Colts Give Jonathan Taylor Deadline to Find Trade Partner, per Report

The back-and-forth between the running back and owner Jim Irsay has captivated the NFL world this offseason.

Summer in Indiana usually means sycamore trees, auto racing and John Mellencamp on the radio. 

This summer in the Hoosier State, however, has been all about two newsmakers: Colts running back Jonathan Taylor and team owner Jim Irsay.

Taylor’s desire to be paid in accordance with his status as one of the best running backs in the NFL has rankled Irsay and led to a protracted holdout. The messy saga has included public squabbling between Irsay and Taylor’s agent, mysterious reports of back pain disputed by Taylor, and a trade request.

Now, according to ESPN’s Stephen Holder, Indianapolis has given Taylor—currently on the physically unable to perform list—a Tuesday deadline to find a trade partner.

Deadline: Colts have given Jonathan Taylor until Tuesday to find a suitable trade after authorizing the star RB to find a trade partner, per @HolderStephen. Six teams have inquired about Taylor's availability and two have made offers, per Holder.https://t.co/1DjauGH9bx

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 23, 2023

Tuesday is also the deadline by which rosters must be cut down to 53 players. Additionally, Taylor will be required to sit out at least four weeks if he is not activated by Tuesday.

Per Holder, “Six teams have inquired about Taylor’s availability, and two have engaged the Colts with offers.”

Taylor, 24, has rushed for 3,841 yards in three seasons with the Colts. He was named an All-Pro in 2021, during which he ran for a franchise-record 1,811 yards.

He is entering the last year of a four-year, $7.8 million rookie deal, signed after he was taken 41st in the 2020 draft.