In the wake of the latest exchanges during the ongoing contract situation between the Colts and Jonathan Taylor, an interesting development emerged. Owner Jim Irsay noted that no formal offer has been made to the former rushing champion. It also appears that will not change any time soon. 
Irsay drew criticism – from, among others, Taylor’s agent – for his remarks concerning the idea of running backs negotiating a separate agreement from the CBA all players are subject to. While clarifying his thoughts on the matter, he acknowledged that his social media post was not specifically aimed at Taylor, who is entering the final year of his rookie contract.
“The comment wasn’t really directed at Jonathan,” Irsay said during an interview with ESPN’s Stephen Holder. “We haven’t exchanged any contract numbers with each other or anything like that. So, it’s not like we’re in the midst of that.”
Taylor and the Colts conducted extension talks last month, but as Irsay confirmed, no formal offer has been made. The former appeared to put himself in line for a sizeable second contract (as far as running backs are concerned) in 2021 when he comfortably led the league in rushing and scrimmage yards. As was the case with the team as a whole, though, things did not go according to plan last season. The Wisconsin product was limited to 11 games due to an ankle injury and his 4.5 yards per carry marked a career low. A return to his previous form will be needed for Taylor’s Colts career to continue.
“Our hope is Jonathan has an outstanding year and that we have a good year as a team and then we get his next contract done,” Irsay added. “That’s the hope. We think the world of him as a person, as a player. It’s just timing. When your time comes to get paid, then you get paid.”
The Colts have worked out extensions with the likes of All-Pro linebacker Shaquille Leonard and offensive line mainstays Quenton Nelson, Braden Smith and Ryan Kelly before they began the final year of their respective rookie deals. The same will not be the case for Taylor, however, something which comes as little surprise given his down year in 2022 and, more generally, the nature of the financial landscape at the RB position.
A strong showing from the former second-rounder will no doubt boost his value with the Colts or other suitors, if he is allowed to hit the open market. Taylor will enter the 2023 season with plenty to be determined knowing that his financial future will remain unresolved until the campaign has finished.
I don’t know the solution. He earned 4-year, $7.8 million on his rookie contract. The tag next year will be around $12m. To me, that’s a significant raise. It will be interesting to watch next offseason.
The tag this year is worth 10 million, how would the tag go up with running backs salaries decreasing?
Everything I’ve read is that the 3 tagged RB’s, if tagged again, next year would be $12m. It’s around 120% increase from this year’s value at $10m+. Been all over sports news.
Taylor wasn’t tagged so how does he figure in it? I seriously doubt if if any back receives a 2nd tag
Then tag price is everyone at the position. All RB’s next year will be at $12m because the tag this year was $10m and it’s a 120% raise.
link to sports.betmgm.com.
Only the previous tagged players get the 120%. Taylor hasn’t been tagged. It’ll be the average of the top 5 paid RB’s. Since salaries for RB’s aren’t going up,I don’t see how you think the tag price will. It only will for Jacobs, Barkley and Pollard, not Taylor
The Colts are going to lowball JT when the deal does finally come. Tough time for Elite RB’s trying to get paid.
Interesting how his replacement at Wisconsin Braylon Allen was pitching the media during Big 10 media days earlier this week that the NFL needs to pay running backs more
They’ll give him 400 carries this season then tell him he’s too worn out for an extension.
When did $12 million per year get to be too small a number? Most people never make that much in their lifetime, let alone in a year. The RB position has continually decreased in importance over the years, thus they should be paid less. When the running game becomes more important, the position should be paid more.
I am a Colt’s fan and I don’t want them to do a big money long term deal for a RB. Tag him for a year or two and then let him go.