It is one thing to be a bad football team. Every franchise has worn that label at one time or another. But indecision can hamstring an organization for years on end. The modern-day Indianapolis Colts have avoided becoming a full-blown laughing stock during the 2020s, unlike several others, but their long-term vision is murkier than most. Misfortune has certainly halted its progress, but highly questionable choices are plunging Indy further into obscurity.
Ownership recognized the need to start over, or at least it appeared that way after the Colts dismissed general manager Chris Ballard and shipped out long established difference-makers DeForest Buckner and Quenton Nelson. They then dealt wide receiver Josh Downs at the NFL trade deadline, progressing this apparent rebuild. But they did not fully commit to what seemed like a straightforward plan.
Jonathan Taylor remains on the roster. This squad parted ways with its top offensive lineman, who could find his way into the Hall of Fame one day, and also weakened its defense by selling off a former All-Pro. Indianapolis already lowered its competitive ceiling by a fair amount and does not currently own a first-round pick in the 2027 NFL Draft. Furthermore, the Colts have yet to solidify their quarterback situation.
When taking all those developments into account, it is hard to defend keeping a veteran running back. Indy received offers and engaged in talks, but it refused to trade Taylor for anything lower than an unreasonable asking price. You can call it a missed opportunity, loyalty, wishful thinking or fan service. I call it the Colts' biggest deadline blunder.
Where is the upside in retaining Jonathan Taylor on this diminished roster?
I understand that few trade scenarios are truly simple. Taylor is the Colts' all-time leader in rushing touchdowns (77) and ranks second behind Edgerrin James with 8,254 rushing yards. He is also a respected leader in the locker room and a beloved member of the community. Principal owner and CEO Carlie Irsay-Gordon, alongside the future full-time general manager, must plan ahead and construct a new, hopefully lasting foundation. Maybe she thinks No. 28 can help accelerate that process.
This line of thinking is near-unjustifiable given the circumstances, however. Jonathan Taylor is a stellar playmaker who is still averaging more than 4.0 yards per carry and scoring at a high rate (eight TDs in nine games), but he faces unfavorable conditions moving forward. How effective can the 2021-22 First-Team All-Pro be in a depleted offense? His production has declined amid the Colts' collective drop-off, and with his 28th birthday approaching (Jan. 19), it is possible more adversity arises.
Running backs who log 300-plus carries in three different seasons tend to start breaking down around this stage of their careers, unless they are Derrick Henry. Taylor's value is unlikely to increase from hereon out.
The New York Giants reportedly put together a trade package that centered around a second-round pick. The Colts aimed for a first, and consequently, Big Blue pulled its offer. Indy brass properly identified the need to stockpile assets, only to forgo the chance of acquiring a premium draft pick just two weeks later. That is pure recklessness.
Yes, I understand that Jonathan Taylor is under contract for the next couple of seasons, and yes, I realize he can take pressure off a young quarterback (if the team brings one in), but he does not fit their current competitive timetable. When a previously stagnant franchise descends into disaster territory, a quick rescue mission is improbable.
The Colts should reset and assemble a core that can develop together. Taylor's continued presence underscores the lack of foresight that presently exists on this squad.