Colts ask for two second-round picks to move Jonathan Taylor

The Indianapolis Colts are demanding a massive return for running back Jonathan Taylor as the NFL trade deadline approaches next Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET. According to reports from NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and ESPN's Adam Schefter, the team wants a package similar to the 2023 Christian McCaffrey deal, which included a second-round pick, a third-round pick, and additional capital. This high bar has frozen the market for other available backs.

Taylor brings elite metrics to the table. Over the past two seasons, he has maintained a 41.2% rushing success rate and averaged 4.7 yards per carry. Those numbers compare favorably to Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry, who posted success rates of 35.4% and 37.8% respectively in the two seasons before their own trades.

Four teams are identified as primary targets for Taylor: the Vikings, Giants, Broncos, and Bengals. The Packers and Seahawks are listed as surprise candidates. Each of these squads faces distinct backfield struggles. The Broncos rely on fourth-round rookie Jonah Coleman, while the Vikings saw quarterback Kyler Murray become their leading rusher against the Lions.

The Giants have questions about Cam Skattebo's reliability as a three-down player. The Bengals seek an upgrade over Chase Brown. The Packers remain uncertain about Josh Jacobs, who returned from the commissioner exempt list but has not regained his previous form. If the Colts hold firm on their demands, these teams may turn to secondary options.

Tony Pollard of the Titans is a likely candidate for those teams. He has recorded consecutive games with 100-plus rushing yards and offers steady energy. The Giants are considered a strong fit because assistant coach Brian Callahan has prior familiarity with Pollard. The Cardinals might also move players like Bam Knight or Tyler Allgeier, while the Jaguars could trade Chris Rodriguez Jr. to a team that needs a twitchy complement.

The market appears unusually deep this year. The Rams are distributing carries between Blake Corum and Kyren Williams, with Corum drawing 29 touches to Williams' 35 over the last two weeks. The Chargers have three playable backs, matching their win total. The Seahawks feature Zach Charbonnet, Jadarian Price, and Emanuel Wilson, and the Saints will soon add Travis Etienne Jr. to a crowded backfield.

Historical data supports the likelihood of movement. In four of the past nine seasons, at least two running backs changed teams during October and November. In 2022, six running backs were traded. The fungibility of backfield contracts makes midseason moves easier than at other positions.

The pressure on the market is driven by the immediate need of contenders. If Taylor is dealt to one team, the remaining three will compete for Pollard or other options. That competition could inflate prices for secondary targets or result in a surprise blockbuster deal. If the Colts find no partner at their asking price, the market may stall completely by the deadline.