RB · IND
general
‘JT 4 MVP’? Colts RB Jonathan Taylor listed team’s non-QB ‘Most Valuable Player’ choice
It’s not exactly Hawkins, Indiana, but stranger things have happened
Jonathan Taylor
RB · IND · 27 yrs · exp 6 · Wisconsin
Status
- Game status
- Active
Keep Trade Cut (SF TEP)
From latest snapshot · trend vs ~7d prior when data allows.
Value
6,078
Rank
#34
Pos rank
#8
7d trend
+1.2% (7d vs prior)
Value history (90d)
One snapshot point per calendar day (shown in your timezone).
Latest: Jul 24, 2026 · 6,078
News
Stories linked to this player — newest first.
general
Agent's Take: How high can Jahmyr Gibbs and Bijan Robinson take a resurgent RB market?
The running back market had taken an economic downturn until Christian McCaffrey signed a two-year, $38 million contract extension averaging $19 million per year with the San Francisco 49ers during the 2024 offseason. McCaffrey was already the NFL's highest-paid running back with a four-year extension, averaging $16 million per year, which he received from the Carolina Panthers in 2020. He remained the only running back legitimately averaging more than $14 million per year under the 2024 extension. Saquon Barkley became the league's first $20 million running back in 2025 when he signed a two-year, $41.2 million extension with the Philadelphia Eagles . The deal had a then-record-high $36 million in fully guaranteed compensation at signing. Derrick Henry subsequently signed a two-year, $30 million extension averaging $15 million per year with the Baltimore Ravens despite his high mileage and being 31 years old. Barring an injury, it was a certainty that Henry would easily eclipse the 2,500-career-carry mark during the 2025 season. Three running backs landed deals for more than $14 million per year this offseason. Kenneth Walker III signed a three-year, $43 million contract worth up to $45 million through incentives with the Kansas City Chiefs as an unrestricted free agent. Breece Hall , who was kept off the open market by a $14.3 million franchise tag, signed a three-year, $43.5 million deal worth a maximum of $45.75 million through incentives to stay with the New York Jets . De'Von Achane received a four-year, $64 million extension with $32 million in guarantees from the Miami Dolphins . Incentives make the deal worth up to $68 million. At $16 million per year, Achane is the NFL's third-highest-paid running back. Six running backs make more than $14 million per year. There could be as many as nine by the time the regular season starts in early September. Jonathan Taylor has entered the final year of a three-year, $42 million extension with the Indianapolis Colts , signed early in the 2023 regular season after acrimonious negotiations in which he requested a trade. He is likely looking for a new deal near the top of the running back market. Taylor probably thinks his place in the running back salary hierarchy shouldn't be any lower in a new deal than in 2023. For all practical purposes, Taylor was the NFL's second-highest-paid running back. Alvin Kamara's $15 million-per-year extension with the New Orleans Saints included a fifth new contract year worth $25 million for cosmetic purposes, artificially inflating his average yearly salary. The deal averaged $12.5 million per year through the first four new years. Doing the same thing would mean Taylor getting more than McCaffrey's $19 million per year. Taylor was coming off an injury-plagued 2022 season in which he rushed for a then-career-low 861 rushing yards while dealing with a terrible economic climate for running backs, when he got the $14 million-per-year deal. That isn't the case this time around. Taylor was selected to the Pro Bowl for the third time in his six NFL seasons in 2025. He was also named first-team All-Pro by The Sporting News, one of the three media outlets approved by the NFL Collective Bargaining Agreement for honors incentives. Taylor was third in the NFL with 1,585 rushing yards last season. He led the league with 20 total touchdowns (18 rushing and two receiving). Taylor will be a prime candidate for a franchise tag if he doesn't sign a new deal. It will cost the Colts $18.7 million, given how the prior year's salary provisions work with franchise tags. That's 120% of Taylor's $15.562 million 2026 cap number. Jahmyr Gibbs and/or Bijan Robinson should reset the running market when signing new deals. Both are dual-threat, former first-round running backs. Robinson led the NFL with 2,298 yards from scrimmage (combined rushing and receiving yards) last season. It was the 12th-best single-season mark in NFL history. He also earned first-team All-Pr [... truncated ...]
