NFL Rumors: Indianapolis Colts All-Pro Running Back Requests Trade

It's a horrible time to be an NFL running back. According to the NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, 2021 AP Offensive Player of the Year Jonathan Taylor has requested a trade after meetings with Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay regarding an extension proved fruitless.

Sources: #Colts star RB Jonathan Taylor has formally requested a trade after meeting with owner Jim Irsay. pic.twitter.com/BH7dhZAzUD
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 30, 2023

Taylor is entering the final year of his rookie contract and has been angling for a new contract, but he has been met with the same ice-cold market that has plagued all running backs. Front offices have simply deemed the position expendable.

Taylor joined the Colts as the 41st overall pick of the 2020 NFL Draft and instantly established himself as one of the better backs in the league. His 89.3 career rushing yards per game and 5.1 rushing yards per attempt are among the best in the league over the past three years, and he even led the league in rushing yards (1811), yards from scrimmage (2171), and total touchdowns (20) in 2021.

Taylor was solid yet again in limited action in 2022, averaging 78.3 rushing yards per game at 4.5 yards per carry over 11 injury-riddled appearances. Unfortunately for him, even the NFL's best backs are failing to find big money. Las Vegas Raiders running Josh Jacobs, the 2022 league leader in rushing yards (1622) and yards from scrimmage (2053), has failed to make any headway on a new deal and may be forced to play out the 2023 season on the franchise tag.

Taylor clearly hasn't seen contract terms that suit him from the Colts, but the harsh reality is he's very unlikely to see them from another team. No general manager is handing out a big contract to a running back, let alone a big contract and trade compensation. Taylor's best and only choice is to play out the final year of his rookie deal and excel enough to earn a franchise tag in 2024. At the rate things are going, the franchise tag may be the best money available for a running back.