Minnesota Vikings, New York Giants Favorites To Land Indianapolis Colts Running Back Jonathan Taylor

INDIANAPOLIS — The Minnesota Vikings and New York Giants remain the favorites to land Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor, The Athletic’s Jonathan Jones reported Saturday. Jones also listed the Seattle Seahawks, Green Bay Packers, and Denver Broncos as being in the mix, though he has not gotten the impression the Packers or Broncos would buy high on Taylor.

Jones wrote that it would be a surprise if the Colts held on to Taylor past Tuesday’s 3 p.m. CT deadline, win or lose against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday.

Jonathan Taylor Price Remains The Sticking Point

Indianapolis is sitting on an offer of a second-round pick and more for Taylor, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport and ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Saturday. Jones noted a rumor late last week that the Colts rejected an offer of a second- and a fifth-round pick, which some of his sources doubted given how close it was to the haul San Francisco paid for Christian McCaffrey in 2022. Jones also reported that the Colts are not keen on paying salary to purchase picks.

Taylor signed a two-year, $44 million extension in August and turns 28 in January. He has 610 rushing yards, eighth in the NFL, and his 8 rushing touchdowns are tied for third.

Taylor wants the Colts to put a better product on the field after last week’s 42-7 loss at Jacksonville.

“It’s kind of dragged on for a while now, so at this point, it’s just noise,” Taylor said Thursday. “It’s been like three or four or however many weeks, so at this point, it becomes regular scheduled programming.”

Vikings, Giants Both Shopping At Running Back

Jones reported that Minnesota could add a running back, defensive tackle, guard, or quarterback by Tuesday. The Vikings host the Buffalo Bills on Monday Night Football.

The Giants have been eyeing running back and defensive tackle trades, Rapoport and Schefter reported, after talks for Washington Commanders defensive tackle Daron Payne ended when he broke his foot. New York (4-2-1) plays at the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday.

Insider Jordan Schultz reported this week that the Colts plan to wait until after Sunday’s game against Dallas to revisit trade talks, barring an offer that blows them away. The trade deadline is 3 p.m. CT Tuesday.