analyst
DJ Giddens in an Important Positional Battle Ahead of Training Camp
DJ Giddens to compete with Seth McGowan for Jonathan Taylor's primary backup role
QB · CHI
RB · IND
general
NFL players want more grass fields after World Cup
A significant portion of NFL players, citing player health and preference, are campaigning for the league to adopt more natural grass fields, similar to those temporarily installed for the World Cup. Currently, half of NFL stadiums use artificial turf, which data suggests is harder on the body than grass
analyst
Seth McGowan in Position to Battle for an Important Insurance Role
Seventh-round rookie running back Seth McGowan will have a chance to earn an important role for the Indianapolis Colts when the pads come on for training camp at the end of the month. McGowan will be competing with 2025 fifth-round pick DJ Giddens for the primary backup duties behind three-time Pro Bowler Jonathan Taylor, and the job has garnered added attention with rumblings that the team could be looking to limit Taylor's touches after he carried the ball a league-leading 323 times last season. Head coach Shane Steichen has pointed out the difficulty in taking his star running back off the field, and with Giddens coming off an uninspiring rookie season and the team spending only late Day 3 capital at the position, he could see another massive workload in 2026. Neither McGowan nor Giddens is being drafted within the top 70 running backs, and neither is expected to hold any standalone value in 2026 redraft leagues. However, any sign that one or the other has taken a lead in their battle to sit closer to Taylor on the depth chart would put them in position to hold down one of the league's most important insurance roles, and as such, reports out of Indianapolis' training camp should be followed closely
RB · IND
general
Why limiting Jonathan Taylor’s workload needs to be smart, not automatic
Colts running backs coach DeAndre Smith made it clear that Indianapolis wants to be careful with Jonathan Taylor’s workload this season , saying the team “definitely need to find ways to take some of that workload off” its star running back. Shane Steichen also acknowledged the obvious challenge, noting that Taylor is difficult to take off the field when he is running well. Both things can be true; the Colts should want to protect Taylor over the course of a long season, especially given how much he has carried the offense in recent years. At the same time, this is still one of the best running backs in football, and if Indianapolis wants to win important games, Taylor has to remain the centerpiece of the offense. The workload numbers explain the concern. In 2024, Taylor had 303 carries and 321 total touches in only 14 games. That works out to 21.6 carries and 22.9 touches per game. In 2025, he played all 17 games and handled 323 carries with 369 total touches, averaging 19.0 carries and 21.7 touches per game. Over his career, Taylor’s 17-game average sits at 314 carries, 38 receptions and 352 total touches. That is a massive workload for any running back, especially one who has been the focal point of the Colts’ offense since entering the league. This also connects to the bigger running back wall conversation. As I wrote earlier last offseason , Taylor’s total touch count is climbing into the range where the long-term wear becomes harder to ignore. That does not mean he is about to fall off immediately, but it does mean the Colts should be thinking beyond one season. Taylor is still great, but running backs only have so many high-volume years before the decline risk grows. That is why reducing his workload makes sense in theory. The problem is how the Colts do it. They cannot take Taylor off the field just for the sake of sounding responsible. If it is third-and-short, late in a close game, or a crucial AFC South matchup, Taylor needs the ball. He is still the player most capable of controlling a game, finishing drives and making the offense easier for Daniel Jones . The smarter plan is situational management. Do not overuse Taylor early in the season if the game script does not require it. Do not give him unnecessary fourth-quarter carries in games that are already decided. Do not force 25 touches against weaker opponents if the rest of the offense is functioning. Find another back who can steal carries between the 20s, handle a series here and there, and keep Taylor fresh without taking away the snaps that matter most. That is the balance! The Colts should not be trying to turn Taylor into a committee back, but rather they should be trying to make sure his biggest workloads come in the biggest spots. If they can manage that, they are not weakening their offense. They are giving their best offensive player a better chance to be at his peak when the season matters most
general
Colts want to "find ways to take some of that workload" off Jonathan Taylor
