News broke last night that Wisconsin legend Jonathan Taylor has formally requested a trade from the Indianapolis Colts.
The headline comes on the heels of a short saga breaking out over the last week between Taylor and Colts owner Jim Irsay. Irsay had previously discussed the current market for running backs in the NFL, insinuating he and the Colts wouldn’t pay Taylor top money when his rookie contract expires at the end of this season.
The running back market in the league has reached complete stagnation as other positions’ contracts continue to grow. Stars including Saquon Barkley, Austin Ekeler and Josh Jacobs have been at the forefront of voicing displeasure with the current trends.
Irsay’s comments added Taylor to the list of running backs unhappy with having to continue playing knowing a contract extension is not likely, at least at the price point the players desire. After a meeting with Irsay last night to discuss the matter, Taylor made his trade request official.
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
Irsay’s response to Taylor’s request: “We’re not trading Jonathan … end of discussion. Not now and not in October!”
Taylor is the Colts’ best offensive player and one of the best in the league. The Wisconsin legend amassed nearly 3000 rushing yards in his first two NFL seasons before an injury-riddled 2022. When healthy, there aren’t many better.
Taylor started training camp on the PUP as he works back from offseason ankle surgery.
I’m not predicting that Jonathan Taylor will be traded. But I’m also telling you that things between him and the Colts seem to be unraveling and that everything is on the table right now. My take from tonight’s @SportsCenter: pic.twitter.com/8HpEmVZN4X
— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) July 29, 2023