Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay said he wouldn't consider a trade this offseason for Pro Bowl running back Jonathan Taylor, who left training camp due to a contract dispute.
According to multiple reports, Irsay and the Colts are now taking that thought process back and allowing Taylor to seek a deal.
NFL Network reported that “several GMs and talent assessors were notified today that Taylor is available,” making for a major twist in the NFL with Week 1 just a few weeks away.
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Jonathan Taylor of the Indianapolis Colts carries the ball against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half at AT&T Stadium on December 4, 2022 in Arlington, Texas. (Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
ESPN reported that Indy is looking for a first-round pick or a “package of picks that matters as much” for Taylor, showing they aren't going to just throw him away.
Taylor has publicly expressed his displeasure with the Colts this offseason as a contract dispute erupted with the club as he enters the final year of his rookie contract.
Taylor is convinced he deserves a new contract, but Irsay strongly believes that Taylor shouldn't get one at the moment. The running back market has plummeted as players like Saquon Barkley and Josh Jacobs — two elite backs like Taylor — aren't getting contract renewals from their respective teams.
COLTS STAR RUNNING BACK JONATHAN TAYLOR ‘CURRENTLY NOT ON THE TEAM' AMID ANKLE REHAB AND CONTRACT DISPUTES
Taylor and Irsay met on a team bus parked near the Colts' practice field in late July. After the meeting, Taylor wanted a trade, but Irsay didn't want to consider it, according to NFL Network.
Taylor recently left the Colts to undergo additional rehab on his ankle, which required off-season surgery to repair, but he returned last Monday. However, he left the team again and may now look for a change.
Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor watches practice at training camp in Westfield, Indiana, July 29, 2023. (AP Photo / Michael Conroy)
Two seasons ago, Taylor led the NFL with 1,811 rushing yards and 18 rushing touchdowns. The ankle injury he sustained last season hampered his rushing numbers as he rushed for 861 yards on 192 attempts and four touchdowns in 11 games.
Such production will drive up Taylor's price, the Colts seem to be telling prospects.
The most notable recent running back trade was when the Carolina Panthers had to trade All-Pro Christian McCaffrey to the San Francisco 49ers for 2023 second-round, third-round and fourth-round picks as well as a 2024 fifth-round pick last October.
Week 1 officially begins September 7 with the Detroit Lions and Kansas City Chiefs game Thursday night.
Jonathan Taylor of the Indianapolis Colts warms up before kickoff against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on December 4, 2022 in Arlington, Texas. (Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
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We'll see if the Colts take on the Jacksonville Jaguars on September 10, with or without Jonathan Taylor on their sidelines.
