Dallas Cowboys Named Potential Landing Spot for Colts Star Jonathan Taylor in Proposed Trade

The Dallas Cowboys have been named a potential landing spot for Indianapolis Colts star Jonathan Taylor in a proposed trade. CBS Sports' Garrett Podell suggested the All-Pro running back could be available for a third-round pick if the Colts struggle in 2026. With Taylor entering the final year of his contract and coming off another standout season, Dallas could pursue him if its rushing attack fails to meet expectations.

The Dallas Cowboys have already invested in their running back room by signing Javonte Williams to a three-year, $24 million deal this offseason. Still, fresh trade speculation suggests Dallas could pursue a much bigger name if its ground game fails to deliver. CBS Sports' Garrett Podell recently identified Indianapolis Colts star Jonathan Taylor as a potential trade candidate, projecting that a third-round pick could be enough to begin discussions should the Colts decide to move on.

Which teams are interested in Jonathan Taylor?

Dallas has emerged as one of the more intriguing hypothetical landing spots because of its offensive line and playoff expectations. While no reports indicate the Cowboys have contacted Indianapolis, the roster fit is easy to understand. Taylor remains one of the NFL's most productive running backs when healthy. Pairing him with one of the league's stronger offensive fronts would immediately give Dallas another proven weapon alongside its passing attack. Other contenders could also monitor the situation if Taylor becomes available, particularly teams looking for an established feature back before the trade deadline. For now, though, the Cowboys continue to generate the most discussion because of questions surrounding Williams and the team's desire to return to postseason contention.

What insiders are saying about the trade rumors

Podell believes Taylor could become available if Indianapolis struggles during the season and key offensive players remain sidelined. "A running back's prime is finite, and Taylor remains at the top of his game after producing the third-most rushing yards (1,585) and the most rushing touchdowns (18) in the NFL in 2025," Podell wrote. "If Colts quarterback Daniel Jones (Achilles) and wide receiver Alec Pierce (ankle) can't get healthy in a hurry, the 27-year-old three-time Pro Bowl back may start looking around for a new home. Not many general managers around the league would keep their jobs after five seasons of postseason-less football, but somehow Chris Ballard has been able to do that in Indianapolis. " The report remains speculative, but it highlights how quickly circumstances could change if the Colts fall out of the playoff race.

Contract details and salary cap implications

Taylor is entering the final year of his three-year, $42 million contract extension, giving interested teams some flexibility if trade talks ever materialize. There are no widely reported no-trade clauses attached to his deal, although any acquiring team would need to account for the remaining salary while also considering a future extension. With free agency approaching after the season, his contract could make him an attractive short-term addition for contenders.

How the trade could impact both teams

A move to Dallas would give the Cowboys a proven every-down running back with a résumé few active players can match. Taylor has produced four 1,100-yard rushing seasons and led the NFL with 1,811 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns in 2021. For Indianapolis, trading Taylor would likely signal a shift toward future roster building and additional draft capital, especially if the club struggles to remain competitive. Until then, the rumors remain just that, but Taylor's situation will be worth watching as the trade deadline approaches.