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The Indianapolis Colts are facing a possible organizational overhaul after parting ways with longtime general manager Chris Ballard just six weeks into the 2026 NFL season. The central question now is what direction the franchise will take: a quick retool around its core players or a full-scale rebuild that could begin as early as the 2027 offseason. If the Colts choose the latter, they could become one of the most active sellers ahead of the 2026 trade deadline.
Among their most valuable trade chips is veteran running back Jonathan Taylor. Through seven weeks, the 27-year-old has amassed 587 rushing yards and a league-leading eight rushing touchdowns on 140 carries. He is on pace for his fourth season with at least 1,500 scrimmage yards and has twice led the NFL in total touchdowns during his seven-year career. With numerous contenders seeking backfield help, Taylor projects as the top three-down playmaker available on the market.
Several teams could inquire about Taylor. Below are six potential suitors, beginning with a contender in need of an offensive spark.
Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings remain the NFL's only undefeated team, but their offense will need to improve to sustain that success. Minnesota ranks 28th in offensive EPA per play, according to NFL Next Gen Stats, and has relied on the steady but unspectacular tandem of Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason in the running game. A three-down threat like Taylor would represent a significant upgrade and allow coach Kevin O'Connell to adopt a more physical, run-oriented approach that complements Brian Flores' aggressive defense. Taylor's age (27) and contract through 2028 also make him an attractive long-term fit. Jones turns 32 in December, while Mason, also 27, is set to become a free agent after the season.
Seattle Seahawks
Seattle's rushing attack has struggled in 2026 after losing Kenneth Walker III to the Kansas City Chiefs in free agency. The Seahawks rank 22nd in team rushing success rate (38.8%) and their running backs are averaging just 3.6 yards per carry collectively. Seattle may opt to wait for the return of first-round rookie Jadarian Price and fourth-year veteran Zach Charbonnet to spark a resurgence. However, the team's earlier pursuit of Joe Mixon suggested it is not fully comfortable with its current backfield, so general manager John Schneider could be tempted to pursue Taylor to boost Seattle's chances of repeating as Super Bowl champions.
Denver Broncos
Despite a 5-2 start, the Broncos' offense has been lackluster, particularly in the running game. Denver ranks 30th in rush success rate, and primary backs J.K. Dobbins and RJ Harvey have combined to average 3.4 yards per carry. Coach Sean Payton may want to see more from fourth-round rookie Jonah Coleman, who led the team with nine carries for 54 yards in Week 7 against the Arizona Cardinals. But if Denver seeks a more reliable option, Taylor fits the bill. He would alleviate pressure on quarterback Bo Nix and help the Broncos pair a more consistent, possession-oriented offense with their explosive defense.
New York Giants
The Giants' running game erupted in Week 7 against the Houston Texans, as Cam Skattebo responded to being benched by rushing for 124 yards and a touchdown on 17 carries. Whether that breakout earns him long-term trust from coach John Harbaugh remains uncertain, but given Harbaugh's success with Derrick Henry in Baltimore, he could be inclined to pursue a player like Taylor, especially with New York holding an inside track to the NFC East title. A Taylor-Skattebo tandem would form a formidable one-two punch and allow J.J. McCarthy to operate in the game-manager role for which he is best suited. That could help the Giants make a playoff push while also positioning them to support Jaxson Dart in 2027 when the 2025 first-round pick returns from a season-ending knee injury.
Washington Commanders
At 1-4-1, the Commanders may not appear to be major buyers before the 2026 trade deadline. Nevertheless, they could explore a deal for Taylor given their need for a top-tier starting running back and additional playmaking support around Jayden Daniels. Pairing Daniels and Taylor for at least a couple of seasons would be appealing, allowing Washington to build its offensive identity around Taylor's three-down abilities and Daniels' mobility. Adding a three-down back would also help offset the loss of Terry McLaurin to a torn patellar tendon. Additionally, coach Dan Quinn and general manager Adam Peters are on relatively hot seats and need to start winning to secure their jobs beyond this season. Acquiring Taylor would aid that effort while providing a long-term upgrade at running back.
Green Bay Packers
The Packers likely won't pursue Taylor now that Josh Jacobs has returned from the commissioner's exempt list. However, if Green Bay fears Jacobs could face another suspension related to his offseason arrest, the team might seek an insurance option at running back. Taylor would represent the high-end range of possibilities for the Packers, and it's intriguing to imagine how their offense would look with two big-time threats in the backfield. More likely, Green Bay will target a lower-priced veteran such as Tyjae Spears or Kimani Vidal, who could serve as an upgrade over MarShawn Lloyd (2.6 yards per carry) behind Jacobs.
Originally reported by yahoo.