Jim Irsay: Colts haven’t made a contract offer to Jonathan Taylor

[JAFF]

https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profoo...anapolis-colts

Colts owner Jim Irsay stirred up the conversation about the running back market on Wednesday, with misguided allegations of buyer’s remorse and bad-faith negotiation. On Thursday, Irsay was careful to point out that he wasn’t talking about his team’s current star tailback, Jonathan Taylor

“The comment wasn’t really directed at Jonathan,” Irsay told Stephen Holder of ESPN.com. “We haven’t exchanged any contract numbers with each other or anything like that. So, it’s not like we’re in the midst of that. I think we had a tough season last year. Didn’t win a lot of games. This is a year about coming back together and having a great year and we’re really depending on Jonathan to team up with [quarterback] Anthony Richardson to try and pull together to have a great year.”

Irsay’s Thursday remarks include an admission that the team has not made Taylor an offer on a second contract, only one season before he becomes eligible for free agency.

“We love Jonathan, we need Jonathan,” Irsay said. “Our hope is Jonathan has an outstanding year and that we have a good year as a team and then we get his next contract done. That’s the hope. We think the world of him as a person, as a player. It’s just timing. When your time comes to get paid, then you get paid.”

But his time to get paid is now. The Colts can franchise-tag him in 2024, if they choose. They can do it again in 2025, and then let him walk after six seasons of NFL wear and tear.

Irsay seems to dispute that the Colts would take that approach.

“We’ve always paid our players,” Irsay told Holder. “We’ve always believed in our core players going to a second contract. And that’s been how we’ve been successful in the last 20, 25 years. So, that’s not changed.”

Running back Edgerrin James would definitely disagree. He was required to play out his rookie contract. He was tagged once, he played under the tag, and then he left as a free agent.

The Colts seems to be squatting on Taylor because they can. The labor deal gives them exclusive control of his contract for four years, plus up to two more if they choose. And they can’t ever be compelled to give him a long-term deal.

That’s why he should have held out, frankly. High-end running backs after three years of service have to find a way to force the issue, before the team rides out the player’s best remaining seasons on a year-to-year basis.

[Racehorse]

I disagree. Taylor holding out could have an adverse effect on his negotiations, coming off an injury. Had he held out last summer, you might make that argument, but not after the past season.

[rm1369]

Originally Posted by Racehorse

I disagree. Taylor holding out could have an adverse effect on his negotiations, coming off an injury. Had he held out last summer, you might make that argument, but not after the past season.

Agreed. Last year is not the year you want to get paid off of. It wasn’t entirely his fault, but he’s not likely to even be able to force a trade to anyone willing to lock him up long term right now. I understand his concern, he plays a position that has a short shelf life. But that’s exactly why nobody wants to lock him up long term after his worst year. I think he and his agent are actually costing him money now. I’m often on the players side of these things, this just isn’t smart and isn’t a good look though.

[Oldcolt]

If you are a top player and play for the Colts you will get paid what top players at your position get paid. Taylors issue is the supposedly undervalue of running backs. When running backs start to lead teams to the Lombardi they will hit big paydays at the top of the NFL once again. Running backs need to talk to the rules committee if they ever want a chance.

[albany ed]

I love Taylor, and hope his entire career is successful and as a Colt. However, he is coming off an injury, and IMO must prove that he can return to the way he was before that injury. If he can, I believe the Colts will pony up and reward him with a fair contract. If he cannot return to his pre-injury form, that would suck, but that's life.

[CletusPyle]

I think Taylor and Moss make a great tandem, you add in Richardson and defenses are going to have their hands full. I think Irsay should just say we don't talk about player/contract negotiations in the media. He has a way of sticking his foot in his mouth!

[JAFF]

Originally Posted by Racehorse

I disagree. Taylor holding out could have an adverse effect on his negotiations, coming off an injury. Had he held out last summer, you might make that argument, but not after the past season.

Exactly. Holding out while you are hurt gets you nothing. IF he is going to recover, he needs the teams medical staff, and get into playing shape before the beginning of the season