Jonathan Taylor Trade Value Rises After Baltimore Ravens Move
The Indianapolis Colts stand firm on a first-round asking price for star running back Jonathan Taylor as the November 10th trade deadline approaches. A recent roster move by the Baltimore Ravens has quietly strengthened the Colts’ hand in ongoing trade negotiations.
The running back market shifted when the Baltimore Ravens decided against selling off veteran rusher Derrick Henry. ESPN NFL Insiders Adam Schefter and Ian Rapoport reported that the Ravens finalized a trade with the Arizona Cardinals on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, to acquire veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett. With starting quarterback Lamar Jackson sidelined with a thumb injury requiring surgery, and backup Tyler Huntley out with turf toe, Baltimore opted to bring in Brissett rather than punt on the 2026 regular season.
That choice leaves Derrick Henry off the trade market. For championship contenders searching for backfield help, Taylor now stands alone as the definitive top asset available.
Trade: the Arizona Cardinals are finalizing a trade to send QB Jacoby Brissett to the Baltimore Ravens, per @RapSheet and me. Deal is expected to be completed until this weekend. The Ravens lost QB Lamar Jackson to a thumb injury, and his backup Tyler “Snoop” Huntley to turf… pic.twitter.com/BYEqcHA1jq
Evaluating the Colts’ Asking Price
The Indianapolis Colts began an early-season rebuild following a disastrous Week 6 loss to the winless Tennessee Titans and the subsequent firing of longtime general manager Chris Ballard. Colts Owner/CEO Carlie Irsay-Gordon views Taylor as “a key part of the organization and a likely mainstay in their rebuild,” but the front office remains open to dealing him if the right offer materializes.
Indianapolis is asking for a 2027 first-round pick or equivalent value in multiple Day 2 selections. This price point aligns with the compensation the Carolina Panthers obtained for Christian McCaffrey in 2022, a deal that featured a 2023 NFL Draft second-round selection, a 2023 third-rounder, a 2023 fourth-rounder, and a 2024 fifth-round pick.
Skeptics maintain that spending a first-round selection on a running back is excessive in the current NFL climate, particularly since Taylor’s $22 million annual contract average makes him the league’s second-highest-paid player at his position, trailing only Bijan Robinson.
Because the Colts already paid Taylor his $15 million signing bonus before the season, any acquiring team will only owe him $15 million in 2027 and $9.46 million in 2028.
Suitors and Next Steps Before the Deadline
As of Monday, the reported list of interested teams includes the New York Giants, Minnesota Vikings, Seattle Seahawks, Denver Broncos, Cincinnati Bengals, and Green Bay Packers. While teams seeking backfield reinforcements might still explore options like Breece Hall of the New York Jets or Tony Pollard of the Tennessee Titans, the removal of Derrick Henry from the pool leaves Taylor as the definitive best option on the market.
Despite ongoing trade talks, Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen confirmed that Taylor will continue to play. Taylor is expected to take the field for the team’s Week 9 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys.
Steichen said on Wednesday that Taylor is on the team and excited for the opportunity to play, noting that he wants to win the game and remains on the roster.
The NFL Trade Deadline arrives on November 10th at 4 PM EST. Until then, the Colts will continue evaluating incoming offers while leaning on Taylor’s availability on the field.
