Jim Irsay responds to Jonathan Taylor’s trade request

Sep 8, 2019; Carson, CA, USA; Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay on the field prior to the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Dignity Health Sports Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor wants out. Team owner Jim Irsay says he has no plans to abide by his player’s wishes.

Taylor and Irsay met on Saturday to discuss the running back’s trade request. The two met in Irsay’s bus parked right next to where the Colts were holding practice.

Shortly after the news of the trade request went public, Irsay sent a text message to Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer. Breer revealed that the Colts owner told him that the team is “not trading” their star running back.

“Text from Colts owner Jim Irsay on Jonathan Taylor’s trade request (as reported by RapSheet): ‘We’re not trading Jonathan… end of discussion. Not now and not in October!’” Breer tweeted.

Text from @Colts owner @JimIrsay on Jonathan Taylor’s trade request (as reported by @RapSheet): “We’re not trading Jonathan… end of discussion. Not now and not in October!”

— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) July 30, 2023

With emotions likely running high following the meeting, both Irsay and Taylor appear adamant that they are no longer willing to cooperate with one another. The rift represents the latest chapter in the running back drama that has defined the 2023 NFL offseason thus far.

Taylor is in the final year of his 4-year, $7.8 million rookie contract signed in 2020. He was named First-team All-Pro back in 2021 after leading the NFL in rushing yards (1,811), rushing touchdowns (18), and total carries (332).

Taylor struggled last season after injuring his ankle in Week 4. He missed six games and was hampered by the issue for the rest of the year. Taylor finished the campaign with 861 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns.