Jonathan Taylor, the Colts’ All-Pro running back, dropped a bombshell on Thursday, confirming he hasn’t requested a trade from Indianapolis but admitting the whole situation is completely out of his control. This isn’t just some locker room gossip, folks. This is a 2-5 team in full fire-sale mode staring down a November 10th trade deadline, and suddenly their biggest star, who just signed a massive extension, is on shaky ground.
“I Can’t Control That, Obviously”
Taylor himself spilled the tea to reporters, saying, “I haven’t heard anything. I can’t control that, obviously.” He made it clear he’s “proud to wear the horseshoe,” echoing former teammates Quenton Nelson and DeForest Buckner, who were also proud to be Colts. But here’s the kicker: Nelson and Buckner were *dealt earlier this week*. Yeah, those guys who were “proud to be here”? Gone. And reports are flying that wide receiver Josh Downs has requested a trade too. Talk about a full-on exodus! Taylor even dropped the line, “circumstances may cause otherwise. Hopefully that day may not come, but I can’t control that.” That’s the part that hits hardest. You’ve got a guy, a legitimate threat on any given Sunday, saying he hopes he doesn’t get traded, but he knows it’s a real possibility. This isn’t just some player complaining; it’s a brutal reality check for a team that’s clearly struggling.
Owner Wants Him, But The Team Is Burning
Colts owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon reportedly *doesn’t* want to trade Taylor, especially with the November 10th deadline fast approaching. But come on, look at the situation: a 2-5 record. A fire sale where two key pieces are already out the door. Head coach Shane Steichen was asked about Taylor asking out and said it’s “hypothetical things right now,” insisting “JT’s on our football team.” Sure, coach. But how long is that going to last? Taylor, now 27 and in his seventh NFL season, all with the Colts, just inked a two-year, $44 million extension in August, with $39 million guaranteed. That deal runs through 2028, with cap hits of $16.2 million this season, $21 million in 2027, and nearly $23 million in 2028, according to Over the Cap. You’d think that kind of commitment would make him untouchable, right? But with the team in such disarray and already shedding talent, interest in an All-Pro back who has rushed for at least 1,100 yards in four of his six seasons (and almost 600 yards through seven games this season) would be through the roof if he becomes available.
So what’s next for JT and the Colts? Taylor said the only thing he *can* control is “rallying these guys in the locker room, helping us put together a great plan and executing a great plan for Jacksonville.” Why Jacksonville? Because it’s a division game, and as Taylor puts it, “their licking their chops right now. They think they’re going to kick us while we’re down and that has to be the point of emphasis.” It’s do-or-die for pride, if not for their season. Will Taylor be there to run the ball? We’ll find out soon enough.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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