Colts WR Michael Pittman shares his perspective on Jonathan Taylor dispute
Jonathan Taylor‘s absence from Colts training camp continues to be one of the biggest storylines of the NFL preseason. The star running back is seeking a better contract, while Indianapolis is reluctant to provide it. And while it might get perceived as a distraction for the Colts, wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. believes his teammate is handling things the right way.
Pittman sat down with NFL Network‘s Stacey Dales recently and was asked about Taylor’s predicament. The fourth-year receiver out of USC gave the running back a ton of props.
“Yeah, I mean, everybody in our locker room knows how much he means to our team,” Pittman said. “He’s been the dominant offensive player on this team ever since he’s gotten here. I think I’ve seen a stat in three years he has almost 5,000 yards and a bunch of touchdowns. That just shows that he’s been our dominant offensive player.”
In his first three years in the NFL, Taylor has rushed for 3,841 yards and added 802 receiving yards to his total. That puts the Wisconsin product at 4,643 total yards from scrimmage. He’s also accounted for 36 total touchdowns.
Pittman also said he wants to see Taylor receive a better contract. However, he also understands the difficult circumstances for running backs right now.
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“I’m always gonna ride for my guys. I’m all for him getting paid and getting his money because the market’s tough, running backs are tough,” Pittman said. “Honestly, I think he’s doing it the right way. I mean, he’s been great. He hasn’t changed, he’s been the same guy and we all love him around here.”
Former NFL RB comments on Jonathan Taylor, Colts situation
Because of the way offenses are run in today’s NFL, running backs have declined in importance — at least in the eyes of team owners and general managers. That’s why Taylor finds himself in this predicament with the Colts.
Former NFL running back Maurice Jones-Drew — who held out a decade ago — commented on Taylor’s situation.
“Listen, I’ve been there before. Held out in 2012, I demanded a trade … and when people sent their requests or their trade picks and players, the Jags said no. So, I understand where Jonathan Taylor is sitting,” Jones-Drew said.
“This is the thing, you gotta go out there and you gotta produce in this situation. You want a contract, I get it, the game is not favorable to running backs right now and their value. But you’re the one who’s going to change everything. You’re the key. … If you go out there and have a great year, then you can demand what you want.”