Colts Make Decision on Jonathan Taylor
The Jonathan Taylor saga will continue with the Indianapolis Colts, at least for now.
After much speculation that Taylor would be traded today, the Colts did not accept a deal with another team to part with the superstar running back. Instead, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Colts will keep Taylor, and he will remain on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list.
"No deal: Indianapolis did not find what it felt was a fair-value offer for Jonathan Taylor and it is not trading its All-Pro running back today, league sources tell ESPN," Schefter posted on X. "With no trade materializing today, Taylor now is expected to remain on the Physically Unable to Perform List, making him ineligible to play the first four games of the season. Taylor now is expected to miss games vs. the Jaguars, at Houston, at Baltimore and vs. the Rams."
The Colts gave Taylor and his management permission to seek a trade over a week ago. One caveat was that the Colts placed a deadline of today at 4:00 p.m. ET for a trade to be completed. The Colts were asking for a first-round pick or a package of picks equivalent to a first-round pick in exchange for Taylor. While a few teams engaged with the Colts in negotiations, the team felt the offers were not enough to give up Taylor.
Taylor has become very disgruntled with the team and has made it known he wants to play elsewhere in 2023 and beyond. Taylor's frustration with the Colts' failure to engage in contract extension talks. Contrary to recent years, the Colts are taking a "wait and see" approach with their players who are up for extensions.
After a 4-12-1 season, the Colts' head decision-makers want to see how players perform under new head coach Shane Steichen's regime and with rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson.
A second-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, Taylor became one of the best running backs in the NFL in his three years with the Colts. In 43 games (41 starts), Taylor amassed 3,841 rushing yards (5.1 avg.) and 33 touchdowns. He also hauled in 104 catches for 802 yards and three touchdowns as a receiver.
2021 was easily Taylor's best season as a Colt. He broke the Colts franchise record for rushing yards in a season with 1,811 and added 20 total touchdowns on the way to being named First-Team All-Pro. Taylor finished second in Offensive Player of the Year voting that season as well.
Taylor requested to be traded on July 25th after the Colts would not engage in contract negotiations with the former All-Pro running back. Shortly after Taylor's trade request became public, owner Jim Irsay stated the Colts would not be honoring his request.
However, with the situation not improving between the two parties, Irsay and general manager Chris Ballard gave Taylor and his management permission to contact other teams. An effort was made to find a trade partner for Taylor, but ultimately, no team was willing to match the Colts' asking price.
The attention now turns to whether Taylor will play for the Colts this season. Taylor will revert to the Reserve/PUP list as he continues to recover from an ankle surgery he underwent in January and has yet to practice since. He will miss at least the first four games of the season.
In the meantime, the Colts will turn to a crop of running backs that includes Zack Moss, Deon Jackson, and rookie Evan Hull. Do not rule out the Colts looking to add a running back, as there are still various options on the free agent market and waiver wire.
Regardless, the drama surrounding Taylor and the Colts will continue until the former All-Pro is healthy and playing again, he gets a new extension, or the running back is finally traded down the line. Buckle up.
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