Indianapolis Colts Running Back Jonathan Taylor Granted Permission to Seek Trade
It has been confirmed that the Indianapolis Colts have given running back Jonathan Taylor permission to seek a trade, according to sources close to the team. This news was first reported by ESPN. Taylor, who is entering the final year of his rookie contract, was seeking a contract extension and expressed his frustrations with the diminishing running back market earlier this offseason. The All-Pro running back officially requested a trade on July 29, as confirmed by league sources.
This revelation comes after Colts owner Jim Irsay stated in July that the team had no intentions of trading Taylor. However, it seems that the team has had a change of heart. Taylor, who missed six games last season due to a nagging ankle injury, has yet to practice since the start of training camp and is currently on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list.
The last first-team All-Pro running back to be traded was Christian McCaffrey. He was traded from the Carolina Panthers to the San Francisco 49ers mid-season last year in exchange for multiple draft picks.
The Athletic’s analysis of the situation suggests that the Colts have caved in to Taylor’s demands. Colts owner Jim Irsay had previously praised Taylor during a broadcast but it is now clear that the team has not been able to resolve the situation. Taylor had initially stated that not getting a contract extension before the season started would not be a distraction, but it seems that the situation has since escalated. He has not participated in any on-field team activities since December and has not been medically cleared despite declaring his ankle surgery a success earlier this year.
The potential trade of Taylor would have significant implications for rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson. With Taylor in the backfield, opponents would have to pay more attention to the Colts’ ground game, opening up throwing lanes for Richardson. If Taylor does leave, it would make Richardson’s job much more challenging. Colts offensive coordinator Shane Steichen, who previously coached in Philadelphia, was able to improve quarterback Jalen Hurts without a superstar running back, but the Colts lack the same offensive line and weapons as the Eagles. The absence of Taylor would decrease the effectiveness of their read options and run-pass option (RPO) schemes.
If Taylor is traded, the Colts’ running back depth chart would consist of players who have not had a 1,000-yard rushing season in the NFL. This includes injured Zack Moss, veteran Kenyan Drake, Deon Jackson, Jake Funk, Jason Huntley, and rookie Evan Hull. Left guard Quenton Nelson acknowledged Taylor’s absence but also highlighted his significance to the offense. Since entering the NFL in 2020, Taylor ranks fourth in rushing yards and is tied for second in rushing touchdowns.
Jonathan Taylor was named first-team All-Pro in 2021 after leading the league in rushing yards and touchdowns. He played through a nagging ankle injury last season before ultimately deciding to undergo surgery this offseason.
As the situation continues to develop, it remains to be seen whether Taylor will indeed be traded and what impact his potential departure will have on the Indianapolis Colts.