The Indianapolis Colts flipped their roster before the 2026 deadline, yet they kept their biggest star. The team sent out guard Quenton Nelson, receiver Josh Downs, and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner. They also moved veteran wideout Keenan Allen. One name never left the building: Jonathan Taylor. Per Fox Sports, the 2-7 squad refused to deal the three-time Pro Bowl running back despite the chaos.
A Sale of Everything Else
General manager Ed Dodds took over as interim boss on Oct. 19 after firing Chris Ballard. The new leadership group acted fast to clear cap space and grab future picks. A 2027 third-round selection plus a 2028 fifth-rounder were exchanged by Seattle to acquire Nelson from Indianapolis. They sent Downs to Kansas City along with a seventh-round selection in exchange for a fourth and fifth. The 49ers took Buckner and Allen, giving up a 2027 fourth and a sixth-round pick. Daniel Jones also stayed put, holding onto his two-year, $88 million deal signed in the offseason. The team sold high on established talent while keeping the young engine in the backfield.
Taylor has spent six seasons with the franchise after being selected No. 41 overall in the 2020 NFL Draft. He led the league in rushing touchdowns in 2021 and 2025, including an outstanding 2021 campaign in which he rushed for 1,811 yards and 18 touchdowns. In 2025, he added another 1,585 yards and 18 scores. The numbers show he remains one of the league’s most productive running backs, even as the team struggles around him.
Why The Backfield Stays Put
The numbers this season tell a mixed story for the Colts’ offense. Taylor has accumulated 656 rushing yards and eight touchdowns through nine games. He averages 4.1 yards per carry and has caught 26 passes for 220 yards. Yet he has not reached the 100-yard rushing mark in a single game this year. His workload has also dipped recently, with just 21 carries over the last two contests. The team could have found a buyer for a player with these stats. Instead, they held firm. The front office clearly views him as the foundation for whatever comes next, even if the current season looks bleak.
Trading a player of his caliber usually brings a massive haul of draft capital. The Colts moved several established stars, including multiple Pro Bowl selections, while keeping the one player they appear determined to build around. They kept the one player who can single-handedly change a game. The decision signals a shift in how the team plans to rebuild. They will not sell the crown jewel just to get a few extra picks.
Taylor remains with the Colts after the deadline passed on Tuesday.
