Colts' Jonathan Taylor on Contract Talks: 'It's Kind of On Them'
Contract negotiations can be one of the more challenging aspects of the business side of the NFL.
Over the last few seasons, that statement has become particularly true for the running back position. The position has become devalued over the years, making it harder for some of the best running backs in the league to get paid. Teams have found it easier to replace a running back rather than pay top dollar for his services.
The Indianapolis Colts and running back Jonathan Taylor currently find themselves in that negotiating window. Taylor is entering a contract year in 2023, and much of the offseason talk surrounding him has been about his impending extension. As the Colts broke minicamp on Wednesday, Taylor offered a glimpse into where talks currently stand between the two parties.
"We definitely have approached (contract talks)," Taylor revealed. "Hopefully (the Colts) can see the value. Hopefully we can explain the value, and not that it needs explanation, but we just want to be here, like I said, to help the team. To help the community and uplift the community. We'll see where things go but it's kind of on them right now. But we'll continue to work each and every single day."
There is no doubt that Taylor, when healthy, is one of the best running backs in the NFL. The former All-Pro is only one season removed from a campaign in which some argued he should have received NFL MVP consideration. Taylor rushed for a league-leading 1,811 yards and 20 total touchdowns in 2021.
© Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
Taylor dealt with ankle injuries in 2022, limiting him to only 11 games and eliminating any chance of backing up his performance from the year prior. Taylor still finished with 861 yards and four touchdowns in a chaotic 2022 for the Colts.
Taylor opted to have surgery this offseason to clean up the issues with his ankle. While he has yet to practice since he went on injured reserve at the end of last season, Taylor expects to be ready to go once training camp begins at the end of July.
While Taylor returning before the season begins seems like a done deal, getting a contract extension done before that is still up in the air. Taylor is aware of what other running backs around the league are going through with their contract situations. Saquon Barkley is currently holding out for a long-term deal with the New York Giants. Dalvin Cook was recently released by the Minnesota Vikings as the team cut salary. For Taylor, it is all about getting the value that he deserves.
"It sucks because a lot of positions, a lot of positions do a lot for their team," Taylor remarked. "But specifically speaking for the running back position, I can just speak firsthand we do do a lot and you just want to be treated fairly. And not even treated fairly, you just want to be appreciated for what you bring to the team. It's never about yourself, it's about the team, so, 'What do you bring to the team?'
"So just seeing guys fight, you just hope that things work out for them. You see why guys, they request trades. They just want to feel valued by not only their coaches, their teammates, but the organization as well."
There is no doubt how much the Colts value Taylor as a player and a leader in their locker room. The Colts' offense has centered around Taylor for the better part of the last two seasons. New head coach Shane Steichen has mentioned numerous times how excited he is to have Taylor in his offense and spoke to the threat Taylor gives them against opposing defenses.
"I think when you’ve got a guy that can break big runs – there are guys that can get three or four yards a pop, but when you’ve got a guy that can really hit it and create those explosives in the run game, I think that definitely helps your offense.”
Under general manager Chris Ballard, the Colts have been a team that has constantly talked about keeping their homegrown talent. Players like Quenton Nelson, Shaquille Leonard, and Braden Smith have all cashed in on big second contracts in Indy. While some have not played premium positions, Ballard and the Colts have rewarded them for being premium players at their positions and for their impact in the community.
Taylor hopes the Colts see the same value in him that they have seen with others who have received second contracts.
© Jenna Watson/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK
"You definitely have to pay attention just so you know, okay, what type of space are you entering into?" he said. "And you just hope, from the track record here (in Indy), you hope that the things are being evaluated the right way.
"It's all about the wins. You want to make sure at the end of the day you guys are winning games. You want to win championships. But I feel like it's a lot more with this organization. It's, 'What are you doing in the community?' 'Are you trying to uplift the community?' 'Are you trying to uplift your teammates?' So you just hope that the organization sees that value and everything that you're trying to provide, not only to the team, but also to the community."
It is no secret the Colts and Taylor want to get a deal done, ideally before the 2023 regular season begins. According to Spotrac, Taylor's market value would be a contract in the area of four years, $52.3 million, with an average value of $13 million per year. This figure would make Taylor the third-highest-paid running back in football.
$13 million per year may seem like a lot of money for a running back in today's NFL. All that matters is if the Colts and Taylor can agree on a number where the running back feels he is valued and Indy believes he is worth it. If the two sides can agree, JT may be on his way to realizing one of his goals in the NFL: retiring with the Colts.
"You look at the past and guys who have shown their value on and off the field tend to stay here," Taylor noted. "My goal, first season after I got drafted, I'm like, 'I want to retire a Colt.' So hopefully the organization sees that the same, because I do."
Want more Colts content? Check out the latest episode of the Horseshoe Huddle Podcast!
Follow Andrew on Twitter @AndrewMooreNFL.
