RB Jonathan Taylor, IND (10 Viewers)

[Cjw_55106]

Nothing says "pay me" like not being available.

On my drive home the FSN guys (one a former player) were discussing JT - that he is coming off injury, and had an 800 yard season. He has zero leverage here, and needs to go out and play to earn a new contract.

Miles Sanders balled out & got paid.

That’s seemingly his best option. Whomever is advising JT seems misguided.

Yeah, and he's Miles Sanders. A mediocre starter if there ever was one. Will he make it to the end of that contract? Debatable, but he got it. Same with Montgomery, average player, but decent deal. Taylor is WAY better than those guys, so is Jacobs, so is Pollard, who seems to be doing this smarter, perhaps because he's getting a monster raise on the tag.

That's one way for the RBs to solve this problem.

How does that solve the problem?

It's a part of a potential solution for JT's problem, which is no money now, and only one year of money next year.

Fake an injury, skip all of TC. Squeaky wheel gets the grease. Show the team you aren't going to be a good soldier. Now they have a hostage, not a volunteer.

Now, this is not the most noble move of all time, but we are dealing with NFL owners here, so who give a **** about that? Fans will complain, but this is his best chance of getting what he wants. I promise the fans of his new team won't care about him faking an injury.

Why would I, as a GM, want to trade for a guy faking an injury for a new deal? What's to stop him from pulling that at a later date with me?

I know he cheated with me when he was married, but he wouldn’t cheat on me!

 

[Drunken Cowboy]

That's one way for the RBs to solve this problem.

How does that solve the problem?

It's a part of a potential solution for JT's problem, which is no money now, and only one year of money next year.

Fake an injury, skip all of TC. Squeaky wheel gets the grease. Show the team you aren't going to be a good soldier. Now they have a hostage, not a volunteer.

Now, this is not the most noble move of all time, but we are dealing with NFL owners here, so who give a **** about that? Fans will complain, but this is his best chance of getting what he wants. I promise the fans of his new team won't care about him faking an injury.

This only hurts his payday. There is no bidding war over him. If there was they would trade him

 

[rockaction]

I said it was only a time before people took a page out of the receivers' handbook and started holding out with one-year left on their deal. First the QBs, then the wide receivers, then the running backs. Everybody when I wrote that back then said it was stupid and wouldn't happen. Now they just take the players' side in these matters.

I don't necessarily.

This drumbeat beat goes on. Players don't like the CBA that they themselves negotiated but couldn't be bothered to actually take the time to think about. They just wanted their game checks for that year. Problem is, every year is the threat of looming retirement for the players, so they can't miss those checks. Too many mouths to feed. And not enough in the courts like baseball was for free agency. But the players signed off on this deal. They kept a guy who is by all accounts a bad leader for the NFLPA because of his race and now are suffering for it.

Too bad.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

Yeah, and he's Miles Sanders. A mediocre starter if there ever was one. Will he make it to the end of that contract? Debatable, but he got it. Same with Montgomery, average player, but decent deal. Taylor is WAY better than those guys, so is Jacobs, so is Pollard, who seems to be doing this smarter, perhaps because he's getting a monster raise on the tag.

I’m not at all making the false equivalence between JT & MS.

The equivalence is playing for a big FA contract next year.

Your response was entirely disconnected from my point. I didn’t think I was unclear that the point is “be a good soldier, play out your deal, prove that your ankle is 100%, get paid”

That’s his best path forward.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

This drumbeat beat goes on. Players don't like the CBA that they themselves negotiated but couldn't be bothered to actually take the time to think about. They just wanted their game checks for that year. Problem is, every year is the threat of looming retirement for the players, so they can't miss those checks. Too many mouths to feed. And not enough in the courts like baseball was for free agency. But the players signed off on this deal. They kept a guy who is by all accounts a bad leader for the NFLPA because of his race and now are suffering for it.

Reminds me of the other point they were making on the radio - that it’s all fine and good in July.

But s**t gets real when they start missing game checks.

Some of these squeaky wheels will get a lot less squeaky when their bag is on the line.

 

[travdogg]

Yeah, and he's Miles Sanders. A mediocre starter if there ever was one. Will he make it to the end of that contract? Debatable, but he got it. Same with Montgomery, average player, but decent deal. Taylor is WAY better than those guys, so is Jacobs, so is Pollard, who seems to be doing this smarter, perhaps because he's getting a monster raise on the tag.

