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Colts had Jonathan Taylor and Grover Stewart trade offers but didn’t complete deals that eventually got pulled
The Indianapolis Colts received trade offers for running back Jonathan Taylor and defensive tackle Grover Stewart before the NFL deadline, but neither player was moved. The team reportedly wanted a bigger return for Taylor and waited for better terms on Stewart, while the offers were eventually withdrawn; the outcome leaves the Colts with fewer additional draft picks as they look to rebuild after a poor season.
The reported Giants offer for Taylor included a second- and fifth-round pick, but New York pulled it after the Colts sought a first-round selection or more. Stewart’s offer reportedly rose from a fifth-round pick to a fourth-rounder plus a late-round pick before it too was withdrawn. The Colts did trade receivers Josh Downs and Keenan Allen, receiving a fourth- and fifth-round pick for Downs and a 2027 sixth-round pick for Allen; they also kept quarterback Daniel Jones despite reported discussions with Minnesota.
In short
- The Colts kept Jonathan Taylor after seeking a larger trade return.
- Offers for Grover Stewart were also withdrawn.
- Josh Downs and Keenan Allen were traded for draft picks.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
The Colts could reasonably argue that accepting offers below their valuation would have weakened their long-term rebuild for limited compensation. Taylor is a high-level running back and Stewart a dependable defensive tackle, so holding out for stronger returns preserved the chance to keep valuable players or secure more meaningful draft capital.
The case against
Critics could reasonably say that, on a struggling team seeking to rebuild, draft picks and roster flexibility may have been more valuable than retaining veterans. By holding out for better terms, the Colts risked losing offers that could have helped their future, leaving them with fewer additional picks once the bids were withdrawn.