The Indianapolis Colts fired general manager Chris Ballard, sending a clear signal to the rest of the NFL: We're open for business.
At this point, it doesn't feel like a matter of if the Colts end up trading players before the November 10 trade deadline, but who and how many.
One of the most notable players already being talked about on that Colts roster is running back Jonathan Taylor, who already has 655 yards from scrimmage and 7 touchdowns so far this season. Taylor is 27 going on 28 in January, and if the Colts are heading for a full-scale rebuild, his value might never be higher than it is right now in the middle of the season.
Which teams are the most desperate for running back help ahead of the NFL trade deadline?
3 teams that need RB Jonathan Taylor the most at the 2026 NFL trade deadline
1. New York Giants
The player the New York Giants would obviously be looking to replace in this scenario is second-year running back Cam Skattebo. Skattebo is coming off injury, and while he was outstanding (when healthy) during his rookie season, he hasn't been effective enough in year two.
Cam Skattebo key numbers in 2026 (all stats are among RBs with a min. 50 carries)
- Total EPA: -13.53 - 25th (via Sumer Sports)
- Rushing yards: 294 - 21st (among backs with a minimum 50 carries)
- Yards per carry: 3.63 - 22nd
- Yards after contact: 231 - 21st
Considering the Giants already are playing this season without Jaxson Dart, they really can't afford to have a struggling running game. Skattebo is their primary back, and these types of numbers simply won't cut it.
The Giants should absolutely be considered a threat to trade for Jonathan Taylor if he becomes available.
2. Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos re-signed veteran JK Dobbins to a two-year contract in the 2026 offseason as the free agent running back market dried up rather quickly. That decision has proven to be ill-advised, to say the least.
JK Dobbins key numbers in 2026
- Total EPA: -16.89 - 28th
- Rushing yards: 270 - 23rd
- Yards per carry: 3.33 - 28th
And how about this for some added context for the Broncos' running game as a whole?
Denver's run game after contact:
— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) October 21, 2026
#30 in yards after contact per rush at 2.26
#31 in % of runs that gain 5+ yards at 26.5
#31 in longest run at 17 yards
#31 in elusiveness rating
According to Next Gen Stats, only Bhayshul Tuten of the Jaguars is facing loaded boxes less than JK Dobbins this season, among running backs with at least 80 carries so far this season.
To sum all of that up, JK Dobbins has been one of the least successful running backs in 2026 despite having some of the most favorable conditions (lighter boxes) around him. He's not breaking tackles, he's not creating in the passing game, and he's not helping the Broncos get into favorable down and distance situations.
It might be time for the Broncos' latest poaching of a Colts legend.
3. Seattle Seahawks
The Seattle Seahawks are in a similar boat as the other teams on this list, but the numbers for them aren't exactly fair.
Emanuel Wilson was brought in during the 2026 offseason to be a backup to Jadarian Price and (eventually) Zach Charbonnet. His success rate among running backs so far this season is near the bottom in almost every category, as you might expect.
There simply cannot be the same level of expectations on Wilson as there would be for Charbonnet or even the rookie Price.
But Seattle's ill-advised decision to let Kenneth Walker leave in free agency is looking worse by the week. Walker is near the top of the NFL in almost every metric you can drum up. His absence has created a Jonathan Taylor-sized hole in the Seattle offense.
Even with Charbonnet coming back from his ACL injury, the Seahawks have to be a team to watch here as well.
Add us as a preferred source on Google