Jonathan Taylor: What has gone so wrong with the Colts?
We’re just over a year on from the back of one of the most impressive seasons by a running back in recent memory. But after a forgettable 2022 for both the player and franchise, it looks as if the marriage between Jonathan Taylor and the Indianapolis Colts has hit a rocky road this offseason.
Having led the NFL in both rushing yards and touchdowns in 2021, becoming a unanimous All-Pro and Pro Bowler in the same season and looking on course to becoming one of the greatest RB’s in Colts history, Taylor was limited to 11 games last season, due to a nagging right ankle injury.
Despite the difficult year, the trajectory of the star running back remained in tact, and an extension seemed a formality waiting to happen. But after meeting with owner Jim Irsay prior to the opening week of training camp, the two parties seem way-off finding a long-term resolution, which resulted in Taylor requesting a trade away from the team.
Things were made even worse when Irsay told the media that “If I die tonight and Jonathan Taylor is out of the league, no one’s gonna miss us”, hinting that the Colts wouldn’t be held to ransom over the demands of any player.
Taylor is currently on the PUP list, which some have speculated is the running back’s way to “hold-in” without getting fined for holding out. Either way, he’s yet to play a snap for the Colts during training camp and whether he plays another down in Indy is a legitimate question for concern.
Should the Colts pay Taylor?
The former Wisconsin standout is entering the final year of his rookie contract, having been selected in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft. His 36 touchdowns are the second most by a Colts player after their first three seasons, and with the team in the middle of a major rebuild, he is certainly the team’s key asset on offense.
As we know, the running back market is continuing to get worse for players, with Taylor also stating his concerns earlier this month on those in the position not getting paid.
Star running backs have notably tried and failed to get suitable long-term contracts from their teams this offseason, including the Los Angeles Chargers‘ Austin Ekeler, the New York Giants‘ Saquon Barkley and the Las Vegas Raiders‘ Josh Jacobs.
That means Taylor is lacking much leverage in his own dispute. The Colts will feel that they could get better value elsewhere, and have no incentive to pay top dollar to the player.
It feels like Taylor’s days in Indianapolis are numbered, as the player may even choose to not play if he isn’t moved on, despite what Irsay says. Regardless of a devalued running back market, Taylor is one of the league’s top players at his position and deserves to be one of the best paid in the league.
