The San Francisco 49ers could have another major trade in mind before the NFL deadline, with Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor emerging as a name generating discussion around the league.
San Francisco already made a significant move last week by bringing back defensive tackle DeForest Buckner in a trade with Indianapolis. With the November 10 trade deadline approaching, questions are now being raised about whether the 49ers could pursue another Colts player.
According to Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio, Chris Simms said Thursday on PFT Live that people around the league have been wondering whether San Francisco might make a move for Taylor.
Florio noted that league figures often ask Simms about the 49ers because of his close friendship with head coach Kyle Shanahan. However, he added that Simms does not necessarily have inside information about the team's plans.
A Potential Move Could Affect Christian McCaffrey
A trade for Taylor would raise immediate questions about the future of Christian McCaffrey in San Francisco.
Taylor has $3.87 million remaining in base salary for the current season, a figure that would decrease to $3.49 million after Week 9. McCaffrey carries a 2026 salary-cap number of $10.861 million, making it possible for the 49ers to keep both running backs for the remainder of the season.
The financial picture would become more complicated in 2027.
According to Florio, McCaffrey is scheduled to carry a $26.4 million cap number in the final year of his contract, with no guaranteed money remaining. Taylor, meanwhile, would count for more than $16 million under his current deal.
That situation could make McCaffrey's departure after the season a possibility if San Francisco acquires Taylor.
Both Running Backs Have Produced This Season
McCaffrey remains an important part of the 49ers' offense, although injuries have affected his availability and production in recent seasons.
After being limited to four games in 2024, he appeared in all 17 games last season and earned NFL Comeback Player of the Year honors. He averaged 3.9 yards per carry during that campaign.
Through seven games this season, McCaffrey has recorded 389 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on 84 carries. His longest run has covered 16 yards.
Taylor has also been productive for Indianapolis. The 2020 second-round pick and three-time Pro Bowl selection has rushed for 610 yards and eight touchdowns on 148 carries through eight games. He is on pace for another 1,000-yard season.
49ers Face a Deadline Decision
San Francisco has not confirmed any interest in Taylor, and there is no indication that a deal is close.
The 49ers have already shown a willingness to make a major move by bringing Buckner back from Indianapolis. Whether they pursue another trade before November 10 remains to be seen.
Adding Taylor would give San Francisco another established running back, but it could also create significant roster and salary-cap decisions involving McCaffrey beyond this season.
For now, the possibility remains speculation as the 49ers evaluate their options ahead of the deadline.
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