Colts G.M. Chris Ballard Caught in Owner Jim Irsay’s Power Play with Jonathan Taylor
Indianapolis Colts General Manager Chris Ballard finds himself in a difficult position as he tries to navigate the contract impasse with running back Jonathan Taylor. Despite his best efforts to resolve the situation, Ballard’s hands are tied because ultimately, owner Jim Irsay is the one calling the shots.
The saga began when Irsay made contentious comments on Twitter about the running back market and the need to improve it for players in that position. This sparked a chain of events, including a meeting between Taylor and Irsay on the owner’s bus, which was followed by Taylor’s public demand for a trade. In response, Irsay adamantly insisted that Taylor would not be traded, and there were rumors that the Colts might change Taylor’s designation from “Physically Unable to Perform” to “Non-Football Injury,” which would have affected his compensation.
Throughout this ordeal, Ballard has remained relatively quiet and honorable, staying true to his reputation as a respected figure in the league. However, there is no doubt that Irsay is the one pulling the strings when it comes to Taylor’s future in Indianapolis.
This was made even more apparent during a press conference when reporters asked Ballard why the team hasn’t extended Taylor’s contract yet. Ballard repeatedly emphasized the importance of paying great players, but when pressed further, he pointed to the Colts’ poor four-win record from the previous season as a reason for the delay.
In reality, the Colts’ handling of running backs over the last two decades suggests a pattern. They traded away Marshall Faulk, a first-round pick from 1994, instead of signing him to a second contract. They then replaced him with Edgerrin James, also a first-round pick. When James completed his rookie contract, the Colts tagged him once and let him leave via free agency, subsequently drafting Joseph Addai in the first round as his replacement.
With Taylor, Irsay appears to have a similar plan in mind. He wants Taylor to finish his rookie contract, be tagged once or twice, and then be replaced by a new draft pick. This strategy is within Irsay’s rights under the Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Taylor, however, is attempting to disrupt this plan. While some argue that he should have held out for a new contract, Irsay and the Colts seem to believe that Taylor’s surgically-repaired ankle is the real reason for his refusal to play without a new deal.
Ballard finds himself caught in the middle. Though he could potentially resolve the situation, Irsay’s reluctance to pay Taylor the contract he has earned prevents any progress from being made. As a result, the only way out now seems to be trading Taylor, either before the October 31 deadline or after tagging him in 2024.
Ideally, Ballard would be able to take charge and mend the relationship between the Colts and Taylor, ultimately securing a contract for the talented running back. However, it remains to be seen whether Irsay will allow him to do so and break from his current approach dictated by the CBA.
In the end, the fate of Jonathan Taylor rests in the hands of Jim Irsay, and until he changes his stance, the Colts will continue to grapple with this contract dispute.