I’m not at all making the false equivalence between JT & MS.

The equivalence is playing for a big FA contract next year.

Your response was entirely disconnected from my point. I didn’t think I was unclear that the point is “be a good soldier, play out your deal, prove that your ankle is 100%, get paid”

That’s his best path forward.

I was agreeing with you. I was saying look at what Sanders and Montgomery got for playing out their deals, and that Taylor etc, are way better and likely to get more than those guys did, which is what Pollard seems to be doing.

 

[massraider]

Why would I, as a GM, want to trade for a guy faking an injury for a new deal? What's to stop him from pulling that at a later date with me?

I don't need to convince you it's a great idea.

It has happened before, trading of a malcontent, and it will happen again.

If a player wants to get traded, this is how it gets done.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

Yeah, and he's Miles Sanders. A mediocre starter if there ever was one. Will he make it to the end of that contract? Debatable, but he got it. Same with Montgomery, average player, but decent deal. Taylor is WAY better than those guys, so is Jacobs, so is Pollard, who seems to be doing this smarter, perhaps because he's getting a monster raise on the tag.

I’m not at all making the false equivalence between JT & MS.

The equivalence is playing for a big FA contract next year.

Your response was entirely disconnected from my point. I didn’t think I was unclear that the point is “be a good soldier, play out your deal, prove that your ankle is 100%, get paid”

That’s his best path forward.

I was agreeing with you. I was saying look at what Sanders and Montgomery got for playing out their deals, and that Taylor etc, are way better and likely to get more than those guys did, which is what Pollard seems to be doing.

Ah, ok, sorry I misunderstood. Been up since 4, can’t brain so good.

 

[TwinTurbo]

The devaluation of the NFL RB is a very interesting trend. I think the only leverage that a RB like Taylor could possibly have would be if he was a dual sport athlete like Bo Jackson. But he's not.
If Bo Jackson were playing today, his best option would have been to focus exclusively on baseball and leave the NFL. And it in hindsight, it was his best option back then too.

27 year old players at any other position are in the prime of their careers, but a 24 year old Taylor is already being talked about like a washed-up malcontent even though he's still one of the most promising young players in the league. He has zero leverage though.

 

[rockaction]

But s**t gets real when they start missing game checks.

Just look at who can afford to miss a year. The players or the owners? The players are in a terrible negotiating position given the nature of the game and our bodies. That's the beginning of the injustices right there.

 

[rockaction]

a 24 year old Taylor is already being talked about like a washed-up malcontent even though he's still one of the most promising young players in the league

Actually, the reason that twenty people are visiting this thread is precisely because nobody thinks he's a washed-up malcontent and everybody thinks he's one of the most promising young players around.

 

[humpback]

This isnt the NBA and JT has no leverage. Expect this to get much uglier before opening day.

Even in the NFL teams have constantly been placating players desire to be moved, they just don't all get what they want, not a lot different then the NBA.

You are right this will get uglier, said that several days ago in here, and that ugliness is basically his leverage. I've seen about 10 different photo's of Taylor since camp opened and he looks pissed and engages with no one. That's his leverage to at least explore a trade return despite what Irsay is saying because that stuff is not what you want around. Boils down to will the Colts find a trade parter offering a good return, like Carolina did with CMC, or will the market be pretty much zilch as it was with Ekeler.

Taylor's looks like he's going to be tough nugget to figure out for the 2023 fantasy season over the next month or so. Despite someone like Jacobs not being under contract I am far more concerned about Taylor. The way the CBA works now I don't think he can hold out of games even if he was willing to give up about $250K a game because it would mess up an accrued year. But there are other ways he can make himself unavailable though he has to be cautious of any kind of overly bad look or bad performance.

Especially complicating JT’s situation is he’s essentially going to be a 1 year rental. So whatever team trades for him will have to give up assets, and then cough up a contract.

Not to split hairs, just chatting.

I know some view him as a one year rental and the impact that has on a trade. Not me.

He's not happy over his pay, not the team, so not sure how playing for another team on the same deal would change that.

Based on the current tag amounts he's basically contractually obligated to the Colts and any team that acquired him at 1 year for $4.3m/2 years for $14.4 or 3 years for $27M with the team who controls his rights having the ability to take the last two years on a year to year basis.

My point of view is his anyone inheriting that contract and control would view it very favorably, that his contract and control would be considered a major plus to have option of paying him or not over his age 24-26 season while never committing to long term commitment for an average of $9M at most if it all works out.

