New NFL Rumors on Potential Jonathan Taylor, Josh Downs Trades After Colts' Nelson, Buckner Deals

Running back Jonathan Taylor and wide receiver Josh Downs have emerged as names that could be on the trade block amid the Indianapolis Colts' on-the-fly rebuild.

On the heels of the 2-5 Colts dealing guard Quenton Nelson to the Seattle Seahawks and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner to the San Francisco 49ers on Tuesday, there is some belief that they may not be done selling off pieces.

The biggest trade asset remaining on Indy's roster is Taylor, although there is reportedly some doubt over whether interim general manager Ed Dodds would be willing to move him.

According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler , opposing teams "aren't totally sold" on the Colts trading Taylor "despite heavy interest." He added that Taylor "isn't a slam dunk" to get moved.

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

ESPN's Dan Graziano noted that Taylor's contract is "tradeable" since the acquiring team would only have to take on $8 million in prorated salary plus bonus money for this season, and could technically move on from Taylor within five days after the Super Bowl without having to make any financial commitment for next season.

While the Colts do appear to be in the midst of a fire sale, it is fair to wonder if they would trade Taylor since he is the face of the franchise, signed for multiple years and the centerpiece of the offense, having eclipsed 1,400 rushing yards in each of the past two seasons.

As for Downs, he is set to become a free agent during the offseason, perhaps making him more attainable.

Per Fowler, Downs "has emerged as a hot name this week" since multiple teams with a need at wide receiver have "shown interest" in him.

Fowler added that he senses Downs "would not be against a change of scenery," although he isn't sure if the Colts will move them since they are already thin at wide receiver with Alec Pierce on injured reserve.

A third-round pick by the Colts in the 2023 NFL draft, Downs set career highs in 2024 with 72 receptions for 803 yards and five touchdowns, but his production dipped last season to 58 grabs for 566 yards and four touchdowns.

He is on pace for a career-worst season in 2026, recording 26 catches for 307 yards and no touchdowns through seven games.