Only two running backs in the NFL have carried the ball more than 300 times in each of the last two seasons, but it sounds like the Colts wouldn't mind if Jonathan Taylor 's streak ends there. It's not a question of effectiveness as Taylor has run for 3,016 yards and 29 touchdowns on his 626 totes, but running backs coach DeAndre Smith pointed out the correlation between usage and injury risk as a reason why the team would like to find other options that would allow the running game to continue to flourish while Taylor is getting a chance to rest during games. "We definitely need to find ways to take some of that workload off him," Smith said, via Stephen Holder of ESPN.com. "If I can find another guy or two that can take some of those carries off, he's just going to be that much better. So, it's definitely been a constant conversation. I'm aware of it. When he's healthy, we've got a chance to win every game. So, that's always the first thing I think about: making sure he's available every week." Taylor played every game in 2025, but missed three games in 2024 and 13 games over the previous two seasons. There's no surefire answer on the roster at the moment as 2025 fifth-rounder DJ Giddens only ran 26 times as a rookie and 2026 seventh-rounder Seth McGowan is joined by undrafted free agents further down the depth chart. If one of those players doesn't flash quickly in camp, the Colts may have to look elsewhere for the kind of help that Smith would like to give Taylor come the fall
general
Colts want to "find ways to take some of that workload" off Jonathan Taylor
The Colts are looking for ways to reduce Jonathan Taylor's workload to manage injury risk and keep him fresh throughout the season. Running backs coach DeAndre Smith mentioned that the team is actively discussing how to incorporate other players to share carries. While Taylor has been highly effective, his past injury history is a concern. The team is evaluating current roster options but may need to seek external help if no player steps up in camp
analyst
Pour One Out for 10 Players to Trade Away Before Camp
As training camp approaches, the author identifies 10 players whose dynasty value is inflated by hype and recent performance, recommending they be traded before their value potentially diminishes. Players like Carnell Tate are being overvalued based on potential, while others like TreVeyon Henderson's price tag may not reflect their likely usage. Established players like Drake London, CeeDee Lamb, and Justin Jefferson are suggested as targets when trading away these overvalued assets
general
This offseason has Colts fans waiting with bated breath
Think back to last offseason. What were your expectations for the Indianapolis Colts? Remember that last year saw Daniel Jones and Anthony Richardson fighting to be the starting quarterback while neither had a training camp to write home about. I’m not saying all fans felt impending doom, but if you’re being honest, you’ve felt better. The bar was low. This offseason, however, is up in the air. It could go either way, and that has to make Colts fans feel less than comfortable. The low bar was quickly cleared in 2025 and then came crashing down on top of the Colts by season’s end. That is what has made this offseason so hard to predict. Which version of the 2025 Colts will we get? There were two historic halves, both incredible in their own right. Fans are obviously hoping for the first half, but there are major flies in that ointment. The quarterback is working his way back from an Achilles injury and the number one receiver is recovering from ankle surgery. There are more components that make up an offense, but any team that loses players at those two positions is going to feel it. Add in the fact that rumors are swirling about a potential Jonathan Taylor trade and things feel even dicier. Wanting another hot start coupled with a strong finish becomes much harder when staring down the barrel of that type of potential reality. If Taylor is gone or Jones, Pierce, or both start the season on the shelf, nerves will reach a fever pitch. While there is still time between now and the regular season, the clock is starting to wind down on preseason activities. Miss too much time and a player might not be able to ramp up in time. The updates are positive, but how many times have we seen positive updates end in disappointing setbacks? The future is unknown, but the Colts are treading dangerously towards a rocky start. You might just have to hold your breath a little while longer. i
general
Where NFL figures rank 49ers' Christian McCaffrey among best running backs
Christian McCaffrey is ranked as the 4th best running back in the NFL by league executives, scouts, and coaches in a poll compiled by ESPN. McCaffrey achieved his third career season with over 2,000 scrimmage yards in 2025, and despite turning 30, he remains an integral part of the 49ers' offense
general
Chase Brown not considered a top-10 running back by coaches, scouts, and executives
