Surrounding the future of Jonathan Taylor, Indianapolis is keeping its star running back while trading away wide receivers Keenan Allen and Josh Downs.
The Colts entered Tuesday, Nov. 10, amid a five-game losing streak. After beginning the season with legitimate playoff aspirations, Indianapolis has fallen to 2-7 and is now focused on reshaping its roster.
The organization has already traded All-Pro guard Quenton Nelson and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner. Yet, Taylor’s situation has taken a different direction.
While the Colts are moving on from several notable players, keeping Taylor suggests the franchise still sees a foundation worth building around. Or at least wants to wait until around March, after the season ends, to generate more value for the historic running back.
Colts Keep Jonathan Taylor Amid Trade Rumors
Jonathan Taylor was one of the biggest names available ahead of the NFL trade deadline. The star running back attracted interest from several contending teams as Indianapolis explored its options. However, the Colts ultimately decided to keep their most productive offensive weapon.
Taylor remains one of the NFL’s premier running backs. His ability to create explosive plays and carry an offense makes him a valuable piece for a team looking to compete in the future.
The decision to retain Taylor also makes sense from a financial standpoint. Indianapolis signed him to a contract extension in August of this year, keeping him under contract beyond the 2027 season.
Taylor has repeatedly expressed his desire to remain with the Colts. Following the trades of Nelson and Buckner, he acknowledged the difficult business decisions facing the organization.
Taylor’s value extends beyond his production on the field. He is a team captain and one of the most recognizable players in Indianapolis. Trading him would have represented another significant departure from the franchise’s previous direction.
Instead, the Colts will have an opportunity to build around Taylor as they look toward the 2027 season, hopefully with the intention of either generating more interest or legitimately competing. Regardless, the notion of having high demands for a player of Taylor’s caliber indicates that perhaps this is less of a rebuild and more of a soft reset for the Horseshoe.
Colts Trade Keenan Allen to 49ers
Indianapolis also made a significant move by trading veteran wide receiver Keenan Allen to the San Francisco 49ers. The Colts reportedly received a 2027 sixth-round draft pick in exchange for the six-time Pro Bowl receiver. Which, for Allen’s age, is a good return all things considered.
Allen joined Indianapolis shortly before the 2026 season. The veteran was expected to provide an experienced receiving option after Alec Pierce’s injury created uncertainty within the team’s wide receiver room. With Indianapolis struggling to remain competitive, Allen became a potential trade candidate.
The 49ers, meanwhile, have dealt with injuries throughout their receiving corps. Adding Allen gives San Francisco another experienced target as it attempts to strengthen its offense for the postseason. Allen recorded 40 receptions for 351 yards and one touchdown in eight games with Indianapolis.
While his departure leaves the Colts with less experience at wide receiver, the organization receives another future draft pick. For a team looking toward the future, turning a veteran player into draft capital is a logical decision.
Josh Downs Traded to Kansas City
Lastly, the Colts traded Josh Downs to the Kansas City Chiefs, ending another chapter in Indianapolis’ changing roster. Downs had become one of the most notable trade candidates after reportedly requesting a trade earlier in the season. The fourth-year receiver had struggled to consistently produce during the Colts’ losing streak.
His situation became increasingly complicated as Indianapolis explored potential deals ahead of the deadline. Kansas City acquired Downs and a 2027 seventh-round pick in exchange for 2027 fourth- and fifth-round draft selections.
The move gives the Chiefs another receiving option while providing Indianapolis with additional draft capital. Downs was originally selected by the Colts in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft. He quickly became an important part of the offense, particularly as a slot receiver.
His departure leaves Indianapolis with another hole to address at wide receiver. With that being said, the Colts now have additional draft selections to help rebuild their receiving corps and strengthen other areas of the roster, as well as a chance to continue evaluating 2026 7th-round pick wide receiver Deon Burks’ performance, as he will automatically slot into Josh Downs’ role.
End Of My Trade Deadline Rant
The Colts’ trade deadline decisions reflect a franchise attempting to balance its immediate future with its long-term goals. Trading Nelson and Buckner represented a major shift in Indianapolis’ approach. Moving Allen and Downs adds to that transition.
Additionally, Keeping Taylor provides the Colts with an established offensive centerpiece. The organization now has to determine how it wants to approach the 2027 season. With an interim general manager in Ed Dodds, Indianapolis will also have a different decision-maker leading its next roster-building effort.
Taylor’s future could remain a storyline beyond Tuesday’s deadline. Keeping him now does not necessarily guarantee he will remain with the franchise indefinitely. For the moment, though, Indianapolis has made its decision.
The Colts are moving on from several notable players while keeping one of their most important offensive weapons. Whether that decision leads to a successful rebuild remains to be seen. But the trade deadline has provided a clearer picture of Indianapolis’ direction.
The Colts are looking toward the future, and Jonathan Taylor remains part of the plan. The real question now is: who will emerge as the candidate to fill the vacant general manager position after getting draft capital through today’s trade deadline?
