The Jonathan Taylor-Indianapolis Colts saga continues to unravel by the day. The Colts have given their talented back permission to seek a trade. Indianapolis suggests they want a first-round pick in return for compensation and have provided Taylor with a deadline to iron out a deal that works for all parties involved.
Will the relationship between Taylor and the Colts reach a breaking point? One NFL insider reveals the latest news surrounding Taylor.
What Is the Latest on Jonathan Taylor From NFL Insiders?
According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, the strained relationship between Taylor and the Colts is to the point that it is “hard to imagine” the team’s leading rusher will ever wear a Colts uniform again.
Update: The relationship between the #Colts and RB Jonathan Taylor is seemingly so strained that @RapSheet says it's "Hard to imagine" he'd come back to play for them.
Rapoport: "I'll be surprised if he plays for them. It is possible, I just don't know it will happen, this is a… pic.twitter.com/qWZ2p1eaoB
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) August 24, 2023
Rapoport states the Colts have not been interested in meeting Taylor’s demands for a new contract and that both sides appear to be dug in on the matter.
“I’ll be surprised if he plays for them. It is possible. I just don’t know if it will happen. This is a relationship that is not good, not good.”
How Did the Colts Get Here?
The NFL RB market is causing headaches for players and front offices alike. The RB position has been devalued over the years, and NFL franchises view the position as replaceable and don’t wish to sign RBs to a second contract.
The Indianapolis Colts won’t pay Jonathan Taylor like he’s a top-of-the-market RB.
Yet, they’re asking for a top-of-the-market return if they trade him.
And some people wonder why NFL RBs are upset…
— Kyle Yates (@KyleYNFL) August 21, 2023
It is hard to argue against the more cost-effective approach, and many have adopted the mantra “Never Pay Running Backs.” RBs, on the other hand, touch the ball as much as anyone on the field besides the QB. They want to get paid and are fighting an uphill battle against the NFL front offices.
NFL players have little leverage in these situations, as there are fines and missed game checks if they don’t play. The RB position is as brutal a position that exists in the NFL, so you can’t blame players for wanting to make their money while they can since their careers have a short shelf life.
Where Do Taylor and the Colts Go From Here?
The odds of Taylor ever playing another down in a Colts uniform diminish by the day. The Taylor/Colts fiasco has been a PR nightmare for Indianapolis, and Colts owner Jim Irsay is doing nothing to calm concerns.
𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗗𝗘 𝗥𝗨𝗠𝗢𝗥
3 Teams have talked to the #Colts about a Jonathan Taylor trade.• #Eagles
• #Dolphins
• #Bears pic.twitter.com/r5F0P4BqNu— NFL Notifications (@NFLNotify) August 24, 2023
Taylor’s discontent is at an all-time high, and the odds of a trade from Indianapolis are becoming increasingly likely. Reportedly, a few NFL teams have exchanged trade proposals with the Colts. It would not be surprising if there is an announcement of a Taylor trade in the coming days.