Jason Burgos
While the Indianapolis Colts are now open to the idea of trading star running back Jonathan Taylor, their reported asking price could extend the recent drama well into the 2023 NFL season.
One of the most notable stories in the AFC South heading into the new season has been the ongoing contract dispute between the Indianapolis Colts and one-time All-Pro Jonathan Taylor. Like many players before him, he has looked to leverage his availability this summer into getting a new long-term extension with the team as he enters the final year of his contract.
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However, despite two 1,000-plus-yard rushing seasons for the franchise in his first three years, the organization is in no rush to hand him a new multi-year deal. That hasn’t sat well with the 24-year-old and he has made it well known.
With the two sides at an apparent stalemate just a couple of weeks before the start of the season, the Colts made the bold decision on Monday to allow him to seek out a trade.
- Jonathan Taylor stats (2022): 192 rushes, 861 yards, 4 TD, 4.5 YPC
Indianapolis Colts looking for Christian McCaffrey-type return in Jonathan Taylor trade
Yet, getting a blockbuster deal done for such a talented player could prove very difficult to do. Firstly, because Taylor is an impending free agent and may want assurances from his next team that they will give him the extension he is looking for. But it could also be a tough trade to make because of the asking price the Indianapolis Colts reportedly have.
Following the news that Taylor was given permission to find a new home, ESPN NFL reporter Stephen Holden claimed the organization is looking for a “first-round pick — or package of picks that equates to as much.”
Fellow NFL insider Tom Pelissero added to that by noting the Colts are looking for a “significant” return that is even more than what the San Francisco 49ers gave up to get Christian McCaffrey before the trade deadline last season.
The 49ers sent the Panthers four draft picks, including a second-rounder for the two-time Pro Bowler.
With the season opener so close, it will be interesting to see if there is any team unhappy with their running game this summer and desperate enough to make a blockbuster deal so early in the season.