The problem goes back to the first thing I said which is his issue is with his pay and not the Colts so if that does not change his attitude likely does not either.

So to me I think any team that might up end up acquiring him would have to work out parameters of an extension first and that cost is the most prohibitive item in order to get a fair return on Taylor. Only other way I could see a team giving anything close to his value is Taylor let a team he wanted to go to know, in uncertain terms, he'd not fight against the tag if they don't reach a long term deal. Possible just to get out of Indy but not what I expect.

My main thing is just to say his current contract is actually a major plus but it's why this mess is going on and hard to think he'd just keep playing on it for someone else or anyone would give up much without planning to use the tag on him if they don't extend him first.

Are we totally sure he doesn't have an issue with the Colts though? Irsay is a bit of a lunatic and we have no idea what was said in their meeting but he's since thrown fuel on the fire with his comments. I'm sure he wants more money too, but maybe at least part of this is he wants out from the owner and/or he doesn't see the team being competitive for the next year or two so doesn't want to waste away his prime years there.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

But s**t gets real when they start missing game checks.

Just look at who can afford to miss a year. The players or the owners? The players are in a terrible negotiating position given the nature of the game and our bodies. That's the beginning of the injustices right there.

Plus teams can draft replacements every year.

 

[GroveDiesel]

Taylor:

Never had back pain. Never reported back pain.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

Taylor:

Never had back pain. Never reported back pain.

Yeah, this is gonna be a ****show.

 

[menobrown]

Are we totally sure he doesn't have an issue with the Colts though? Irsay is a bit of a lunatic and we have no idea what was said in their meeting but he's since thrown fuel on the fire with his comments. I'm sure he wants more money too, but maybe at least part of this is he wants out from the owner and/or he doesn't see the team being competitive for the next year or two so doesn't want to waste away his prime years there.

I feel he has no issue with the Colts that money would not resolve. He's been letting it known he's wanted an extension all off-season and his made his trade request before he had the conversation with Irsay. Just boils down to money.

 

[Insein]

This is all within a couple of days. Have fun Steichen.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

Are we totally sure he doesn't have an issue with the Colts though? Irsay is a bit of a lunatic and we have no idea what was said in their meeting but he's since thrown fuel on the fire with his comments. I'm sure he wants more money too, but maybe at least part of this is he wants out from the owner and/or he doesn't see the team being competitive for the next year or two so doesn't want to waste away his prime years there.

I feel he has no issue with the Colts that money would not resolve. He's been letting it known he's wanted an extension all off-season and his made his trade request before he had the conversation with Irsay. Just boils down to money.

Yeah, I think the ankle injury was a wake up call. Going into the final season about to hit FA he doesn’t want to take the risk that he sufferers another bad injury without a big number safety blanket.

I get it. I think it’s a bad tactic, but I get it.

 

[humpback]

Are we totally sure he doesn't have an issue with the Colts though? Irsay is a bit of a lunatic and we have no idea what was said in their meeting but he's since thrown fuel on the fire with his comments. I'm sure he wants more money too, but maybe at least part of this is he wants out from the owner and/or he doesn't see the team being competitive for the next year or two so doesn't want to waste away his prime years there.

I feel he has no issue with the Colts that money would not resolve. He's been letting it known he's wanted an extension all off-season and his made his trade request before he had the conversation with Irsay. Just boils down to money.

I don't disagree, but that's not exactly what I meant- I'm sure if the Colts backed up the truck he would have no problem staying there. What I meant was perhaps more what his preference might be under his current contract.

He's an incredibly bright guy, I'm sure he knows that he's in no position to get a massive extension right now. Maybe he's thinking if he has to play out his current contract or close to it he'd much rather do it for an organization not led by a wackadoo and one that has a chance at winning? So maybe the contract for his new team isn't such an insurmountable obstacle, he might be fine with a little more guaranteed over the next 2-3 years than he's looking at now for the trade off of getting out of Indy. I'd imagine it's a lot more palatable taking all that pounding playing for KC, Philly, Baltimore, Buffalo, etc. than Indy.

 

[Faust]

What's next for Colts, Jonathan Taylor after trade request?

