How Jonah Coleman's progress could impact Broncos' trade plans before deadline

Denver Broncos running back Jonah Coleman. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

How Jonah Coleman's progress could impact Broncos' trade plans before deadline

By Clark Dalton | Last updated Oct 29, 2026 1:07 PM ET

Will the Denver Broncos roll with rookie running back Jonah Coleman instead of trading for a proven commodity like Indianapolis Colts star Jonathan Taylor?

The Broncos (5-2), a Super Bowl contender, have been linked to the three-time Pro Bowl RB amid the Colts' impending fire sale before the NFL trade deadline on Nov. 10 at 4 p.m. ET. Indianapolis (2-5) already traded guard Quenton Nelson (Seattle Seahawks) and DeForest Buckner (San Francisco 49ers) on Tuesday.

Taylor, however, confirmed Thursday he hasn't requested a trade. And why would the Broncos unload more draft capital when the answer to many of their offensive woes may already be on the roster?

Why Broncos may want to bank on Jonah Coleman instead of trading for another RB

Coleman — who has missed four games because of an ankle injury — has impressed in limited playing time for Denver. In three games, the fourth-round pick has rushed for 93 yards on 19 carries and one touchdown. ESPN analyst Ben Solak believes giving him more touches would kick-start Denver's 24th-ranked scoring offense (20.6 PPG).

Jonah Coleman hit a Mile High Salute after his first NFL touchdown pic.twitter.com/ar9waprtcA
— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevens) September 20, 2026

"Coleman is quick in mind and body — he explodes into the hole and finishes through contact," wrote Solak on Monday. "He's no Bijan Robinson, but he's the best between-the-tackles ball carrier I've seen wear a Broncos uniform this season."

Coleman leads Broncos RBs in yards per carry (4.9, above league average). Denver RBs J.K. Dobbins (3.4 YPC, below average) and RJ Harvey (3.6 YPC, below average) have failed to consistently generate explosive plays in the run game, limiting play-action opportunities for quarterback Bo Nix. Through eight weeks, Pro Football Reference credits Nix with 205 play-action passing yards (No. 27 in NFL).

After Coleman rushed for 54 yards on nine carries in Denver's 30-16 Week 7 win over the Arizona Cardinals, head coach Sean Payton said, "We've got to get him more touches." That should start in Week 8's home game against the 5-1 Kansas City Chiefs (CBS, 4:25 p.m. ET).

Denver must determine if Coleman can provide the juice it needs before exploring a trade for a star RB, like Taylor. The Broncos — who have three picks on Days 1 and 2 of the 2027 NFL Draft — should hold on to those if the rookie continues to be a difference-maker for their offense.

Clark Dalton

Clark Dalton is a 2022 journalism graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. He gained experience in sports media over the past seven years — from live broadcasting and creating short films to podcasting and producing. In college, he wrote for The Daily Texan. He loves sports and enjoys hiking, kayaking and camping.

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