Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor said Thursday he wants to remain with the team that drafted him in 2020, despite the franchise's recent trades of All-Pro guard Quenton Nelson to the Seattle Seahawks and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner to the San Francisco 49ers. The moves signal a rebuild for the 2-5 Colts, who fired general manager Chris Ballard earlier this season.
"I haven't heard anything," Taylor said. "I can't control that. Obviously, like you guys know, I'm always proud to wear the horseshoe, proud to be here. Similar to Quenton and Buck. They were proud to wear the horseshoe. They were proud to be here. But obviously, circumstances may cause otherwise. Hopefully that day may not come, but I can't control that."
Taylor, who has twice led the NFL in rushing touchdowns and earned first-team All-Pro honors in 2021 when he led the league in rushing yards, has eight touchdowns through seven games this season. His wife, Ayanna, posted on social media that her "mind is spiraling" amid the trade rumors.
The Colts enter Week 8 as underdogs against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday. With the NFL trade deadline set for Nov. 10, Taylor is considered one of the most impactful players potentially available. The Minnesota Vikings have been mentioned as a possible suitor given their offensive needs and strong defense.
"Obviously, it was all speculation until stuff started happening," Taylor said. "Quenton, Buck, those guys are the gold standard of the NFL. Obviously the business side of things, that's where it sucks at. I wish some way, somehow, I could have done more. I wanted to win for those guys."