Chase Brown had a slow start to last year, largely due to the Joe Burrow injury that resulted in Jake Browning getting four starts. The running back averaged just 2.46 yards per carry through Week 5, but then turned it around and averaged 5.14 yards per carry after Joe Flacco took over for Browning and then Burrow returned to the field. Still, that slow start has the quick running back’s stock dropping to the point that coaches, scouts, and executives do not consider him to be among the top ten backs in the NFL, according to a survey conducted by ESPN . In his article on the survey, Jeremy Fowler shared the list of top-10 running backs and explained how it came together: Voters gave their own top 10 players at a position, then we compiled the results and ranked candidates based on the number of top-10 votes, composite average and dozens of interviews, with research and film study help from ESPN NFL analyst Matt Bowen as well as ESPN Research. More than 70 voters submitted a ballot on at least one position, and in many cases all positions. Additional voting and follow-up calls with those surveyed contributed to placements. Here’s the list: Bijan Robinson , Atlanta Falcons Jahmyr Gibbs , Detroit Lions Saquon Barkley , Philadelphia Eagles Christian McCaffrey , San Francisco 49ers Jonathan Taylor , Indianapolis Colts Derrick Henry , Baltimore Ravens James Cook III , Buffalo Bills De’Von Achane, Miami Dolphins Kenneth Walker III, Kansas City Chiefs Breece Hall , New York Jets It’s easy to see why Brown would be left out of the top seven. And Walker is coming off a Super Bowl MVP performance. But Brown could arguably be better than Hall. Now here’s the interesting part: Brown wasn’t even included among the honorable mentions, who were Josh Jacobs ( Green Bay Packers ), Kyren Williams ( Los Angeles Rams ), and Quinshon Judkins ( Cleveland Browns ). Brown was, however, mentioned among those who also received votes, along with D’Andre Swift, Javonte Williams , Ashton Jeanty , TreVeyon Henderson , Travis Etienne Jr. , and Alvin Kamara
general
ESPN rankings: Saquon Barkley drops but still considered top 5 running back
ESPN has started releasing their Top 10 position lists for the 2026 NFL season, and started with running backs . In what should be no surprise, Eagles RB Saquon Barkley lands on the list at No. 3 overall, down from No. 1 last offseason. Jeremy Fowler makes it clear in the article that the rankings are not a future projection, or a career-inclusive award, but rather best tried to answer who the best running back in the league is right now . Despite a drop in production in 2025, the coaches, scouts, and team personnel around the league didn’t penalize Barkley for his performance that followed a 2,000-yard season when it came to voting. “I’m not going to penalize him for a terrible all-around offense last year,” a high-ranking personnel official with an NFL team said, according to ESPN . “He’s still a three-down weapon and if I needed a running back for one season I’m still taking him 1.” One NFL coordinator explained that his only criticism of Barkley is that he doesn’t always produce when everything isn’t set up perfectly, with the RB needing lanes to be completely clean — something the coordinator said dates back to Barkley’s time with the Giants. We got to see a taste of that last season with the offensive line struggled and he tried to stretch the field with fancy footwork instead of a bull-like approach. Still, no one is questioning Barkley’s ability to be a game-changer, and hopefully with changes to the offensive scheme and coaching staff, things will be more cohesive for everyone in 2026. Full Top 10 RB list: Bijan Robinson Jahmyr Gibbs Saquon Barkley Christian McCaffrey Jonathan Taylor Derrick Henry James Cook III De’Von Achane Kenneth Walker III Breece Hall Three players received honorable mention — Josh Jacobs , Kyren Williams , Quinshon Judkins — and several other players received votes, including: D’Andre Swift, Javonte Williams , Chase Brown , Ashton Jeanty , TreVeyon Henderson , Travis Etienne Jr. , Alvin Kamara
general
ESPN annual league survey ranks Colts RB Jonathan Taylor among Top 5 players at position
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, and his annual league survey conducted by league executives, coaches, and scouts, Indianapolis Colts star running back Jonathan Taylor ranks among the top five players at his position : Highest ranking: 2 | Lowest ranking: Unranked Age: 27 | Last year’s ranking: 7 Taylor was pumping out top-three votes this year in appreciation of a stellar six-year campaign despite shaky quarterback play around him. He appeared on all but one of the ballots, and nearly 30% of his votes were within the top three. Taylor has 69 career rushing touchdowns. Only Derrick Henry (84) has more since 2020. “Really special in space,” an NFL coordinator said. “Once he hits the second and third levels with some space to operate, he’s uniquely talented.” That showed in 2025, when Taylor’s four rushes of 40 or more yards trailed only Gibbs. The presence of Daniel Jones has helped Taylor, both