The Saga of Jonathan Taylor and the Indianapolis Colts
This weekend was full of drama and palace intrigue as star running back Jonathan Taylor and the organization escalated tensions after owner Jim Irsay had a verbal sparring session with Taylor’s agent last week. To wit, here is the interaction as listed below:
Taylor’s agent responded in kind, stating his opinion on “bad faith”
All was seemingly quiet until Saturday evening as Taylor clambered onto Irsay’s private bus to meet with the Colts owner. The sports world was set ablaze after that fabled meeting that could not only change the futures of Taylor, the team, and the division but the perception of rushers leaguewide. JT requested a trade after the meeting on the bus, per multiple reports, including from NFL Network’s Ian Rapaport
This was on the heels of Irsay, irrationally and completely shamelessly grotesque comparison of his personal mortality and Taylor’s professional one while speaking on how the league “moves on”
While the league waited with bated breath on what would come next, it was less than 24 hours before the bizarre and tempestuous affair took another wild turn after reports of the Colts would consider putting him on the NFI list.
Of course, the uber-talented rusher responded to such reports via his personal X (nee Twitter) account.
What’s next for the Colts and Taylor?
While the star running back is under contract for the 2023 season, there are a variety of ways the Colts can handle this sordid tale of discomfiture. Namely, they can do the NBA-style trend of acquiescing to the star and granting the trade request. The Colts organization could use the NFI option that would convert to the regular-season PUP list.
Indianapolis is in a bind, putting its reputation at risk even further in this seemingly endless melodrama. The organization isn’t known as the bastion of player-friendly exits prior to Taylor’s situation. Not only are players in their own locker room but the league will be watching.
How do they replace JT?
In the event that Taylor isn’t part of the roster going forward, either via trade or injury designation, the team has some options. Nominally, former Bills runner Zach Moss would get the first crack. Fifth-round rookie Evan Hull and backup Deon Jackson would likely get the backup snaps. Expect the team to explore the veteran free agent market quite substantially if they don’t get a back return in a theoretical trade.
What will happen?
If he is healthy as he says he is, given the verbal barrage between both parties, it’s likely he plays out the season under contract. Depending on how productive his season goes, his agent could demand that the Colts don’t use their franchise tag prerogative on him. The situation might be so toxic that the Rubicon was crossed and there is no turning back. Certainly, there is very little room for teams to trade for him at this point in the league calendar. On the other hand, given the horrendous condition of the RB market, a long-term deal isn’t likely between both parties.
A Titans fan who loves the NFL, College Football (Go Ducks and Noles), along with the Braves, Las Vegas Aces, Red Wings, and Manchester United. Draft scout / analyst who has been credentialed to the best all star game of them all, the Senior Bowl. Follow me on Twitter @2Yoon2ZeroBlitz for more good stuff!