The Indianapolis Colts entered the NFL trade deadline on Tuesday with several proposals on the table, yet none materialized for their marquee players. League sources told OutKick and Fox News Digital that the team was approached with offers for running back Jonathan Taylor and defensive tackle Grover Stewart, but the franchise chose to retain both athletes.
Jonathan Taylor offers fell short
According to the sources, the New York Giants presented a package that would have sent a second‑round and a fifth‑round pick to Indianapolis for Taylor. The Colts, however, were seeking a higher selection—ideally a first‑round pick—to match the value they received when they acquired Christian McCaffrey in a similar deal. When the Giants could not meet that demand, the offer was withdrawn and Taylor remained on the Colts’ roster.
Grover Stewart’s potential trade evaporated
In a separate discussion, the team entertained a trade for defensive tackle Grover Stewart. Initial talks involved a fifth‑round pick, which was later upgraded to a fourth‑round selection plus an additional late‑round pick. As the Colts waited for a more lucrative proposal, the offers were ultimately pulled, leaving Stewart with the team.
Receivers moved for draft capital
While the franchise held onto Taylor and Stewart, it did complete trades involving two receivers. Wide receiver Josh Downs was sent to the Kansas City Chiefs in exchange for a fourth‑ and a fifth‑round pick. Keenan Allen, a veteran receiver, was dealt to the San Francisco 49ers for a sixth‑round pick in the 2027 draft. Both moves align with the players’ contract situations—Downs had requested a trade weeks earlier, and Allen, at 34, is on an expiring contract.
Why the Colts held fast
Team officials indicated that the decision to keep Taylor and Stewart was driven by a desire to avoid a “garage‑sale” of assets that could hamper future roster building. The organization appears to be positioning these players as potential assets for a future general manager or head coach, though critics argue that retaining underperforming talent may limit draft flexibility.
Season outlook
The Colts sit at a 2‑7 record, and the lack of significant trade activity has drawn criticism from fans and analysts who expected a more aggressive approach to improve the roster before the season’s second half. The team’s next steps will likely focus on developing younger talent and evaluating coaching options as the season progresses.
What’s next for Indianapolis
With the trade deadline passed, the Colts will look to maximize the contributions of their remaining roster while continuing to assess the market for future moves. The organization’s willingness to wait for higher offers may signal a longer‑term strategy, but the immediate impact on the team’s performance remains uncertain.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