in play-action and in the passing game. Taylor caught a career-high 46 passes last season. Once sitting at 8-2, and Taylor in the midst of a career year in 2025, the Colts’ star workhorse was a bonafide NFL MVP candidate, not just a realistic NFL Offensive Player of the Year candidate. However, second half of the season injuries to starting quarterback Daniel Jones derailed Taylor’s once promising MVP bid, as with Jones hobbled and/or out of the Indy lineup, Taylor failed to eclipse 100 total rushing yards in the Colts’ last 7 games—which rather uncoincidentally, were all team losses for Indianapolis. That being said, when looking at his complete body of work for the 2025 campaign, it was still mightily impressive. Specifically, Taylor rushed for a league-leading 18 rushing touchdowns, to go along with the NFL’s 3rd most rushing yards at 1,585 total rusing yards and his also league-leading 323 carrites during all 17 starts. Taylor was named a Pro Bowler for a consecutive season. As a result, Taylor ascended in these rankings, having been surprisingly placed at 7th last season overall. At 27-years-old, and arguably the Colts best player on both sides of the football, he’s still possesses a tantalizing combination of speed, power, and vision. If you give him a crack of daylight, he can take it to the house instantly. Entering a contract year and realistically projected to be in the back end of his playing career prime, giving the shorter shelf-life of the running back position historically, and Taylor should be expected to be extra motivated to have another monstrous year—having shown no imminent signs of slowing down quite yet
general
Vikings Training Camp Position Preview: QB Battle, Bully Ball & Roster Questions Answered
As Minnesota Vikings training camp approaches, Tyler Forness and Dave Stefano of The Real Forno Show break down every position on the roster — from the high-stakes quarterback competition between Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy to a revamped run game, a new “bully ball” wide receiver, and a defensive line full of unknowns. If you want to know where this Vikings team truly stands heading into camp, this episode delivers the sharpest analysis in the Vikings podcast space. The biggest storyline this offseason remains the quarterback room. Tyler laid out a clear framework: “ Carson Wentz won’t get elevated to being the starter… Carson will stay QB2.” The thinking is that keeping both Murray and McCarthy on the roster removes the pressure from whoever wins — a dynamic Tyler credits as a key reason Sam Darnold thrived in 2024. On the run game, Jordan Mason emerges as a sleeper: “ Jonathan Taylor had more carries at Wisconsin than Jordan Mason has had in four years of college and four years in the pros. Let that sink in for a second.” With fresh legs and a Frank Smith wide-zone scheme, Mason could be a breakout candidate. At receiver, Jauan Jennings changes everything: “Jennings is a bully. He’s gonna play like Dennis Rodman. That’s a different element for this offense.” QB Competition: Tyler believes one of Murray or McCarthy will be cut or traded — “if Kyler does not get the starting job, I think he’ll request a trade.” Kevin O’Connell’s QB Development: “He’s a veteran quarterback whisperer… but as far as developing a quarterback, he’s not shown he can do that yet.” Jordan Mason sleeper alert: Low tread on the tires at age 27, fits the new wide-zone scheme perfectly. Jauan Jennings changes the red zone: “Having the curveball of a physical presence like Jennings completely changes the dynamic of your play calling.” Edge rusher depth is a concern: “I hope they sign Jadeveon Clowney … eight and a half sacks, 12 tackles for loss, 40 pressures” on minimal snaps. Jake Golday’s role: “Van Ginkel is an edge rusher who does off-ball stuff. Golday is an off-ball guy who does edge rusher stuff.” Defensive line youth: Caleb Banks and Dominic Orange project as future starters — “I don’t expect it [day one], but they’re good players, drafted for a reason.” Harrison Smith : “He’s gone until he’s back, and right now I don’t see him coming back.” View Link Or on your favorite podcast aggregator. This episode of The Real Forno Show is exactly why Vikings fans tune in every week — unfiltered, film-room-level analysis from Tyler Forness, one of the sharpest voices covering Minnesota football. Whether you’re a die-hard or a casual fan trying to get ready for training camp, this breakdown of every position group is required listening before the pads go on. Tyler Forness @TheRealForno of Vikings 1st & SKOL @Vikings1stSKOL and A to Z Sports @AtoZSportsNFL , with Dave Stefano @Luft_Krigare producing this Vikings 1st & SKOL production, the @RealFornoShow . Podcasts partnered with Fans First Sports Network @FansFirstSN . What position battle are you most excited to watch in Vikings training camp — the QB competition or the edge rusher depth race?
general
Should the Chicago Bears try to make this bold trade prediction come true?
