Taylor’s agent has begun calling groups, per NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport. Curiosity is believed to exist, however a staff that acquires Taylor will each have to half with notable compensation and authorize an upper-crust extension.
The Colts are searching for a first-round choose or a package deal of picks for Taylor, ESPN.com’s Stephen Holder reviews. No operating again has been traded for a first-round choose because the Colts surrendered one for Trent Richardson in 2013, although Christian McCaffrey fetched second-, third-, fourth-and fifth-rounders final fall.
The Colts have tabled extension talks with Taylor, who has taken a very long time to get better from the ankle harm that pressured him to overlook six video games final season. Taylor, 24, underwent surgical procedure in February however stays on the Colts’ energetic/PUP listing. After all, the fourth-year again has additionally been linked to utilizing this harm as a approach to stage a hold-in.
The Dolphins have emerged as an get together. They’re planning to discover the Taylor market, the Miami Herald’s Barry Jackson tweets. This shouldn’t be stunning, given Miami’s path at operating again this offseason. The Dolphins mentioned Dalvin Cook dinner with the Vikings and D’Andre Swift with the Lions.
They could or could not have reached out to the Giants about Saquon Barkley. After the Jets landed Cook dinner, the Dolphins will look into Taylor. Whereas the Dolphins didn’t wish to give Cook dinner $7M forward of his age-28 season, Taylor — who’s heading into his age-24 marketing campaign — is a extra helpful asset.
Since Irsay made his feedback concerning the Colts’ lack of curiosity in buying and selling Taylor, the irked RB left coaching camp for the needs of extra harm rehab. No less than, that was the reported motive.
Shortly after returning to the ability, Taylor left once more as a result of a private matter. Having employed a brand new agent this offseason, Taylor has operated in a different way with the Colts. The contract-year again went from wishing to retire as a Colt to requesting a commerce in a matter of months.
The operating again market cratering seems to have been the tipping level for Taylor, who is definitely searching for to keep away from enjoying out his rookie deal and being hit with a 2024 franchise tag. The Colts’ efforts since this deadlock turned public haven’t helped issues.
GM Chris Ballard pointed to the market when addressing Taylor’s future with the staff, and Irsay — as he has more and more carried out over the previous two offseasons — obtained concerned. The outspoken proprietor took a shot at operating backs for holding conferences involving the state of their place. After a one-on-one assembly with Taylor, Irsay made the remark about not buying and selling the previous second-round choose.
A rumor then emerged concerning the Colts contemplating Taylor being shifted from the PUP listing to the NFI listing, which might put his $4.3M 2023 base wage in danger. The Colts haven’t adopted by way of with that transfer, which might undoubtedly be challenged as a result of Taylor having denied mentioning any harm past the ankle concern.
Regardless of main the NFL in touchdowns in every of the previous two seasons and bringing elite receiving chops to the desk, Ekeler was not believed to have generated a lot commerce curiosity. This finally led to the Bolts reeling Ekeler again in with a low-level incentive package deal. Taylor is 4 years youthful, however the Ekeler market could also be telling right here.
The Colts would clearly be a greater staff with Taylor, as they’ve Zack Moss rehabbing a damaged arm and solely have Kenyan Drake, Deon Jackson and fifth-round rookie Evan Hull as notable choices. However this relationship has deteriorated quickly.
The Colts would have the choice of franchise-tagging Taylor on what’s going to once more be a low quantity in 2024, however given current occasions, how keen will the staff be to recoup a main asset and finish this drama?