Colts owner makes huge U-turn over future of key player on eve of NFL season

22 August 2023 , 16:12

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Jonathan Taylor has been told he can seek a trade elsewhere in the NFL (Image: 2022 Cooper Neill)

Running back Jonathan Taylor has been told by the Indianapolis Colts he can pursue a trade, despite telling him last month he would not be leaving the franchise.

There have been many contract sagas this offseason in the NFL, leading to trade requests, refusal to engage in team activities, and players being released all together. Taylor's situation has gathered momentum in what has been a tough running back market this offseason, and now it appears he has finally been granted permission to look elsewhere by owner Jim Irsay.

Taylor is entering the final season of his four-year rookie contract, and like many running backs in a similar position he's been looking for a hefty contract extension. Following a standoff with Taylor, Irsay recently told ESPN : "When your time comes to get paid, then you get paid."

Irsay also said in July: "We will not trade Jonathan Taylor. That is a certainty. Not now or not in October."

And that still may be the case, as the Colts aren't going to let Taylor leave cheaply, reportedly seeking significant trade compensation for the 24-year-old, with either a first-round draft pick or a collection of picks speculated as their asking price.

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In the current market that may be too high a price for interested NFL teams, especially as Taylor had a significant drop off in form last season after a breakthrough 2021 campaign. Taylor only managed four rushing touchdowns in 11 starts during an injury-hit season season, a huge drop after a record breaking year.

In 2021 Taylor won the rushing title with 18 touchdowns, 1,811 yards, and two receiving touchdowns in 17 games. Taylor became the youngest player in NFL history with at least 2,000 scrimmage yards and 20 scrimmage touchdowns in a single season.

Interest in Taylor is reportedly picking up, as there's belief that the 24-year-old can turn things around for the 2023 season. He is also set to earn $4.304 million (£3.38m) this season, which is a reasonable price as his salary ranks 18th amongst all running backs.

But Taylor may want assurances over a contract extension, something that he hasn't received at the Colts. Irsay said when being asked about Taylor's frustrations, and whether a deal is coming: "At this point, that's not something that we're discussing right now.

Jim Irsay has been talking about Taylor non stop this offseason (Copyright - 2022 The Denver Post, MediaNews Group.)

"This isn't a comment that has to do with Jonathan Taylor's situation. It's what my responsibilities are. I'm responsible for everyone on the team and to look at the cap money that you have and to look at contracts as you go forward."

If the Colts receive an offer that fits their valuation then Taylor will leave the franchise, but Irsay is still keen to have the running back for the 2023 season if not. "We're looking forward to a great season and hoping Jonathan is a big part of that," Irsay previously said. "We're looking forward to hopefully having Jonathan there."

Joseph McBride