The latest Indianapolis Colts trade rumors could begin to spark in the middle of the 2026 campaign if they’re off to a slow start, and RB Jonathan Taylor is the favorite to be moved. While Taylor is seeking an extension, CBS’s Garrett Podell named the speedster as a possible “Giannis-like” type trade candidate during this upcoming season. Taylor, a former second-round pick, has been one of the best runners in the league since his arrival in 2020. Right behind Baltimore Ravens’ Derrick Henry, the former Wisconsin product averages 90.5 career rushing yards per game, which is fifth-best in NFL history.
Meanwhile, the Colts haven’t been successful during the years that the running back has been highly productive. While he remains atop his game, entering the final year of his current deal, the pressure is on QB Daniel Jones and this offense to turn the page. After trading Michael Pittman Jr. to Pittsburgh earlier this offseason, the team has been “mulling” adding a WR replacement to assist Alec Pierce and Josh Downs in the aerial attack. Unfortunately, the running back is probably in the worst situation possible.
GM Chris Ballard and head coach Shane Steichen are apparently on the hot seat entering the 2026 campaign. What does this mean for an organization entering a possible rebuild soon? Keep reading.
Colts Trade: $11.98M Swift Weapon Connected to Steelers
Trade Request Loading?
Taylor is waiting on a new deal, and after seeing Pierce earn a new contract, he could grow impatient. If the team doesn’t see him in their long-term plans, what are the Colts doing holding onto him? Obviously, they aren’t going to release him; that’d be ridiculous, but if the star doesn’t feel valued in Indianapolis, nobody should be surprised if he requests a trade.
When will that come? It will probably happen a week before NFL Training Camp, where the ultimate drama could commence. The Colts can’t afford to let their keystone player walk to a new team at the same time. However, if the team is heading into a rebuild soon, why complain, right?
Panic in Indianapolis?
It’s 50/50 right now. The Colts shouldn’t be afraid of a possible trade request, but if they continue to stall well into the 2026 season, it could backfire. Let’s say all hell breaks loose during the season, and the team is 3-7. Is Taylor going to stay? Of course not. As Indianapolis is probably going to fire Steichen and Ballard, they have no other choice but to trade their star before the trade deadline.
Evaluating the Steelers Trade Fit
Taylor joining the Steelers would only make sense if either Jaylen Warren or free agent Rico Dowdle suffers a major injury in the 2026 season. It also depends if veteran Aaron Rodgers can prove he can put the Steelers in a winning position in his final year in the league. If the team finds itself undefeated after six games, yes, a trade is possible.
However, the same case can be said about Indianapolis. If it’s too much of a disaster there, it’s time for the Colts to move on. Overall, the Steelers’ acquiring the running back right now doesn’t make sense. You’d have to wait and see how this season plays out, and with that, let’s explore two teams that are more likely to land the speedster if the Colts made Taylor available.
Possible Suitors
Chicago Bears
With RB Roschon Johnson likely on his way out of Chicago before the 2026 season, the Chicago Bears could push for greater heights and supply QB Caleb Williams with one of the greatest assets in the backfield. Kyle Monangai showed plenty of promise last year, holding down much of the field while D’Andre Swift has been slowing down. The Bears may consider Taylor if they find themselves crawling for a postseason push late in 2026.
Green Bay Packers
Meanwhile, the Packers are probably the most likely team that may push hard for Taylor. Green Bay understands that starting RB Josh Jacobs is in legal trouble, but it’s still pending on what happens. While they won’t consider adding another RB since they have Marshawn Lloyd and Chris Brooks, they could reconsider if their ground game depth collapses during the season, with Jacobs facing a possible suspension.
