The Indianapolis Colts have reportedly dropped their asking price on disgruntled star running back Jonathan Taylor.
Back in July, the 2021 rushing champion requested a trade following a meeting with Colts’ owner Jim Irsay. Taylor is in the final season of his rookie deal, and Irsay made it clear that an extension isn’t on the table.
It was previously reported that the Colts wanted a first-round pick or something close to that in exchange for Taylor by ESPN’s Stephen Holder. But in a new development, Holder now reports that the Colts have reduced their asking price on the 24-year-old:
“If Taylor is moved, here’s what matters: The Colts want real value from any potential trade. It’s why no deal got done in August. They asked for a package of picks amounting to a first-round pick, but the reality is they’d settle for something a bit less. They seem determined to not just give him away and will play hardball, if necessary. Another complicating factor: A team that trades for Taylor will have to weigh whether to sign him to a new deal.”
The Miami Dolphins previously spoke with the Colts about a potential Taylor trade. Last month, Holder reported that Indianapolis sought superstar wide receiver Jaylen Waddle in return.
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With all due respect to the Colts’ front office, getting a first-round pick for Taylor was never going to happen. Christian McCaffrey is the best all-around RB in the game, and the San Francisco 49ers acquired him from the Carolina Panthers last year for 2023 second, third and fourth-rounders plus a 2024 fifth-rounder.
Aside from Taylor, we also saw teams refuse to pay Saquon Barkley, Dalvin Cook, Josh Jacobs, Tony Pollard and Austin Ekeler top dollar. So there’s no way the Colts would ever get a first-rounder for a player on an expiring contract who plays a devaluing position.
That said, several teams should have interest in one of the league’s top-five running backs. The Colts will almost certainly trade Taylor ahead of the deadline as long as their asking price becomes reasonable.
