Indianapolis Colts star running back Jonathan Taylor remains the center of intense trade rumors ahead of the Nov. 10 deadline. Following the trade of Quenton Nelson to the Seattle Seahawks and DeForest Buckner to the San Francisco 49ers, Taylor is expected to be the next man out.

According to NFL insider Tony Pauline, the Colts are believed to be looking for a first-round selection in exchange for Taylor. However, the running back’s market value is said to be more closely aligned with the 2022 Christian McCaffrey trade package that saw him join the 49ers.

McCaffrey was acquired from the Carolina Panthers for a package that included four picks: second-round, third-round and fourth-round picks in 2023, and a fifth-round pick in 2024. The deal included no first-round pick, which the Colts are seeking in order to part ways with Jonathan Taylor.

However, reports that Indianapolis is seeking a first-round pick in return for Taylor have drawn sharp criticism from NFL fans. Many view the asking price as unrealistic, believing no team will invest its draft capital in that. A second-round pick and more sounds about right to many.

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The skepticism among fans and analysts alike reflects broader market realities for the position. While Taylor has produced at a high level and remains under contract through 2028 after a recent extension, running backs rarely command premium first-round compensation in trades.

Here’s a look at some of the reactions online:

“CMC didn’t even take a 1st bro lmao,” a fan wrote.

“Colts delusional, right?” another fan wrote.

“No running back is worth a first-round pick lmao,” another fan wrote.

“Christian McCaffrey was traded to the 49ers for the following in 2022: 2023 Second-Round Pick 2023 Third-Round Pick 2023 Fourth-Round Pick 2024 Fifth-Round Pick Would you trade a 2027 second, 2027 third, 2028 4th, and 2028 5th for Jonathan Taylor? STEEP price,” a fan commented.

“No sense, the CMC package is more expensive than a first,” another fan wrote.

“If CMC didn’t take a first, JT sure as h*ll isn’t worth that,” another fan wrote.

Jonathan Taylor reacts to his trade speculations

Jonathan Taylor had the opportunity to talk to the media on Thursday at the Colts facility as the trade speculation around him thickens. The running back noted he remains committed to Indianapolis while he waits to see how the situation unfolds as the deadline approaches.

“I haven’t heard anything and I can’t control that,” Taylor said. “Obviously, like you guys know that I’m always proud to wear the horseshoe, proud to be here and similar to Quen and Buck. They were proud to wear the horseshoe. They were proud to be here, but obviously circumstances may cause otherwise.

“So, hopefully, that day may not come. But I can’t control that. The only thing I can control is rallying these guys in the locker room, helping us put together a great plan and executing a great plan for Jacksonville because like I said, it’s a division game. They’re licking their chops right now. They think they’re going to kick us while we’re down and that has to be the point of emphasis.”

In seven games this season, Jonathan Taylor has rushed for 587 yards and eight touchdowns on 140 carries. He’s also recorded 17 receptions for 178 yards. The likes of the Minnesota Vikings, Denver Broncos, Cincinnati Bengals and Seattle Seahawks have been linked to the running back.

Edited by Farouk Yusuf