The Indianapolis Colts and star Jonathan Taylor are embroiled in a tense battle regarding his future with the team.
All indications from his camp lean towards wanting him to be one of, if not the, NFL’s top-paid running backs. The Colts believe he should be compensated market value, and consequently, they are not inclined to make that move happen now.
Both owner Jim Irsay and general manager Chris Ballard wish to revisit that conversation later.
Both sides’ back-and-forth actions and responses ultimately led to Taylor making a formal trade request out of Indy. For the Colts to consider that, it appears they are seeking early-round draft compensation, according to Stephen Holder of ESPN.
The Colts, according to a source with direct knowledge of the conversations, would be seeking an early-round draft pick. That might be tough given the current climate about the value of running backs.
Transparently, a move like this will likely be hard to make happen. The current value of running backs across the league has significantly dropped over the last year. Additionally, the contract would have to be of substantial value for the team acquiring him. This could make it unappealing to running back needy teams across the league.
Colts owner Jim Irsay told the media the team doesn’t have plans to trade the star running back.
Head Coach Shane Steichen remains hopeful he will play this season, but what will happen with the Colts and Taylor is unknown as the two sides continue to dig in their heels.