Aside from the edge position, there’s one spot on the Chicago Bears roster that, honestly, could’ve used a slight upgrade: running back. Yes, D’Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai were among the best running back duos in the NFL last year, and Swift had a career year in 2025 after struggling in his first Bears season under Ben Johnson, racking up 1,087 yards and nine touchdowns. But it’s hard not to wonder if Johnson, who once drafted one of the most dynamic running backs in the league No. 12 overall in Jahmyr Gibbs , wants a little more juice in his running back room going forward. The Bears opted not to make a splash at that position in the 2026 NFL Draft aside from taking a flyer on a multidimensional threat in Zavion Thomas, who might some backfield touches, which suggests they might be content to keep that group more or less the same this year. But if they want to make a splash, ESPN’s Ben Solak has a bold move for Johnson, Ryan Poles, and the Bears: trading for star Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor. “Taylor is approaching the last year on his deal, so the Colts will need to decide if they want to give the 27-year-old a big third contract,” Solak explained. “…If the Colts come out of the gates slow and consider an organizational change midseason, then Taylor surely would draw trade interest. His start to 2025 proved he still has ‘best RB in the league’ potential left in his legs, especially if his total touches are more carefully managed. A playoff-aspiring team that has viable change-of-pace backs but no dominant starter would love to grab Taylor for a one-year rental. Should he perform well, that team could give him that two-year, pay-as-we-go extension that running backs often get with their third contract. “The Bears make perfect sense. D’Andre Swift had a strong 2025 season, but he has not been reliable and has dealt with injuries for much of his career. Kyle Monangai is a likable thumper but not for more than 10 or so carries per game. If the Bears’ offense coalesces into a top-five unit — certainly possible given how they finished the 2025 season — the team might be fishing at the deadline for a field-tipping running back to give it an additional edge. Chicago’s rushing attack led the league in success rate last season, thanks in large part to great line play and excellent scheming from coach Ben Johnson. Now imagine that group with a home run hitter like Taylor breaking into the second level.” Now, before we get too excited, let’s think realistically about the Bears and their roster decisions. Poles has often hunted for value and bargains rather than taking swings just for the sake of it. Taylor, while awesome, is a luxury more than a need, and the Bears have to be wary of their salary cap situation, especially as massive extensions loom for key young players like quarterback Caleb Williams . What’s more: it might make more sense to keep that money in the tuck in case the Bears find a defensive player—particularly a defensive front guy—that can help that side of the ball more this year. But man…wouldn’t that be fun? The idea of Taylor behind a solid, road-grating offensive line lighting up opposing defenses for massive chunk plays while softening teams up for Williams and the young pass-catching corps of Colston Loveland , Rome Odunze , and Luther Burden III to gash them over the top. (Plus, Taylor is a threat as a pass-catcher, too.) Given the way the Bears proved they want to play in the colder months—dominating teams by controlling the line of scrimmage—adding Taylor would be a monster addition if the Bears could pull it off without giving up too much. That last part is the key. With Taylor approaching his late 20s and racking up the miles on his body, it’s conceivable the Bears could get away with giving up an early Day 3 pick—call it a fourth-rounder—to acquire his services. Anything more than that probably has to be a “no” from Chicago’s side. Here’s the thing: if the Bears are really tr [... truncated ...]
QB · GB
RB · IND
general
Packers Top Plays of 2025, #9: LaFleur trusts Love & Kraft on 4th down
The next installment of the Packers’ Top Plays of 2025 looks at a massive late-game 4th down conversion that helped earn Green Bay a win early on in the season. Matt LaFleur’s career as a decision-maker has had a few phases. Early on, he epitomized the “All Gas, No Brake” mentality that he preached, proving to be one of the more aggressive coaches in keeping his offense on the field in 4th down situations. However, that aggressiveness waned over the past few years, and he became more apt to play for field goals and field position. However, 2025 saw the pendulum start to swing back in the other direction, and one of the clearest examples of LaFleur getting his groove back came in the Packers’ week 7 game against the Arizona Cardinals. This late-game conversion comes in at #9 on our countdown of Green Bay ’s top plays of the 2025 season. It’s week 7, and the Green Bay Packers are in the midst of their longest road trip of the year as they face the Arizona Cardinals. After an early week 4 bye, Green Bay defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 27-18 the previous week at Lambeau Field to improve their record to 3-1-1. Meanwhile, the Cardinals come into the week with a 2-4 record. Arizona won each of their first two games in thrilling fashion, getting 4th-down stops in the final moments against the Saints and Panthers in back-to-back weeks while clinging to a one-score lead. After that, however, the Cardinals dropped four straight games, each by four points or fewer. The 49ers , Seahawks , and Titans each defeated Arizona on last-second field goals, while the Colts got a go-ahead touchdown run from Jonathan Taylor with less than five minutes left and stopped the Cardinals on 4th down inside the 10-yard line to hold on for a win. It should have come as no surprise, then, that Arizona would provide a dramatic ending for the Packers in this game. Indeed, Arizona played tough through the first half, seemingly ready to take a 13-3 lead into halftime after scoring a touchdown with