Jonathan Taylor was involved in one of the most head-scratching contract situations of the NFL offseason. Much of that stemmed from the approach Colts owner Jim Irsay took on the discussion surrounding the running back’s contract, calling out agents for selling “bad faith,” among other things.
But with Taylor signing a three-year, $42 million contract extension with $26.5 million guaranteed just prior to his return from the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list, it appears Irsay’s tone has changed just a bit. Following the official announcement, the Colts owner addressed the extension stating that Taylor “deserves this deal.”
"Jonathan is a special player and signing him to this extension is important knowing the impact he'll make as the team develops under Shane Steichen," Colts Owner and CEO Jim Irsay said. "I have no doubt he'll continue to create highlight plays and memories for Colts fans as he's done in his three seasons thus far. Jonathan deserves this deal and I'm happy for him.”
Irsay addressed the topic a bit more broadly as well when speaking with reporters, as FOX59 detailed. And the Colts owner openly addressed the fact there was “a lot of work” to mend things between the sides
“We were talking behind the scenes,’’ Irsay said. “There was just a lot of work trying to mend the spirit and the heart.’’
The comments are a far cry from Irsay’s original statement posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.
NFL Running Back situation- We have negotiated a CBA,that took years of effort and hard work and compromise in good faith by both sides..to say now that a specific Player category wants another negotiation after the fact,is inappropriate. Some Agents are selling ‘bad faith’..
— Jim Irsay (@JimIrsay) July 26, 2023
But that was just the start of a months-long process which led to Irsay seemingly having a change of heart when it came to Taylor’s contract. After these comments made by the Colts owner, Taylor proceeded to reportedly request a trade, to which Irsay emphatically stated the team “will not trade Jonathan Taylor,” as ESPN’s Stephen Holder revealed.
"We will not trade Jonathan Taylor," Irsay said. "That is a certainty. Not now or not in October."
Whatever changed for Irsay, it appears to have worked out for all sides, even if we’re all left wondering how things took such a drastic turn in a short period of time.
