Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay took to Twitter on Wednesday night in response to running back protests. The market value and contracts of running backs have been one of the NFL’s hottest topics in recent weeks, and those debates have escalated with the arrival of training camp.
Irsay tweeted, “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’..”
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
With Jonathan Taylor up for an extension… https://t.co/y1wwKtPyDQ
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 26, 2023
One of the running backs that has been been part of these discussions is a star for the Colts: Jonathan Taylor.
Taylor’s agent, Malki Kawa, fired back at Irsay’s comments: “Bad faith is not paying your top offensive player.”
Bad faith is not paying your top offensive player https://t.co/ZYvrLhxygG
— malki kawa (@malkikawa) July 27, 2023
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 27, 2023
Taylor, 24, was named first-team All-Pro in 2021 and has been one of the NFL’s top running backs since entering the league in 2020. He’s essentially been the Colts’ entire offense at times and has been one of the top examples to argue in favor of the value of the position.
The Wisconsin Badgers’ product has made his displeasure about the lack of contract discussions with the Colts public in recent weeks.
1. If you’re good enough, they’ll find you.
2. If you work hard enough, you’ll succeed.
…If you succeed…
3. You boost the Organization
…and then…
Doesn’t matter, you’re a RB https://t.co/mG6In1ATGg
— Jonathan Taylor (@JayT23) July 17, 2023
Taylor is currently on the physically unable to perform list (PUP) and won’t be able to participate in the Colts’ training camp practices until he’s activated.
About Matt Clapp
Matt is an editor/writer at The Comeback and Awful Announcing.
He can be reached by email at mclapp@thecomeback.com.