Colts' Jonathan Taylor speaks on reduced value of NFL running backs

Jonathan Taylor of the Indianapolis Colts wants to get paid, but also sees the writing on the wall in terms of how running backs are valued in the modern NFL. 

"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 said Wednesday about entering the final season of his rookie contract, as shared by Stephen Holder of ESPN. 

Earlier this week, Najee Harris of the Pittsburgh Steelers campaigned for teams to pay his fellow running backs after Ezekiel Elliott and Dalvin Cook were released by their former employers. Big-name ball-carriers such as Saquon Barkley, Tony Pollard and Josh Jacobs have had their rights retained via franchise tags that prevented them from reaching the open market, too.

As recently as Wednesday morning, the New York Giants reportedly were "content to let Barkley play out the season" on the $10.091M franchise tender for 2023. 

In January, Taylor told Ian Rapoport of NFL Network that he had undergone ankle surgery following this past campaign to address an injury he initially suffered in Week 4 of the season. While that setback presumably could make the Colts think twice about handing the 2021 rushing yards and rushing touchdowns leader an extension this summer, Taylor made it known that his camp has approached the club about the 2020 second-round draft pick remaining with the only NFL home he's known. 

"You look at the past and guys who have shown their value on and off the field tend to stay here," Taylor added, according to the Indianapolis Star. "My goal, the first season after I got drafted, I’m like, 'I want to retire a Colt.' Hopefully, the organization sees that the same, because I do."

However, Taylor also acknowledged that he understands trade requests when they feel unappreciated. 

"You see why guys request trades," Taylor said. "They just want to feel valued by not only their coaches, their teammates, but the organization as well."

The 24-year-old hasn't yet reached that point, but also seemingly hasn't closed the door on asking to be sent elsewhere before the upcoming season.