Indianapolis Colts Running Back Jonathan Taylor requested a trade on July 29 which was reported by NFL Network Reporter Ian Rapoport. Taylor is still with the Colts and hasn’t been traded.
Taylor is the latest running back frustrated with his contract. Taylor requested the trade after meeting with Colts Owner Jim Irsay. Irsay and General Manager Chris Ballard haven’t offered Taylor a contract extension.
Taylor enters 2023 in the final year of his rookie contract. According to Spotrac, Taylor is set to make $4.3 million this season.
Taylor is a great player who has blossomed with the Colts. Taylor has recorded 3,841 rushing yards and has scored 33 rushing touchdowns. Taylor has caught 104 passes for 802 yards and has scored three receiving touchdowns.
Colts Running Backs
Taylor’s situation is rocky and has created drama within the Colts organization. Irsay told Reporter Albert Breer,” We are not trading Jonathan Taylor.” Despite Irsay’s claims, I could see Indianapolis trading Taylor so both sides can move forward.
Indianapolis is moving in a different direction with new Head Coach Shane Steichen. Steichen and the front office could conclude that trading Taylor is best for the team. The question is what will Indy’s run game look like after a possible trade?
Indianapolis’ running back room consists of Deon Jackson, Evan Hull, Zack Moss and Jake Funk. Jackson has NFL experience and has scored two rushing touchdowns. Jackson flashed and played well when Taylor got injured last season. Hull is a rookie who can use his talent to help the Colts’ offense. Moss recently broke his arm and has recorded 1,282 rushing yards. Moss has scored nine rushing touchdowns. Funk doesn’t have stats despite being in the league since 2021. I doubt he will make the final roster.
If Taylor is traded the Colts can employ a running back by committee system. Indy can rotate Jackson, Hull, and Moss. Each running back can use their dynamic skillset to attack defenses. A committee system would keep defenses on their toes. Defenses will have to account for other running backs outside of the aforementioned Taylor.
Final Note
Taylor’s situation sheds light on the business side of the NFL. Indianapolis has the right to wait until next offseason to tag or let Taylor walk. Despite Taylor’s production, there are other good running backs. We shall see what happens as training camp continues.
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