed a two-year, $44 million extension in August with $39 million guaranteed. The extension runs through the 2028 season, with a salary cap hit of $16.2 million this season, $21 million in 2027, and just under $23 million in 2028, according to Over the Cap. Taylor has rushed for at least 1,100 yards in four of his six NFL seasons and has just under 600 yards through seven games this season.
Key Analysis
Taylor's public stance underscores the tension between player loyalty and the business realities of the NFL. While he expresses a desire to remain with the Colts, the team's recent roster moves and losing record suggest a possible rebuild. Taylor's contract and production make him an attractive trade target, but the owner's reported reluctance indicates the decision may hinge on offers that are too good to refuse. For now, Taylor channels his energy into leading the locker room and preparing for a crucial division matchup.
Originally reported by yahoo.