Denver Broncos dismiss Jonathan Taylor trade rumors

Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton brushed aside speculation that the team is pursuing Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor during a call with reporters on Monday, Nov. 2. Payton stated that he is not answering questions about internet gossip. He added that he and general manager George Paton will spend time looking at the team to identify areas for improvement.

The Broncos have been linked to Taylor since the Colts began selling off key players ahead of the trade deadline. Denver checked in with Indianapolis about Taylor, although the team inquires about various players throughout the year. The Colts already traded guard Quenton Nelson and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner. Indianapolis is now open to dealing Taylor following a 42-7 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday.

Taylor told reporters on Oct. 29 that he has not heard anything about a move. He said he is proud to wear the horseshoe but acknowledged that circumstances may cause otherwise. He noted that he cannot control the situation.

Indianapolis reportedly wants an extensive package for Taylor, including several high draft picks. NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported that the Colts turned down a trade offer that included a 2027 second-round pick and an additional pick. Other teams have paid high prices for star running backs in the past. The San Francisco 49ers acquired Christian McCaffrey from Carolina in 2022 for second, third, fourth, and fifth-round picks. The Miami Dolphins traded Jay Ajayi to Philadelphia in 2017 for a fourth-round pick.

The Minnesota Vikings, New York Giants, Green Bay Packers, and Seattle Seahawks have also inquired about Taylor. Payton has invested in running backs before, including selecting Reggie Bush in 2006 and trading up for Alvin Kamara in 2017. However, the Broncos recently added depth to their backfield. They selected RJ Harvey in the second round a year ago and Jonah Coleman in the fourth round this year. The team also re-signed J.K. Dobbins this offseason.

Coleman had 104 offensive yards and a touchdown against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday. Payton said the team is continuing to work on the run game and expects improvement. Denver traded draft capital for wide receiver Jaylen Waddle this offseason and has less than $5 million in salary-cap space. If the Broncos acquire Taylor, they will owe him $5,042,778 in 2026 and just over $16 million in 2027.

The Broncos will travel to North Carolina to face the Panthers before their bye week. Payton gave players a rare day off on Monday, allowing them to skip the usual practice while still attending the facility for workouts and film sessions. The team remains in first place in the AFC West despite offensive struggles.