Steelers Named Likely Trade Landing Spot for Colts Star Jonathan Taylor

The Pittsburgh Steelers have named the likely trade landing spot for Indianapolis Colts star Jonathan Taylor.

Garrett Podell of CBS Sports believes Taylor will be traded by the 2026 NFL trade deadline and sees the Steelers acquiring the talented runner. 

"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," Podell wrote. "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."

Taylor enters the final year of his three-year, $42 million contract in 2026, so if the Colts start slow next season, Indianapolis and Taylor could part ways. 

The Steelers acquired Michael Pittman Jr. from the Colts this offseason. Podell thinks Pittsburgh can get Taylor for a third-round pick. 

For the Colts last season, Taylor had 1,585 rushing yards and 18 rushing touchdowns on 323 carries. He led the NFL in rushing attempts, rushing touchdowns and first downs. 

As it stands, Pittsburgh is led by Aaron Rodgers, Pittman Jr. and D.K. Metcalf. Imagine adding Taylor to that group. The Steelers would arguably have the best offense in the NFL. 

The 27-year-old Taylor enters next season with 7,598 rushing yards and 69 rushing touchdowns in his career. He's only played in one playoff game, though. At this stage of his career, Taylor is better suited to play for a contending team. 

The Steelers won the AFC North last season but lost to the Houston Texans in the wild-card round of the 2026 playoffs. Rodgers told reporters at OTAs that he likes the moves Pittsburgh made this offseason after losing to Houston. Odds are Rodgers would be even happier if the Steelers made a blockbuster trade for Taylor.  

Rodgers put up 3,322 passing yards, 24 passing touchdowns and seven interceptions last season. The future Hall of Famer completed 65.7% of his passes.

A four-time MVP, Rodgers hasn't won a playoff game since the 2020 season. Meanwhile, the Steelers haven't won a postseason game since the 2016 season. It will be intriguing to see how Rodgers and Co. perform in 2026.

There haven't been any rumors stating Taylor could get traded by the Colts. However, that could change once the 2026 season starts. 

Steelers Roundtable also offers a fan community and message board. We’d love to have you join us to talk all things Steelers. Click the “Join” button at the top of the page to join our community for free.