What's Next for Jonathan Taylor?
The on-again, off-again relationship of the Indianapolis Colts and star running back Jonathan Taylor hit another snag on Monday night when it was reported the Colts had given Taylor permission to seek a trade.
This was a quick turnaround from the weekend when owner Jim Irsay said he was looking forward to having Taylor be a part of the team.
In theory, that hasn't really changed as the Colts will seek a king's ransom for Taylor, even if they're not willing to extend his contract to his liking right now.
NFL.com's Tom Pelissero explained more on Monday night.
"Fundamentally, this doesn't change a whole lot at this point," said Pelissero on NFL Network. "Except that the other teams can now speak to Taylor's agent without fear of a potential tampering charge."
Basically, now Taylor's agent can publicly admit who his camp is talking to, since agents are fielding calls non-stop regardless.
"The question remains," said Pelissero, "who is willing to pay Jonathan Taylor on the type of contract he has been seeking, which is towards the top of the running back market? Could be anywhere from 10 to 15 million dollars depending on how you slice it."
So far the Colts have been unwilling to meet those demands, and Pelissero points out the next big hurdle.
"Then also be willing to give up significant draft compensation in order to land him," said Pelissero.
"Go back to last year at the trade deadline. The 49ers were willing to give up a package of picks to the Panthers for Christian McCaffrey that included a 2023-second rounder plus three-additional picks."
"My understanding the Colts would want even more than that for Jonathan Taylor, and it's easy to understand why. He's 24-years old. He was the rushing champ back in 2021, averages 5.1 yards per attempt for his career."
"It all makes this a very difficult deal to do, but as we saw with McCaffrey last year, all it takes is one team with a real need be willing to step up to the plate."
The 49ers gave up a significant package for McCaffrey, but finding a team willing to do it for Taylor this year coming off an injury may be more difficult.
The team that makes the most sense for Taylor is a running-based team who wouldn't have to give up any draft picks... the Indianapolis Colts.
Taylor has said he wants to stay with the Colts. The Colts have said they want to keep Taylor. Taylor fits what the Colts want to do with their offense. If we're handicapping the team that Taylor ultimately plays for in 2023, we'd still bet on the Colts.
