Running back Jonathan Taylor has requested a trade from the Indianapolis Colts, the public learned on Saturday.
NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport reported on Saturday that Taylor formally requested a trade from the Colts after meeting with team owner Jim Irsay.
From Back Together Weekend: #Colts star Jonathan Taylor has requested a trade. pic.twitter.com/W63CtoHpfw
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 30, 2023
It was later revealed that Taylor had actually made his trade request a few days prior to Saturday’s meeting.
I'm told the initial trade request for #Colts RB Jonathan Taylor was actually made on his behalf to GM Chris Ballard a few days ago, per source.
It appears owner Jim Irsay's meeting with Taylor is subsequent to that initial discussion about the possibility for a trade.
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) July 30, 2023
Irsay recently sparked controversy when the Colts owner tweeted out against running backs, who have been lobbying versus what they believe to be an unfair market for their services. Taylor’s agent responded to the tweet shortly after and deemed the relationship unsalvageable.
NFL Running Back situation- We have negotiated a CBA,that took years of effort and hard work and compromise in good faith by both sides..to say now that a specific Player category wants another negotiation after the fact,is inappropriate. Some Agents are selling ‘bad faith’..
— Jim Irsay (@JimIrsay) July 26, 2023
Irsay also confirmed that the Colts had not engaged Taylor’s camp in any extension talks. Irsay described the matter as a “timing” issue and said that Taylor would be paid “when the time comes.”
Taylor is in the final year of his 4-year, $7.8 million rookie contract. 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’s 2022 season was riddled with injuries after the Colts running back hurt his ankle in Week 4. He missed six games and was hampered by the lingering injury for the rest of the year. Taylor finished the campaign with 861 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns.
