The Minnesota Vikings have been mentioned as a potential landing spot for Indianapolis Colts star running back Jonathan Taylor, but a new report suggests a trade might be difficult to pull off.
Indianapolis has already made significant changes to its roster ahead of the Nov. 10 NFL trade deadline. However, the organization reportedly isn’t eager to move Taylor despite its willingness to trade other established veterans.
ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter reported Tuesday that Colts owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon would prefer to keep Taylor in Indianapolis.
“The big name is Jonathan Taylor, and my understanding is that the owner doesn’t want to trade him,” Schefter said during an appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show.”
That stance could complicate matters for Minnesota, which has been identified as one of several teams that could pursue the 27-year-old running back.
The Vikings have emerged as a potential destination alongside the Green Bay Packers, Seattle Seahawks and Denver Broncos. All four teams have been connected to Taylor as the deadline approaches.
Indianapolis fueled speculation about additional moves Tuesday when it traded defensive tackle DeForest Buckner and offensive lineman Quenton Nelson.
Those departures raised questions about whether Taylor could become the next established player to leave the Colts.
However, NFL insider Jordan Schultz indicated Wednesday that Taylor might not be among the players Indianapolis ultimately moves.
“There’s been a lot of talk about Jonathan Taylor. I’m not convinced that one happens,” Schultz said on SiriusXM NFL Radio.
Schultz also identified wide receiver Josh Downs and defensive tackle Grover Stewart as potential trade candidates, suggesting Indianapolis could continue making changes without moving its starting running back.
Taylor remains one of the Colts’ most productive offensive players despite the team’s disappointing 2-5 start.
Through seven games this season, Taylor has recorded 587 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on 140 carries, averaging 4.2 yards per attempt.
He has also contributed as a receiver, catching 17 passes for 178 yards. His combined production gives him 765 yards from scrimmage entering Week 8.
Taylor demonstrated his value against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, rushing for 95 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries in Indianapolis’ 16-10 loss.
Minnesota, meanwhile, improved to 6-0 with the victory but has questions at running back after Aaron Jones aggravated a knee injury during the game.
Acquiring Taylor would give the Vikings another proven offensive weapon as they attempt to maintain their undefeated start and compete for a championship.
Still, Indianapolis has little reason to accept an unfavorable offer. Taylor signed a two-year, $44 million contract extension in August, keeping him under contract beyond this season.
With the deadline approaching, the Vikings’ chances of landing Taylor could depend on whether the Colts reconsider their position or receive an offer too attractive to reject.
