Colts GM Discusses Jonathan Taylor, Highlights Needing Him Healthy ‘Before We Do Anything’

Colts RB Jonathan Taylor requested a trade after the franchise did not offer him a contract extension this offseason.

Colts running back Jonathan Taylor requested a trade last month after the franchise did not offer him a contract extension ahead of the new season.

Taylor, who is one of the most talented young running backs in the league, was looking to cash in with a new deal as the market for ball carriers wanes.

Indianapolis general manager Chris Ballard spoke with SiriusXM NFL Radio to discuss the status of the team with its star running back. 

“Look, I think the world of Jonathan,” Ballard said. “He’s been a great Colt, a great player for the Colts. Unfortunately, last year he got hurt early in the season, was dinged up all year, fought through it until he finally got to the point where he had to have this surgery. Now he’s finishing the rehab process. Hopefully as we move forward here, we’ll get him back. But we need to get him 100% healthy before we do anything.”

.@Colts GM Chris Ballard on RB Jonathan Taylor.

"I think the world of Jonathan."

📻 https://t.co/CPvgvlaIn3#NFLTrainingCamp | #Colts | #ForTheShoe pic.twitter.com/IfqKJB6vge

— SiriusXM NFL Radio (@SiriusXMNFL) August 15, 2023

It remains to be seen what this upcoming season will look like for Taylor, who is in the final year of his rookie contract where he will make a base salary of $4.3 million. The Colts would love to have him healthy and contributing behind rookie starting quarterback Anthony Richardson, but it’s unclear if Taylor plans to suit up and play once healthy without a new deal with Indianapolis.

In 43 games across the first three seasons of his NFL career, Taylor has carried the ball 756 times for 3,841 yards and 33 touchdowns.