 

[-OZ-]

a 24 year old Taylor is already being talked about like a washed-up malcontent even though he's still one of the most promising young players in the league

Actually, the reason that twenty people are visiting this thread is precisely because nobody thinks he's a washed-up malcontent and everybody thinks he's one of the most promising young players around.

market dynamics are interesting for a variety of reasons imo. But when dalvin cook, Kareem Hunt, Zeke, and fornette are still free agents, JT has zero leverage. If they were contending he might have some but in a building year they can easily pick up one of those guys if they want and don’t believe JT wants to be a Colt long term. His best move is probably to prove he’s an asset for their new possible franchise QB.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

He was Drafted #41 overall, someone with deep Playoff aspirations has to be able to make a trade offer involving a 2nd Rd pick plus maybe a late Rd pick on top, offer Taylor a new deal for 3-4 years, his current mkt value is $13M but I bet a 3 yr/$30M deal with a nice signing bonus would be music to his ears.

 

[JohnnyU]

a 24 year old Taylor is already being talked about like a washed-up malcontent even though he's still one of the most promising young players in the league

Actually, the reason that twenty people are visiting this thread is precisely because nobody thinks he's a washed-up malcontent and everybody thinks he's one of the most promising young players around.

market dynamics are interesting for a variety of reasons imo. But when dalvin cook, Kareem Hunt, Zeke, and fornette are still free agents, JT has zero leverage. If they were contending he might have some but in a building year they can easily pick up one of those guys if they want and don’t believe JT wants to be a Colt long term. His best move is probably to prove he’s an asset for their new possible franchise QB.

He’s already proven to be an asset. Also, Hunt, Zeke, and Fournette mean nothing in this discussion because they are washed up and Taylor is in his prime. You don’t think that is a consideration?

 

[humpback]

a 24 year old Taylor is already being talked about like a washed-up malcontent even though he's still one of the most promising young players in the league

Actually, the reason that twenty people are visiting this thread is precisely because nobody thinks he's a washed-up malcontent and everybody thinks he's one of the most promising young players around.

market dynamics are interesting for a variety of reasons imo. But when dalvin cook, Kareem Hunt, Zeke, and fornette are still free agents, JT has zero leverage. If they were contending he might have some but in a building year they can easily pick up one of those guys if they want and don’t believe JT wants to be a Colt long term. His best move is probably to prove he’s an asset for their new possible franchise QB.

I don't really see it this way. JT is far better and younger than all of those guys so their markets aren't exactly the same.

I agree that from the Colts perspective they are unlikely to cave because 1) their owner is wacko, and 2) they know they're unlikely to win much in the short term with or without him. But 2-3 years from now he can likely still be a major asset where none of those other guys will be (most will be out of the league). His lack of leverage stems more from being under contract and team situation than it does those other RBs- I have no doubt that if he was an UFA he'd have far more interest on the open market (it's hard to have less, outside of Cook who at least has some).

That's why I think this may be about more than just money. Even when he put up a HUGE year and was 1st team All-Pro they didn't even make the playoffs. Now they're coming off a 4 win season, have a rookie HC, a very raw rookie QB, and still have the aforementioned jackass of an owner- I think all that may be crossing his mind as he contemplates where he wants to spend the final few years of his prime taking all that punishment.

 

[-OZ-]

a 24 year old Taylor is already being talked about like a washed-up malcontent even though he's still one of the most promising young players in the league

Actually, the reason that twenty people are visiting this thread is precisely because nobody thinks he's a washed-up malcontent and everybody thinks he's one of the most promising young players around.

market dynamics are interesting for a variety of reasons imo. But when dalvin cook, Kareem Hunt, Zeke, and fornette are still free agents, JT has zero leverage. If they were contending he might have some but in a building year they can easily pick up one of those guys if they want and don’t believe JT wants to be a Colt long term. His best move is probably to prove he’s an asset for their new possible franchise QB.

He’s already proven to be an asset. Also, Hunt, Zeke, and Fournette mean nothing in this discussion because they are washed up and Taylor is in his prime. You don’t think that is a consideration?

If the colts thought they were winning this year, sure. But how much is he going to want next year or when Richardson develops (Assuming he does)?
Is JT going to be worth the money he wants later? Is his impact for the team worth the money he wants now? Let him sit unless they want to trade him. I do think they should be able to get something decent for him now, probably more than they’d get in the future.

