Indianapolis Colts star Jonathan Taylor has admitted he’s keeping tabs on how fellow NFL running backs are valued across the league.
Taylor is getting ready for his fourth season in the NFL after being drafted in 2020 in the second round with the 41st overall pick by the Colts. As a result, he is about to enter the final year of the four-year rookie contract that he signed shortly after being drafted
Given he is about to enter the fourth year, and his impressive performances for the Colts, there is speculation around whether or not he will actually sign a new deal this off-season. He is set to earn $4.3 million in the final year of his rookie contract.
The 24-year-old is not the only player in a similar situation, and he’s not even the only running back in the same scenario, either. Other players such as Saquon Barkley and Dalvin Cook also have uncertain futures with regards to their contracts.
Barkley was given a franchise tag by the New York Giants, of which he is yet to sign. Cook was recently released by the Minnesota Vikings and is now an unrestricted free agent looking for a new team.
Taylor has admitted that he has been keeping an eye on the situation with other wide receivers in the league as talks over his deal go on. The Colts star was speaking after Wednesday’s mandatory minicamp, and expressed his sadness over seeing other players fighting for their futures.
"Yeah, they definitely are. It's sad. It sucks," said Taylor, speaking to reporters. "Because a lot of positions do a lot for their team.
“Specifically speaking for the running back position, I can just speak first-hand, we do do a lot. You just want to be treated fairly. And not even treated fairly. You just want to be appreciated for what you bring to the team.
“It's never about yourself, it's about the team. So what do you bring to the team? Just seeing guys fight, you just hope that things work out for them.
“I mean, you see why guys request trades, they just want to be valued by not only their coaches, their teammates, but the organisation, as well. I think it's something you gotta continue to do."
Taylor added: "You definitely have to pay attention, just so you know, 'OK, what type of space are you entering into?’
"And you just hope from the track record here [in Indianapolis] that things are being evaluated the right way."
Taylor also provided an update on his own contract situation and confirmed that initial talks have been held over his future. However, the running back said the next steps are down to the Colts franchise on what they want to do next.
"We definitely have approached (contract talks)," Taylor said. "Hopefully (the Colts) can see the value.
“Hopefully we can explain the value, and not that it needs explanation, but we just want to be here to help the team. To help the community and uplift the community.
“We'll see where things go but it's kind of on them right now. But we'll continue to work each and every single day."
