The next domino in the running back vs. NFL saga is about to fall.
Following a meeting with Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay on his bus, running back Jonathan Taylor has requested a trade out of The Hoosier Capital, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
Sources: #Colts star RB Jonathan Taylor has formally requested a trade after meeting with owner Jim Irsay. pic.twitter.com/BH7dhZAzUD
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 30, 2023
Taylor is on the physically unable to perform list but wants a contract extension that will align him with the league’s highest-paid running backs. Taylor, 24, is set to hit free agency next offseason.
Taylor battled injuries last season, missing six games after suffering an ankle injury early in the season. In 2021, however, Taylor was the league’s most productive, posting a league-high 1,811 yards and 18 touchdowns.
Always vocal on social media, Irsay took to Twitter to offer his thoughts on running backs wanting to get better contracts.
“NFL Running Back situation,” Irsay said. “We have negotiated a CBA,that took years of effort and hard work and compromise in good faith by both sides..to say now that a specific Player category wants another negotiation after the fact,is inappropriate. Some Agents are selling ‘bad faith’”
While the Colts may not choose to trade Taylor, his request out of Indianapolis may open the door for general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah to pursue the disgruntled running back, pairing him with star wide receiver Justin Jefferson. Despite the eye-opening numbers that combination would bring, the question becomes whether the Vikings should send significant capital to the Colts.