seven seconds left in the first half. However, a 22-yard pass to Romeo Doubs set up a team-record 61-yard field goal from Lucas Havrisik to pull Green Bay back to within a touchdown at the break. The Packers tied the game after a Rashan Gary strip-sack of Jacoby Brissett led to a Josh Jacobs score, but the two teams traded touchdowns on the ensuing drive. With 9 minutes left in the fourth quarter, Arizona took the lead with a field goal. After a three-and-out, the Packers defense stopped Brissett on a 4th-down quarterback sneak near midfield, giving Jordan Love the ball down by three with just under six minutes to play. Love converted an early 3rd-and-8 to Tucker Kraft, but after three runs by Jacobs netted 8 yards, the team faced a 4th-and-2 from Arizona’s 29-yard line and 2:32 left on the clock. What’s the call if you’re in Matt LaFleur’s shoes? Settle for a 47-yard field goal attempt to try to tie the game? That would leave the Cardinals with 2:32 on the clock, sitting in good field position, and needing only a field goal to win. If you go for it and end up scoring a touchdown, that puts you up by 4 points, forcing Arizona to find the end zone, though if you fail you have to get a stop. Matt LaFleur ended up taking a timeout to think about it and, after initially appearing to be prepared to kick, he sent the offense back out on the field after all, showing immense trust in Jordan Love to find a way to pick up those two yards. And pick them up he did. Green Bay lined up with three receivers in a tight stack to the left — Tucker Kraft on the line of scrimmage in the middle with Matthew Golden inside of him and Malik Heath a yard off the line just outside — and Romeo Doubs split wide right. After motioning Golden to the outside of the stack, Love took the shotgun snap with Josh Jacobs to his right and took a short drop to survey the receivers. Heath sits down at the sticks, but he’s bracketed by a defensive back and safety Budda Baker . Golden is covered up [... truncated ...]
RB · IND
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CBS Sports speculates that Colts’ star could be ‘one of five players to force trade’
According to CBS Sports’ Garrett Podell, Indianapolis Colts star running back Jonathan Taylor is one of its five hypothetical NFL star candidates, who could force a trade in ‘Giannis like fashion’ : Only one running back has been more productive in the 2020s than Jonathan Taylor , and that’s Derrick Henry . Taylor’s 7,598 career rushing yards and 69 career rushing touchdowns in the span of his six-season NFL career are the second-most in the league behind Henry’s totals of 9,185 yards rushing and 84 rushing touchdowns. However, that gap purely comes down to workload: Henry possesses 347 more carries than Taylor (1,858 to 1,551). Taylor’s 90.5 career rushing yards per game average is the fifth best in NFL history behind only four Pro Football Hall of Famers: Jim Brown (104.3), Barry Sanders (99.8), Terrell Davis (97.5) and Eric Dickerson (90.8). Unfortunately for Taylor, the Colts have been wasting his prime with just one playoff appearance and zero playoff wins in his six seasons. That lone postseason visit came in his rookie year back in 2020 when the Colts narrowly lost at the Buffalo Bills in the wild card round. A running back’s prime is finite, and Taylor remains at the top of his game after producing the third-most rushing yards (1,585) and the most rushing touchdowns (18) in the NFL in 2025. If Colts quarterback Daniel Jones (Achilles) and wide receiver Alec Pierce (ankle) can’t get healthy in a hurry, the 27-year-old three-time Pro Bowl back may start looking around for a new home. Not many general managers around the league would keep their jobs after five seasons of postseason-less football, but somehow Chris Ballard has been able to do that in Indianapolis. Prediction on whether or not Taylor will eventually ask for a trade: Yes, by the 2026 NFL trade deadline Taylor enters the final year of his three-year, $42 million contract in 2026, so if the Colts start off slow thanks to unreliable starts to the year by Jones and Pierce, it would be in both the franchise’s and Taylor’s best interest to part ways at the trade deadline. Compensation to get the deal done: Third-round pick The Carolina Panthers were able to get a 2023 second-round pick, a 2024 third-round pick, a 2023 fourth-round pick and a 2024 fifth-round pick for Christian McCaffrey in 2022, but CMC was a year younger than Taylor is today. Plus, McCaffrey had multiple years left on his contract while Taylor is set to become a free agent in 2027. Likely landing spot: Pittsburgh Steelers Should the Steelers get off to a hot start in Aaron Rodgers ‘ swan song with his pal Mike McCarthy back as his head coach, Pittsburgh could go all in on the future Hall of Famer’s last season. Jaylen Warren is a nice change-of-pace back, and Rico Dowdle is someone McCarthy said in Dallas could stand to work on his vision as a runner. Taylor would give McCarthy the bell-cow back he’s missed since Ezekiel Elliott’s decline and Tony Pollard’s fibula injury in the 2022 postseason while coaching the Cowboys . Now, there are a few things to clear up here. One, the 27-year-old Taylor, who’s entering the last year of a 3-year, $42 million contract extension he signed back in October of 2023, is not presently unhappy with the Colts. In fact, when recently asked publicly, Taylor has indicated that he’d like to retire a Colt with a new contract extension in place. So far though, the Colts have reportedly shown ‘little initiative’ when it comes to extending their key players up for new contracts after 2026 , which also notably includes perennial All-Pro starting left guard Quenton Nelson along with Taylor. Two, just because contract negotiations with Taylor got contentious between both sides back in the 2023 offseason , which resulted in the Colts star workhorse requesting a trade, it doesn’t mean that the same rocky road will be followed again regarding future extension talks. There is transitioned ownership in place regarding Colts team owner and CEO Carlie Irsay-Gordon and [... truncated ...]
