Is It Time To Say Goodbye?

The inevitable Jonathan Taylor news has come out. The Indianapolis Colts have granted JT permission to seek a trade as of this afternoon. According to some sources, they are seeking significant trade compensation for Taylor. They are looking for a first-round draft pick or a collection of picks that would equate to a first rounder. Even though he is just a couple years removed from being the 2021 RB1, he arrived at camp still recovering from his right ankle surgery. He apparently also failed his physical and was placed on the PUP list while not practicing since. I wrote I was on the side of extending Jonathan Taylor last month, but I can also see the other side of the argument if the news of him still hurt are true.

At this point, he would be a one year rental on a rebuilding team who would probably leave us next off-season for nothing. Although he is still very young, him and his agent have created drama and the relationship with the Colts’ front office seems irreparable. A half glass empty front office will picture this same issue happening for their own team next season when JT’s contract is up and opt to stay far away. A half glass full front office will still see a young game-changing running back who can take it to the house at any play. We’ll see how that plays out soon.

My thoughts? It is what it is. JT had requested a trade and the Colts have granted it now, and that’s where we stand. The other players on the Colts will have to move on and step up. The likes of Zach Moss, Deon Jackson, Evan Hull, Jake Funk, and Kenyan Drake aren’t going to keep anyone up at night, but the Colts will have to make do with what they have and employ a RB-committee approach. Our best runner probably doesn’t even play RB, and I fully believe Anthony Richardson will get 8-10 carries a game. Having Moss/Jackson split the straight handoffs and having Hull on passing downs will suffice.

The best and most unlikely situation would be for the Colts to receive a first-rounder from a team such as the Rams, Buccaneers, or the Cardinals. These 3 teams are probably going to be pathetic this season and could go 1-2-3 in next season’s draft. The problem is they know it themselves. This scenario is unlikely because these 3 teams will be looking to draft a franchise signal caller. Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, and Brock Bowers will all be highly sought after. If anything, they would be more willing to give up their 2nd or 3rd round pick, which would still be great. The Colts would be able to take someone who essentially fell from the 1st round. There isn’t a generational talent at RB in 2024 like Bijan Robinson, but the depth is arguably much better. A smart strategy would be to accumulate multiple picks, and I’d be content if we received a 2nd and 3rd from one of these 3 teams.

Another likely scenario would be the Colts receiving a first round pick from a contending team. Many had predicted Miami to go after Dalvin Cook, but he eventually signed with the Jets. Archane is dealing with an injury, so it does make sense if the Dolphins try to deal with the Colts. A healthy Taylor, Tua, and Tyreke would make that Dolphins offense even more dangerous. The downside of this is they might make noise in the division or even in the playoffs, and that does not bode well for the Colts as their pick would be worth less. To me, that isn’t the end of the world, because they could package both their first round picks to move up to potentially have a shot at Marvin Harrison Jr. if the chips fall where they may. If the Colts are bad (and it’s very possible they are), they may be able to outright select MHJ and also have another shot at a blue chip player (hopefully on defense).

Some other possibilities include the Minnesota Vikings, New Orleans Saints, or Dallas Cowboys. There are questions with the backfields, with Mattisson and Pollard from the Vikings and Cowboys respectively haven’t had full workload experience and no depth behind them. The Saints have Kamara but has a suspension looming.

Any trade that happens will probably be beneficial for the Colts, but it might be tough to pull off. I’m not sure if teams are willing to trade that draft capital as well as give an extension to a still-injured player. JT holding out this season and forfeiting his salary would also be detrimental to both parties. He would be another year older with an injury history and contract disputes while also not having anything recent to show for a big contract he wants. Recent history shows holdouts aren’t the best idea, as Austin Ekeler and Lamar Jackson weren’t successful with the trade requests, and Josh Jacobs is still on his holdout. Time will tell what happens, but the future is no longer dim with an aging quarterback and mediocre coach; Anthony Richardson is our franchise QB, and with his work ethic, he will also volunteer to be our franchise running back.

August 22, 2023 | Categories: Uncategorized | Leave a comment