Jonathan Taylor’s 2023 season has been shrouded in uncertainty, marked by injury and contract disputes with the Indianapolis Colts. His future with the team appears to be hanging in the balance, and despite being eligible to return from the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list soon, Taylor’s stance on playing for the Colts remains unyielding.
Colts RB Jonathan Taylor "still doesn't want to play for the Colts," and the Colts "still don't want to give him a long-term contract,” per ESPN’s @DanGrazianoESPN pic.twitter.com/ijEANI6Joa
— SleeperNFL (@SleeperNFL) September 27, 2023
According to Dan Graziano of ESPN, Taylor “still doesn’t want to play for the Colts.” Additionally, Graziano reports that the Colts have not budged on their reluctance to offer the star running back a long-term contract.
The crux of the issue lies in the Colts’ refusal to commit to extending Taylor as part of any potential deal. This contractual impasse has thwarted negotiations, leaving Taylor in a state of uncertainty.
Indianapolis Colts Jonathan Taylor reportedly does not want to continue playing for the Colts.
Taylor can comeback in Week 5. pic.twitter.com/mKu8QqqeRn
— NFL Rumors (@nflrums) September 27, 2023
Previously, there were connections between Taylor and the Green Bay Packers and Miami Dolphins, suggesting a potential trade. However, these talks failed to materialize, leaving Taylor in limbo as he approaches eligibility for a return to the field.
Taylor’s dissatisfaction with the Colts stems in part from public statements made by team owner Jim Irsay, who publicly rebuffed Taylor’s request.
Jonathan Taylor still wants to be traded from the Colts, and the team is also still not interested in signing the RB to a long-term extension (@DanGrazianoESPN)
Should the Miami Dolphins re-pursue Jonathan Taylor once he is off the PUP list? #FinsUp pic.twitter.com/VUtUwWXEvm
— FinsXtra (@FinsXtra) September 27, 2023
As the standoff between the Indianapolis Colts and Jonathan Taylor persists, the star running back has distanced himself from the team. ESPN’s Stephen Holder revealed that Taylor was absent from Lucas Oil Stadium during the season opener, and his interactions with the team have been “minimized” at their request.
“Taylor often departs for the day before the Colts’ midday practices, following his morning ankle rehab sessions. From all appearances, the relationship between Taylor and the team has not improved. Meanwhile, the team’s position on granting Taylor the contract extension he’s seeking hasn’t changed, even though he’s eligible to play as early as Week 5.”
Update: #Colts Pro-Bowl RB Jonathan Taylor is still seeking a trade from the team and it appears Indianapolis isn't interested in signing Taylor to a long-term contract, via @DanGrazianoESPN
Taylor still has to miss one more game while on the PUP list but Graziano adds: "It… https://t.co/qDtRMGZwIP pic.twitter.com/Ggw3PLviPM
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) September 27, 2023
Adam Schefter also reported on the Colts’ trade discussions with the Green Bay Packers, noting that Indianapolis had sought to acquire wide receiver Christian Watson in exchange for Taylor. However, the Packers promptly dismissed such negotiations, indicating that Taylor’s uncertain status has cast a shadow over his future in the league.
