The Indianapolis Colts haven’t totally dismissed the idea of trading star running back Jonathan Taylor even though owner Jim Irsay said he wouldn’t trade him, according to ESPN’s Stephen Holder.
“Although Irsay said he wouldn’t trade Taylor, the idea has not been totally dismissed at Colts headquarters, according to multiple sources, who said Taylor remains steadfast in his desire to play elsewhere,” Holder wrote.
“Two league executives told ESPN they believe there is a trade market for Taylor. But the list of teams that might be interested isn’t long, they said, and that might limit the amount of compensation the Colts can expect.”
Taylor, who is entering the final season of his rookie deal, wants a new contract. The former second-round pick has been an extremely important piece of the Colts’ offense since being drafted, but the team – like most in the NFL – doesn’t seem to be willing to give a running back a major extension.
An All-Pro player in the 2021 season, Taylor carried the ball a league-high 332 times. In turn, he produced at a high level. The Colts running back led the NFL in rushing yards (1,811), rushing touchdowns (18) and yards from scrimmage (2,171).
Injuries limited Taylor to just 11 games in the 2022 campaign, and the Colts’ offense struggled because of it. Taylor finished the season with 192 carries for 861 yards and four touchdowns.
Indianapolis’ rough 2022 season led to the team getting the No. 4 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. The Colts drafted quarterback Anthony Richardson, who could benefit from having a player like Taylor in the backfield to navigate through his rookie season.
It’s unclear what the Colts would need in a trade package to consider moving Taylor prior to the 2023 regular season beginning.
The team likely will not part ways with him unless an offer blows it away, but if Taylor doesn’t want to play for the franchise, Indy’s hands could be tied.
Despite Taylor’s frustrations, he hasn’t had a negative impact on the locker room, according to running back Deon Jackson.
“He’s coming in to work every day,” Jackson said. “He’s in meetings, he’s talkative. He’s the same person that he’s always been. Nothing’s changed. … He’s just being a supportive teammate.”
The Colts and Taylor likely want to come to a resolution before the regular season starts, as neither side would want this to bleed into games that matter.