 

[-OZ-]

a 24 year old Taylor is already being talked about like a washed-up malcontent even though he's still one of the most promising young players in the league

Actually, the reason that twenty people are visiting this thread is precisely because nobody thinks he's a washed-up malcontent and everybody thinks he's one of the most promising young players around.

market dynamics are interesting for a variety of reasons imo. But when dalvin cook, Kareem Hunt, Zeke, and fornette are still free agents, JT has zero leverage. If they were contending he might have some but in a building year they can easily pick up one of those guys if they want and don’t believe JT wants to be a Colt long term. His best move is probably to prove he’s an asset for their new possible franchise QB.

I don't really see it this way. JT is far better and younger than all of those guys so their markets aren't exactly the same.

I agree that from the Colts perspective they are unlikely to cave because 1) their owner is wacko, and 2) they know they're unlikely to win much in the short term with or without him. But 2-3 years from now he can likely still be a major asset where none of those other guys will be (most will be out of the league). His lack of leverage stems more from being under contract and team situation than it does those other RBs- I have no doubt that if he was an UFA he'd have far more interest on the open market (it's hard to have less, outside of Cook who at least has some).

That's why I think this may be about more than just money. Even when he put up a HUGE year and was 1st team All-Pro they didn't even make the playoffs. Now they're coming off a 4 win season, have a rookie HC, a very raw rookie QB, and still have the aforementioned jackass of an owner- I think all that may be crossing his mind as he contemplates where he wants to spend the final few years of his prime taking all that punishment.

All good points.
My point overall was simply that he doesn’t have any leverage. Even sitting out hurts him more than the team.

 

[menobrown]

Are we totally sure he doesn't have an issue with the Colts though? Irsay is a bit of a lunatic and we have no idea what was said in their meeting but he's since thrown fuel on the fire with his comments. I'm sure he wants more money too, but maybe at least part of this is he wants out from the owner and/or he doesn't see the team being competitive for the next year or two so doesn't want to waste away his prime years there.

I feel he has no issue with the Colts that money would not resolve. He's been letting it known he's wanted an extension all off-season and his made his trade request before he had the conversation with Irsay. Just boils down to money.

I don't disagree, but that's not exactly what I meant- I'm sure if the Colts backed up the truck he would have no problem staying there. What I meant was perhaps more what his preference might be under his current contract.

He's an incredibly bright guy, I'm sure he knows that he's in no position to get a massive extension right now. Maybe he's thinking if he has to play out his current contract or close to it he'd much rather do it for an organization not led by a wackadoo and one that has a chance at winning? So maybe the contract for his new team isn't such an insurmountable obstacle, he might be fine with a little more guaranteed over the next 2-3 years than he's looking at now for the trade off of getting out of Indy. I'd imagine it's a lot more palatable taking all that pounding playing for KC, Philly, Baltimore, Buffalo, etc. than Indy.

I think he'll squawk at playing under his current last year with any team but I suppose he might be more amenable to playing for another team that he thought had a better chance of offering him an extension after this season, in fact feel that's probably likely because at one point not long ago this off-season he seemed ok with playing out that last year.

What I don't think he ever expected was that the Colts would just not make him any offers at all.

This is not a situation where they can't agree, the Colts are just not offering him anything.This is key as it's an obvious indicator of their plan to use the franchise tag on him at their leisure, and probably only way they'd do an extension with him next season is if it's reasonable AND gives them cap room but they are making it clear they intend to use the franchise tag as the hammer. And honestly it makes sense if the player did not push back. I'm sure he understands this and with the Colts he's basically looking at a strong chance of being on 3 straight one year deals for an average of $9M. So yes at this point I think he might be more amenable to playing on his current deal with someone else.

But I don't think anyone will pay the Colts what they need to trade him unless they agree on an extension first of Taylor let's it known he won't push back on potentially being tagged the next two years, and the team buys it. I don't think anyone will meet the Colts price if they think in a year from now they have to go through what the Raiders are going through with Jacobs.

Which all gets back to fact I don't think anyone is trading for him without a plan in place to hold his rights for more then a year, by force or agreement.

 

[-OZ-]

basically looking at a strong chance of being on 3 straight one year deals for an average of $9M.

This part confused me. The 2023 franchise tag is $10.5M, but the 2024 tag is projected at $13M.

 

[humpback]

basically looking at a strong chance of being on 3 straight one year deals for an average of $9M.

This part confused me. The 2023 franchise tag is $10.5M, but the 2024 tag is projected at $13M.

What part do you mean? He's due $4.3M this year (cash, cap is $5.1M), the 3 together average a little over $9M per.

