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Stephen Holder, ESPN
INDIANAPOLIS — All-Pro running back Jonathan Taylor has received permission from the Indianapolis Colts to explore a potential trade, sources have informed ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Monday.
However, the Colts are aiming for substantial compensation in exchange for Taylor, as indicated by separate sources. The team is seeking either a first-round draft pick or a package of picks equivalent to a first-round selection.
While no concrete offers have emerged yet, interested teams are evaluating what fair value would look like for Taylor, who led the NFL in rushing in 2021. Furthermore, teams would need to consider whether they are willing to meet Taylor’s contract extension demands.
The involved parties are looking to resolve a three-week impasse that began when Taylor reported to training camp on July 25. Taylor, whose rookie contract is set to expire, has long been seeking a long-term extension. The Colts have shown reluctance to negotiate, leading to concerns that Taylor may be subject to the franchise tag before hitting free agency next spring. Colts owner Jim Irsay confirmed last month that no contract offer had been made to Taylor, causing frustration on the player’s side, according to sources.
Upon his arrival at camp, Taylor, 24, complained of lingering issues with his surgically repaired right ankle and failed his pre-camp physical, sources revealed. Subsequently, he was placed on the physically unable to perform list, where he remains. Taylor has not participated in Colts’ practices since being placed on injured reserve in December.
In the weeks that followed, the relationship between Taylor and the Colts deteriorated further. This included a tweet from Irsay that drew a response from Taylor’s agent, as well as a unproductive meeting between Irsay and Taylor during a Colts practice. Taylor has temporarily left training camp on two occasions, once to seek therapy for his ankle and again last week for a personal matter.
Taylor initially requested a trade on the day he reported to camp, which Irsay publicly denied on July 29. However, behind the scenes, the possibility of a trade was never seriously considered at the Colts’ headquarters. Taylor has not withdrawn his trade request, remaining hopeful that the team’s stance may change.
For reference, Christian McCaffrey, another elite running back, was traded from the Carolina Panthers to the San Francisco 49ers last season in exchange for second-, third-, and fourth-round picks in 2023, along with a fifth-round pick in 2024.
Since entering the league in 2020, Taylor has amassed a total of 3,841 rushing yards. He broke the Colts’ franchise records in 2021 with his league-leading 1,811 rushing yards and 18 rushing touchdowns.
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