Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor was expected to have a huge contract year in 2023, taking advantage of a new-look offense led by quarterback Anthony Richardson and play-caller Shane Steichen. Now, Taylor’s future with the Colts is in limbo.
Taylor is in the last year of his rookie deal, making him one of the lowest-paid workhorse running backs in the NFL. While the All-Pro offensive weapon struggled in 2022 due to injuries, he was the best running back in football two seasons ago and appeared to be the centerpiece of the Colts’ offense.
- Jonathan Taylor contract: $5.117 million salary (2023), 2024 free agent
Related: Jonathan Taylor increasingly ‘frustrated’ over contract
After hiring Steichen as head coach and drafting Richardson, Indianapolis believed its reshaped offense would maximize Taylor’s skills. However, the former second-round pick isn’t happy with his contract and the relationship between the two sides is rapidly deteriorating.
Appearing on SportsCenter, ESPN Colts’ reporter Stephen Holders suggested “everything is on the table right now” with Taylor including the possibility of a trade.
“If they’re not going to offer him an extension and every indication of ar demonstrates they are not. If that’s not going to happen, then what you have is a very disenchanted player who is very central to the Colts’ hopes…It really begs the question, is a separation in the cards.”
ESPN’s Stephen Holden on Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor
- Jonathan Taylor stats (career): 3,841 rushing yards, 33 rushing touchdowns, 5.1 yards per carry in 43 games
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Holder’s perspective comes from witnessing everything that has happened this offseason. Taylor wanted a contract extension, which the Colts have shown no interest in pursuing. Now, the NFL rushing leader in 2021 is facing an eventual reality that his peers have gone through.
Instead of becoming a free agent in 2024, Taylor will likely be franchise tagged if he remains with Indianapolis. The Colts will place the $10 million tag on their starting running back, preventing him from hitting the open market.
The lack of control over his future is at the center of Taylor’s issues with the Colts. If general manager Chris Ballard and owner Jim Irsay don’t believe Taylor should be one of the highest-paid running backs, then there’s no incentive for him to remain with the Colts.
While Taylor hasn’t formally requested a trade, he and his agent have both made it clear they aren’t happy with the direction Indianapolis is taking things. If the matter isn’t resolved within the next few weeks, it’s very possible Taylor requests a trade.