Jonathan Taylor's Fate in the Hands of Jim Irsay

Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay is reportedly calling the shots on running back Jonathan Taylor's contract situation, leaving General Manager Chris Ballard in a difficult position. Despite Ballard's desire to resolve the impasse, Irsay's influence has tied his hands. The Colts have a history of not extending contracts for great running backs, opting to let them finish their rookie deals, tag them once or twice, and then draft their replacements. Taylor, however, is trying to disrupt this plan by seeking a new contract. Ballard, unable to be candid, cited the team's poor performance last season as the reason for not extending Taylor's contract. The only way out of the situation may be to trade Taylor or for Irsay to allow Ballard to mend fences and offer him the contract he has earned.