Vikings could become even more dangerous if they are able to trade for Pro Bowler Jonathan Taylor

T he Minnesota Vikings have emerged as one of the NFL's biggest surprises in 2026, and their undefeated start has put them in an enviable position heading toward the second half of the season. But even the league's last unbeaten team may have room for improvement, particularly in its running game. That is where Jonathan Taylor could enter the picture.

With the Indianapolis Colts reportedly opening the door to trading their star running back, the Vikings have emerged as a potential destination. NFL.com analyst Bucky Brooks identified Minnesota as one of three possible landing spots for Taylor, alongside the New York Giants and Denver Broncos , arguing that the four-time 1,000-yard rusher could provide a major boost to a team looking to strengthen its championship chances.

The timing is significant. Indianapolis has begun reshaping its roster after firing longtime general manager Chris Ballard and trading away two major pieces, offensive guard Quenton Nelson and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner. Taylor, meanwhile, remains one of the league's most productive running backs despite the uncertainty surrounding the Colts. And for Minnesota, adding a proven workhorse could make an already dangerous team even more difficult to defend.

Why Minnesota makes sense for Taylor

Brooks' assessment places the Vikings among the teams that could benefit most from acquiring Taylor before the November 10 trade deadline. The appeal is easy to understand: Minnesota has championship ambitions, but adding a running back with Taylor's combination of power, explosiveness and experience could give its offense another dimension.

The Vikings have relied on Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason in the backfield. Jones has dealt with an MCL injury, while Mason has also missed time. Through six games, Jones had rushed for 436 yards on 105 carries, and Mason had contributed 127 yards in two appearances.

Taylor would represent a significant upgrade in proven production. At 5-foot-10 and 226 pounds, the 27-year-old is capable of carrying an offense with his physical running style while also breaking off explosive plays. Minnesota could use that ability to complement its passing attack and take some pressure off the quarterback.

A more consistent ground game would also give the Vikings another way to control the clock and protect leads, an especially valuable option for a team hoping to remain unbeaten deep into the season.

Taylor remains one of the NFL's most productive running backs

Even with Indianapolis struggling, Taylor has continued to produce. He has rushed for 587 yards and eight touchdowns through seven games, tying for the league lead in rushing scores. He has surpassed 1,000 rushing yards four times during his career, won the NFL rushing title in 2021 and led the league in touchdowns in both 2021 and 2025.

Brooks described him as a traditional workhorse running back capable of taking over a game, highlighting how his rugged style and big-play potential could help compensate for weaknesses elsewhere on an offense.

That ability could be particularly attractive to Minnesota. Taylor is not simply a short-term option for a team looking to survive an injury; he is a three-time Pro Bowler still in his prime, with a résumé that suggests he could become the centerpiece of a powerful rushing attack.

The possibility of Taylor leaving Indianapolis became considerably more realistic Saturday. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that the Colts are open to trading the running back , with multiple teams having contacted the organization and discussions described as active and ongoing.

The Vikings are among the teams that have shown interest, alongside the Denver Broncos, Green Bay Packers, New York Giants and Seattle Seahawks. Indianapolis' recent moves help explain the change in direction. The franchise fired Ballard after a disappointing start and subsequently traded Nelson to Seattle and Buckner to San Francisco. With the Colts sitting at 2-5, the organization appears increasingly focused on acquiring assets for the future.