Do the Colts Need Jonathan Taylor?

With the news of Indianapolis Colts' running back Jonathan Taylor requesting a trade, all eyes are on the players behind the superstar playmaker.

Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay met privately with running back and superstar Jonathan Taylor to discuss contract extensions and Taylor’s worth in a league devaluing his position.

Unfortunately, those talks led to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport dropping the news that Taylor formally requested a trade.

Sources: #Colts star RB Jonathan Taylor has formally requested a trade after meeting with owner Jim Irsay. pic.twitter.com/BH7dhZAzUD

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 30, 2023

This was a surprise to many that the negotiations went in this direction.

However, there was a quick response from Irsay on the Colts’ intentions of trading Taylor.

Text from @Colts owner @JimIrsay on Jonathan Taylor’s trade request (as reported by @RapSheet): “We’re not trading Jonathan… end of discussion. Not now and not in October!”

— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) July 30, 2023

With Taylor’s future unknown now, the focus will go to the committee of running backs behind him. The question now is do the Colts need Taylor?

The running back position has seemingly fallen off of a cliff in value through recent weeks. However, the value of a committee approach is skyrocketing, and the Colts have four players that could theoretically make a solid group.

The group contains Zack Moss, Evan Hull, Deon Jackson, and Zavier Scott. Each one of these backs possesses a skill that is dynamic in a unique way.

Moss is the three-down back, Hull the receiving specialist, Jackson the jack-of-all-trades, and Scott the receiver-turned-running back; and each could have a carved-out role in an offense as diverse as Shane Steichen’s.

Keep in mind that last season with the Philadelphia Eagles, Steichen assisted now Carolina Panther Miles Sanders with his best season as a professional in 2022, where he’d stacked up 1,269 rushing yards and scored 11 touchdowns on the ground. Steichen would also utilize other backs to bolster Sanders’ value. Below are the other two notable names, along with their 2022 statistics, who complimented Sanders in the backfield.

● Kenneth Gainwell: 53 carries; 240 rushing yards; four rushing TDs.

● Boston Scott: 54 carries; 217 rushing yards; three rushing TDs

Steichen utilized a balanced approach and the three-back attack put together 1,726 rushing yards and 18 rushing touchdowns.

Given the talents of Moss, Hull, Jackson, and Scott, there could be an equally potent display as what was shown in Philadelphia. There is even a chance it’s a more effective part of the offense given the diverse talents and quarterback Anthony Richardson’s blinding speed as a runner. It’s also worth noting that Steichen has three backs (Hull, Jackson, and Scott) who are solid receivers. Last season, while dominant, the Eagles' backfield wasn’t heavy on receiving at all, led by Gainwell with 23 receptions.

During these negotiations with Taylor, these four backs have been showing that they’ve got the ability and promise to be effective in Steichen’s offense. Could the Colts use a committee approach and let their superstar be traded? It will be something to keep an eye on as developments come forward.

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