The Colts’ fire sale could include a three-time Pro Bowler, and the Giants are interested.
Indianapolis, which already traded away Quenton Nelson and DeForest Buckner amid a 2-5 start, is reportedly in ongoing talks to send out star running back Jonathan Taylor, too.
According to ESPN, the white-flag-waving Colts are open, but maybe not determined, to trade Taylor, one of the better backs in football, 27 and just one year removed from leading the league with 18 rushing touchdowns plus 1,585 rushing yards.
The Post’s Ryan Dunleavy confirmed that the Giants are interested in Taylor, and other teams listed in the report as believed to have expressed interest are the Broncos, Packers, Vikings and Seahawks.
The Giants’ running back rotation has been a problem all season. Najee Harris was released. Tyrone Tracy Jr. is on injured reserve with a hamstring injury that is not expected to be season-ending.
Remaining in a running backs room that has not featured one lead back are Cam Skattebo — who was punished as recently as Week 6, when fumbling issues meant he didn’t receive a carry — Devin Singletary and the recently signed Greg Desrosiers Jr., an undrafted back who was on the Chargers’ practice squad.
Taylor would be an immediate and proven upgrade with 8,185 career rushing yards, which is the second-most in Colts history.
He is on a reasonable contract, due base salaries of $15 million next year and $9.46 million in 2028.
He also is young enough that the Colts could envision he would be part of their next good team, but he would have plenty of value on the trade market and add to the draft hauls they already received for Nelson and Buckner.
According to The Ringer, the Colts have already rejected a package of a 2027 second-round draft pick plus an additional pick.
ESPN reported the Colts could use the 2022 Christian McCaffrey trade as precedent.
The 49ers sent second-, third-, fourth- and fifth-round picks to the Panthers for the then-26-year-old star running back.
For his part, Taylor said he has not requested a trade.
“I’m always proud to wear the horseshoe,” Taylor told reporters this week.