 

[menobrown]

basically looking at a strong chance of being on 3 straight one year deals for an average of $9M.

This part confused me. The 2023 franchise tag is $10.5M, but the 2024 tag is projected at $13M.

I'll explain:

2023- $4.3
2024-$10.1
2025-$12.62

Total-$27.02

 

[-OZ-]

basically looking at a strong chance of being on 3 straight one year deals for an average of $9M.

This part confused me. The 2023 franchise tag is $10.5M, but the 2024 tag is projected at $13M.

I'll explain:

2023- $4.3
2024-$10.1
2025-$12.62

Total-$27.02

Ok. But the 24 tag will be $13M.
I must be missing something

 

[Insein]

Moss just broke his arm. Here's that leverage you ordered, JT.

Eta: His arm not leg

 

[massraider]

Moss just broke his leg. Here's that leverage you ordered, JT.

Did he reallllly break his leg, or does he just want a new deal?

 

[menobrown]

basically looking at a strong chance of being on 3 straight one year deals for an average of $9M.

This part confused me. The 2023 franchise tag is $10.5M, but the 2024 tag is projected at $13M.

I'll explain:

2023- $4.3
2024-$10.1
2025-$12.62

Total-$27.02

Ok. But the 24 tag will be $13M.
I must be missing something

Possible I'm missing something.

I know OTC has that as the projected franchise tag going up to what you say but I'm not sure how since a large part of that is based on the average of the top 5 salaries from past 5 years and I did not see an increase in that part of the calculation.

 

[Insein]

Moss just broke his leg. Here's that leverage you ordered, JT.

Did he reallllly break his leg, or does he just want a new deal?

Broke his arm. My mistake.

https://twitter.com/MikeGarafolo/status/1686058603071913987?t=HjcUCftHtHcc_xdvXhp7FQ&s=19

 

[Weebs210]

Moss just broke his arm. Here's that leverage you ordered, JT.

Eta: His arm not leg

Moss is not good and will be a career back up. If JT was moved they would sign a FA RB like Fournette. This doesn't change anything.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

Yep - just posted on the Moss topic.

Things are starting to get super interesting for Deon Jackson / Evan Hull shareholders (like me)

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

Moss is not good and will be a career back up. If JT was moved they would sign a FA RB like Fournette. This doesn't change anything.

I think Deon Jackson / Evan Hull would be given an opportunity over a washed up Fournette.

 

[Weebs210]

Moss is not good and will be a career back up. If JT was moved they would sign a FA RB like Fournette. This doesn't change anything.

I think Deon Jackson / Evan Hull would be given an opportunity over a washed up Fournette.

Maybe but they would bring a vet in I'd wager.

Edit maybe Zeke who can help protect Richardson

 

[humpback]

basically looking at a strong chance of being on 3 straight one year deals for an average of $9M.

This part confused me. The 2023 franchise tag is $10.5M, but the 2024 tag is projected at $13M.

I'll explain:

2023- $4.3
2024-$10.1
2025-$12.62

Total-$27.02

Ok. But the 24 tag will be $13M.
I must be missing something

Possible I'm missing something.

I know OTC has that as the projected franchise tag going up to what you say but I'm not sure how since a large part of that is based on the average of the top 5 salaries from past 5 years and I did not see an increase in that part of the calculation.

That may be the estimate for the exclusive tag, which is the top 5 for the current year. RBs always get the non-exclusive because no one is going to give up 2 1st rounders plus a contract.

Hard to know though, it's only an estimate.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

Edit maybe Zeke who can help protect Richardson

Zeke or Hunt seem to make the most sense, since developing and protecting Richardson should be the top priority. Of course the most likely scenario is still Taylor playing for the Colts in 2023.

 

[Faust]

Colts HC Shane Steichen on Jonathan Taylor: When medical staff clears him, he'll play

 

[humpback]

Are we totally sure he doesn't have an issue with the Colts though? Irsay is a bit of a lunatic and we have no idea what was said in their meeting but he's since thrown fuel on the fire with his comments. I'm sure he wants more money too, but maybe at least part of this is he wants out from the owner and/or he doesn't see the team being competitive for the next year or two so doesn't want to waste away his prime years there.

I feel he has no issue with the Colts that money would not resolve. He's been letting it known he's wanted an extension all off-season and his made his trade request before he had the conversation with Irsay. Just boils down to money.

