By Ashish Mathur
Jonathan Taylor has requested a trade from the Indianapolis Colts, according to NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport.
However, Colts owner Jim Irsay has no plans to trade Taylor.
Taylor is entering the final season of his four-year rookie contract. He is scheduled to earn $4.3 million this season, which ranks 18th among running back salaries in 2023.
According to Stephen Holder of ESPN, Taylor is extremely upset with his situation with the Colts and there is uncertainty about whether fences can be mended between him and the franchise.
A one-time Pro Bowler, Taylor rushed for 861 yards last season and four touchdowns in 11 games. He is currently on the physically unable to perform list after offseason ankle surgery. The 24-year-old has been the Colts’ most explosive playmaker since the team drafted him in the second round in 2020 out of Wisconsin. Taylor led the NFL with 1,811 yards and 18 touchdowns in 2021.
Since entering the NFL in 2020, Taylor ranks top five in touches (860), scrimmage yards per game (107.9) and scrimmage touchdowns (36). The only player in Colts history with more scrimmage yards and scrimmage touchdowns through his first three seasons is Hall of Famer Edgerrin James.
Irsay, who never minces words, went viral for the following quote after Taylor requested his trade: “If I die tonight and Jonathan Taylor is out of the league, no one’s gonna miss us. The league goes on. We know that. The National Football League rolls on. It doesn’t matter who comes and who goes, and it’s a privilege to be a part of it.”
Taylor has rushed for 3,841 yards and 33 touchdowns in 43 games with the Colts. He has also recorded 104 receptions for 802 yards and three touchdowns. Taylor is one of the best running backs in the NFL, so it’s going to be interesting to see how his trade request situation plays out.
This article first appeared on NFL Analysis Network and was syndicated with permission.