On Monday, it was reported that the Indianapolis Colts have given star running back Jonathan Taylor permission to seek a trade. Indy made other teams aware that they’re open for business and Taylor’s team is already reaching out to see who’s interested. It’s also been reported that the Colts are asking for a first-round pick or a package of picks equal in value to a first.
This comes after the relationship between Taylor and Indianapolis quickly deteriorated. Taylor wanted a contract extension but Indy didn’t even want to negotiate. That led to Taylor requesting a trade, which Jim Irsay initially publicly denied. However, the franchise has changed its tune, and Jonathan Taylor’s time in Indy could be done.
However, it’s fair to ask if Taylor will actually be traded. There has to be a team willing to compensate the Colts to acquire Taylor, and then compensate Taylor with a new contract that should put his salary somewhere near the top of running back salaries. That’d be a big commitment from a franchise.
But, there seems to be some teams that are willing to make that commitment.
The replies to this have been entertaining. Twitter is undefeated.
— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) August 22, 2023
However... It is my *educated* opinion that there's a real chance of a trade happening. I've been hearing for weeks that there was a market for Taylor.
(This is NOT me saying they'll get a 1st rounder) https://t.co/CgsmpVFT5b
There is a market for Jonathan Taylor
Stephen Holder, Adam Schefter, and Ian Rapoport have all reported that there is interest around the league in Jonathan Taylor. It has also been reported that the Miami Dolphins will explore a trade for Taylor. So this won’t be a situation where no team shows interest and Taylor has to begrudgingly stay with the Colts. There will be a market, but it’s all going to come down to negotiations.
Sure, Indianapolis is asking for a first, but what’s the minimum package that the team is willing to accept? Will teams be able to talk the Colts down on their asking price? What about Jonathan Taylor? What is his asking price and is he willing to budge? These are the questions that must be answered, and they will be, because the Colts are going to receive calls about Jonathan Taylor.