I don't disagree, but that's not exactly what I meant- I'm sure if the Colts backed up the truck he would have no problem staying there. What I meant was perhaps more what his preference might be under his current contract.

He's an incredibly bright guy, I'm sure he knows that he's in no position to get a massive extension right now. Maybe he's thinking if he has to play out his current contract or close to it he'd much rather do it for an organization not led by a wackadoo and one that has a chance at winning? So maybe the contract for his new team isn't such an insurmountable obstacle, he might be fine with a little more guaranteed over the next 2-3 years than he's looking at now for the trade off of getting out of Indy. I'd imagine it's a lot more palatable taking all that pounding playing for KC, Philly, Baltimore, Buffalo, etc. than Indy.

I think he'll squawk at playing under his current last year with any team but I suppose he might be more amenable to playing for another team that he thought had a better chance of offering him an extension after this season, in fact feel that's probably likely because at one point not long ago this off-season he seemed ok with playing out that last year.

What I don't think he ever expected was that the Colts would just not make him any offers at all.

This is not a situation where they can't agree, the Colts are just not offering him anything.This is key as it's an obvious indicator of their plan to use the franchise tag on him at their leisure, and probably only way they'd do an extension with him next season is if it's reasonable AND gives them cap room but they are making it clear they intend to use the franchise tag as the hammer. And honestly it makes sense if the player did not push back. I'm sure he understands this and with the Colts he's basically looking at a strong chance of being on 3 straight one year deals for an average of $9M. So yes at this point I think he might be more amenable to playing on his current deal with someone else.

But I don't think anyone will pay the Colts what they need to trade him unless they agree on an extension first of Taylor let's it known he won't push back on potentially being tagged the next two years, and the team buys it. I don't think anyone will meet the Colts price if they think in a year from now they have to go through what the Raiders are going through with Jacobs.

Which all gets back to fact I don't think anyone is trading for him without a plan in place to hold his rights for more then a year, by force or agreement.

We're all speculating, no one has any idea what kind of deal he is looking for or what the Colts would require to trade him away, but I'm just saying that if he wants out of Indy, that may lower the price of both some. He'd likely take less than max to get away and they'd take less than max to be done with it.

Again, all we can do is speculate but what if he's looking for not much more than what he's looking at for the next 3 years, just structured more favorably towards him? So something like 3/$30M, ~$20M guaranteed, ~$12M signing bonus. Less than he'd get on the open market, but it's more guaranteed, more upfront, and, well, he isn't on the open market lol. I think for a contract like that there would be teams willing to part with a decent enough pick to make it palatable for Irsay to wash his hands of it, maybe even come out of it looking pretty good.

 

[3nOut]

He was Drafted #41 overall, someone with deep Playoff aspirations has to be able to make a trade offer involving a 2nd Rd pick plus maybe a late Rd pick on top, offer Taylor a new deal for 3-4 years, his current mkt value is $13M but I bet a 3 yr/$30M deal with a nice signing bonus would be music to his ears.

This describes the Bears.

 

[3nOut]

Taylor doesn’t seem to have much leverage, especially with so many RBs still on the market. I can easily see Zeke, Hunt, or Cook filling the gap for a year.

 

[TwinTurbo]

While I do understand why teams are so reluctant to hand huge contracts to elite RBs in the modern NFL, teams that don't have an elite QB are still making a far worse mistake by overpaying that position. Overpaying the group that includes Kyler, Cousins, Carr is a huge competitive disadvantage.

 

[Grahamburn]

While I do understand why teams are so reluctant to hand huge contracts to elite RBs in the modern NFL, teams that don't have an elite QB are still making a far worse mistake by overpaying that position. Overpaying the group that includes Kyler, Cousins, Carr is a huge competitive disadvantage.

SaQuon seeing Daniel Jones get $45M a year has to be so much worse than just a slap in the face.

 

[Buckna]

Could see him moved at the mid-season deadline or possibly earlier when someone has a starter go down. Seems tough any team will trade right now having made all their roster or salary moves and tight against the cap. Often the discontent guys don’t get moved until we get into the season too.

 

[popeye]

Thought this was an interesting article: https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nf...etes-receiving-bad-advice-opinion/ar-AA1eyr38

Raises the impact Taylor's new agent may be having. Perhaps the agent only accelerated what was going to be a mess anyway.

 

[rockaction]

Thought this was an interesting article

That wasn't an article. That was a fulmination.