[NFL] Colts Stars in Trade Crosshairs as Deadline Approaches

[Mickey the Mouth]

SportsMafia Wire graphic. Team logos and player headshots via ESPN.​

The Indianapolis Colts are bracing for heavy trade interest in several cornerstone players after firing general manager Chris Ballard, with the Nov. 10 deadline looming over a 2-4 team at a crossroads.

League sources say rival clubs are circling running back Jonathan Taylor, guard Quenton Nelson, and defensive tackles DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart. The Packers, Seahawks, Broncos and Vikings have pondered moves for Taylor, who signed an extension just before this season. Owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon reportedly sees Taylor as a rebuild mainstay, though any deal would demand premium draft capital.

Buckner, 32 and playing at a high level, could draw interest from his former team, the San Francisco 49ers. Nelson and Stewart, both in contract years, would address needs for playoff-caliber squads.

The Colts plan to push through games at Minnesota, at Jacksonville and against Dallas before deciding whether to sell. New personnel chief Ed Dodds would lead any restructuring effort.

Elsewhere, Jacksonville's Brian Thomas Jr. and Miami's Chop Robinson have surfaced in rumors, while Cleveland's Jerry Jeudy appears likely to stay with the 4-2 Browns.

Mickey's Angle: Colts futures are radioactive until we know which direction they pivot — wait for clarity before touching any Indianapolis season bets, and watch Taylor's next three weeks like a hawk if you need backfield help in fantasy.

Source: ESPN - written by Mickey the Mouth from the original report.