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ESPN’s Bill Barnwell ranks Colts ‘playmaking core’ slightly better than league average
According to ESPN’s Bill Barnwell, the Indianapolis Colts’ playmaking core; specifically, their top running back, wide receiver, and tight end collectively rank as slightly above league average–coming in at #14 overall : 14. Indianapolis Colts 2025 rank: 16 | 2024 rank: 22 Even after trading Michael Pittman Jr., the Colts sport above-average or better contributors at all three spots we’re considering here. Their playmakers all looked much better in 2025 with better quarterback play, but none made a bigger leap than Alec Pierce , who finally saw steady deep-ball opportunities throughout the season. Pierce averaged 2.2 yards per route run during his breakout campaign, which was good for 14th in the league among wideouts. I still think there’s some potential for Pierce to take another step forward in 2026, while Josh Downs should see more market share after the Pittman trade. He has been efficient out of the slot. There are stars away from wide receiver too. Jonathan Taylor was an Offensive Player of the Year contender for most of the season before fading down the stretch, generating big plays as both a rusher and receiver by shrugging off and running past tackle attempts. And Tyler Warren was a Swiss Army knife for coach Shane Steichen as a rookie, lining up at just about every conceivable spot on the field and creating havoc for opposing linebackers and defensive coordinators. He was on pace to top 1,000 receiving yards as a rookie before the offense broke down after Daniel Jones got hurt. I’m a little concerned that Pierce is more of a really high-end WR2 than a legitimate WR1 in a very good offense, but if the Colts’ wide receivers can hold up their end of the bargain, Taylor and Warren are top-five at their respective spots. Even though star workhorse Jonathan Taylor faded a bit down the 2025 season’s stretch, after initially being a bona fide NFL MVP candidate earlier in the year, he remains a Top 5 running back in the sport overall. Namely, his diminished production later in the season coincided with starting quarterback Daniel Jones’s fractured fibula, and ultimately, with the latter’s season-ending Achilles injury–which derailed the Colts season entirely. Still, Taylor rushed for 1,585 rushing yards and a league-leading 18 rushing touchdowns on his 323 carries–en route to Pro Bowl honors for a consecutive season. Meanwhile, entering a contract year, the 26-year-old Alec Pierce had a breakout season in Indianapolis, cementing himself as one of the league’s elite deep threats and his newfound role as the Colts lead wideout. The Colts rewarded him with what was a historic contract extension earlier this offseason, and the hope is that he’ll only continue to grow and blossom into a more well-rounded wide receiver regarding his overall route-running and receiving skill-set. With Pittman Jr. out of the picture following a trade to Pittsburgh , like Tyler Warren below here, Pierce appears poised for a larger receiving role headed into the 2025 campaign. The hope is that he can continue to be legit #1 wideout, and who knows, maybe even crack the backend of the Top 10 wideouts currently in the NFL league-wide. Lastly, Tyler Warren, the Colts first round pick from 2025, had a very impressive rookie debut, even earning Pro Bowl honors. Specifically, Warren caught 76 receptions for 817 total receiving yards and 4 rushing touchdowns last year, while adding 1 rushing touchdown on the ground. Like Taylor, his play dipped a bit in Jones’s late season absence, but he’s expected to see an even larger role with Pittman Jr.’s departure, as previously denoted. While he’s still young at 24-years-old, Warren could crack into the back half of the Top 5 tight ends in the NFL
Data comes from cached Sleeper and KTC snapshots. Values update when the sync jobs run.