Jonathan Taylor Reveals Trade Request Stance Amid Colts' Fire Sale, Rumors Ahead of NFL Deadline

Despite the Indianapolis Colts initiating a fire sale this week, superstar running back Jonathan Taylor is not looking to push his way out of the organization.

According to James Boyd of The Athletic, Taylor said Thursday that he has not requested a trade, although Taylor also acknowledged that he doesn't have "full control of his future."

Taylor offered additional comments on where things stand with him, telling reporters that he is proud to be a member of the Colts.

"I haven't heard anything, and I can't control that, obviously. You guys know that I'm always proud to wear the horseshoe, proud to be here. And similar to Quenton [Nelson] and [DeForest Buckner], they were proud to wear the horseshoe, proud to be here. But obviously, circumstances may cause otherwise. So, hopefully that day may not come. But I can't control that.

"The only thing I can control is corralling these guys in the locker room, helping us put together a great plan, and executing a great play for Jacksonville—because, like I said, it's a division game. They're licking their chops right now, they think they're going to kick us while we're down, and that has to be a point of emphasis. So, we've got to just take it day-by-day."

On Tuesday, the 2-5 Colts made two huge moves, trading guard Quenton Nelson to the Seattle Seahawks for a 2027 third-round pick and 2028 fifth-round selection, and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner to the San Francisco 49ers for a 2027 fourth-rounder.

Amid the Colts moving on from other key players, Taylor has naturally come up in trade rumors and speculation in recent days.

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported Wednesday that although there is "heavy interest" in Taylor, teams "aren't totally sold" on the idea of the Colts trading him, and he "isn't a slam dunk" to get moved.

Indy signed Taylor to a two-year, $44 million extension in August, meaning he is under contract through the 2028 season.

As a result, the Colts don't necessarily have to feel any pressure to trade Taylor, even if it is clear that they are looking past this season and into the future.

If the Colts have designs on bouncing back next season and getting back in the playoff mix, then Taylor figures to be a huge part of that process.

The 27-year-old Taylor is the Colts' best offensive player and the face of the franchise, meaning there would be bigger implications behind trading him than there were for Nelson or Buckner.

A three-time Pro Bowler and one-time First Team All-Pro, Taylor is trending toward yet another great season, having rushed for 587 yards and eight touchdowns, while also catching 17 passes for 178 yards through seven games.

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Taylor is also coming off two hugely productive seasons, rushing for 1,431 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2024, as well as 1,585 yards and 18 touchdowns last season.

For a running back of his caliber, teams would likely be willing to give up a significant package of draft picks.

Most running backs don't garner a first-round pick in this day and age, but Taylor is a supreme talent and a difference-maker, so that may be what the Colts are holding out for.

Taylor is showing no signs of slowing down, though, and appears to be firmly in his prime, so the Colts may view him as a foundational piece who can continue to be a key contributor for years to come.

The Colts' stance will become clearer over the next couple of weeks, as the NFL trade deadline is on Nov. 10.