Colts running back Jonathan Taylor reported to training camp to avoid being docked service time as the centerpiece of the Indianapolis offense enters the final year of his contract.
Speculation was rampant that Taylor might play hardball by skipping camp, but the market for running backs has devolved to the extent players at the position have gone public with their concern over the direction of the market.
Colts general manager Chris Ballard said Tuesday that he remains open to a long-term deal with Taylor. He added the market for running backs isn’t in his control.
But Ballard also said in January at his end-of-season press conference that there are situations that call for breaking market norms, implying Taylor was one such example.
Ballard said the exception is applied “when you’re a special player and special playmaker.”
Taylor said last month he reached out to the team hoping to get the ball rolling on a new deal.
“We definitely have approached (the Colts),” Taylor said. “Hopefully, that they can see the value, hopefully we can explain the value, not that it needs explanation. But we just want to be here, like I said, to help the team, help uplift the community. We’ll see where things go. It’s kind of on them right now.”
Ballard also said All-Pro linebacker Shaquille Leonard, who has had multiple back surgeries, passed his physical on Tuesday. Leonard is not yet cleared for full contact.
The Colts selected Taylor in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft. In three seasons in Indianapolis, he has run for 3,841 yards, including a league-leading 1,811 in 2021, when he was selected to the All-Pro team.
He has a career 4,643 yards from scrimmage to go with 36 touchdown.
–Field Level Media