Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (28) watches a drill from the sidelines during the Indianapolis Colts Training Camp on August 1, 2023 at the Grand Park Sports Campus in Westfield, IN
Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Surprise Twist in Colts' Jonathan Taylor Saga May Keep RB in Indy

The Indianapolis Colts' efforts to trade disgruntled running back Jonathan Taylor appear to have hit a snag, four weeks out from the NFL trade deadline.

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According to FOX Sports' Jay Glazer, the Colts have not received any trade offers for Taylor.

During his appearance on FOX NFL Sunday, Glazer reported not only that no teams have made the Colts any trade offers for Taylor, but that Indianapolis hopes to rebuild the relationship to keep him in the backfield alongside rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson, to help in his development.

Taylor's relationship with the Colts soured during the preseason when talks on a long-term extension broke down. The star running back is currently on the PUP list due to an ankle injury and is ineligible to return until Week 5. Complicating things, from Taylor's perspective, is the fact that he must appear in at least six games to accrue a season toward unrestricted free agency.

According to the NFL Network, the Colts will open the practice window this week for Taylor, who is set to make $4.3 million this season. Taylor will have 21 days to show that he's healthy enough to return to game action.

The Colts chose Richardson No. 4 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, and despite suffering a concussion and missing one week, the former University of Florida standout has looked the part of a potential future franchise quarterback. Richardson has completed 63.8 percent of his passes for 279 yards with one touchdown, and one interception, and added 75 rushing yards with three more scores.

Keeping Taylor in place, who has rushed for 3,841 yards and 33 touchdowns, would alleviate some pressure on Richardson. However, it would seem likely that the Colts would need to make some sort of significant long-term commitment to Taylor, in order to placate him following a tumultuous offseason and as he enters the final year of his rookie contract.

MORE: Are Indianapolis Colts Closer to Trading Jonathan Taylor?