The Indianapolis Colts have officially signaled a dramatic franchise reset, shipping out decade-long pillars Quenton Nelson and DeForest Buckner on Tuesday and leaving no player’s roster spot feeling secure as a brutal 2-5 season unfolds.
Indianapolis collected a 2027 third-round pick and a 2028 fifth-rounder for Nelson, alongside a 2027 fourth-round selection for Buckner. Both interior standouts were playing on expiring contracts.
Jonathan Taylor Confronts Unprecedented Trade Demand
Jonathan Taylor remains the centerpiece of the Colts’ offense, but his presence has not shielded him from swirling trade speculation. Through seven games in the 2026 season, the 27-year-old running back has racked up 587 rushing yards and a league-leading eight touchdowns. Unlike Nelson and Buckner, Taylor is signed through 2028 after inking a two-year, $44 million extension in August.
ESPN has linked Taylor to several interested suitors, notably the Denver Broncos, though no formal offer has materialized. Shane Steichen stated Wednesday that Taylor has not requested a trade, while insider Adam Schefter reported that owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon views the star running back as a foundational piece of the ongoing rebuild.
Sources: Colts WR Josh Downs is requesting a trade from Indianapolis. pic.twitter.com/rwGaVGMTFf
[Carlie] Irsay-Gordon views [Jonathan] Taylor as a key part of the organization and a likely mainstay in their rebuild, Schefter said.
The most direct comparable remains Christian McCaffrey’s 2022 blockbuster move, which netted the Carolina Panthers a second, third, and fourth-round pick in 2023, plus a fifth-rounder in 2024. For Taylor, the asking price starts with multiple Day 2 selections, though a contender might ultimately surrender a late first-round pick to secure the league’s top runner.
Josh Downs Seeks Fresh Start Ahead of Deadline
The teardown in Indianapolis has also reached the wide receiver room. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported Wednesday that 25-year-old pass catcher Josh Downs has formally requested a trade from the franchise. Downs has pulled down 26 catches for 307 yards through seven appearances, with his rookie contract set to expire at the conclusion of the season.
NFL Insider Jordan Schultz reported that multiple AFC teams, including the Pittsburgh Steelers, have expressed active interest in acquiring the young receiver. Proposed trade compensation centers on a 2027 fifth-round pick and a 2028 sixth-round pick. While Day 3 draft capital offers modest immediate excitement, it provides a guaranteed return rather than relying on future compensatory pick formulas.
Grover Stewart Market Shapes Up as Defensive Front Shifts
Defensive tackle Grover Stewart represents another veteran asset on an expiring deal as the front office weighs its options. Having anchored the Indianapolis run defense since 2017, the 33-year-old lineman brings proven value against the run rather than elite pass-rushing upside.
#Colts WR Josh Downs has received interest from multiple AFC teams, including the #Steelers, and while a deal is not considered likely this week, the expectation is a trade will eventually happen, per sources. pic.twitter.com/lZ5rH5YyIF
That specialized skill set establishes a targeted market, with a projected return centered around a 2027 sixth-round pick from interested parties such as the Green Bay Packers. Parting ways with Stewart creates an additional vacancy along the defensive line, but accumulating draft capital outweighs the prospect of losing another established veteran to free agency in March.
The timeline leaves little room for hesitation in the front office. As the November 10 deadline approaches, the organization must decide whether to retain its remaining cornerstone assets or lean entirely into the draft capital necessary to build the next competitive roster in Indianapolis.
