Colts, RB Jonathan Taylor agree to terms on 3-year, $42M contract extension

The Indianapolis Colts and star running back Jonathan Taylor have finally reached a contract agreement. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the two sides agreed to a deal this week,

Per the report, Taylor agreed to a three-year, $42 million, including $26.5 million in guaranteed money. He will become one of the NFL‘s highest-paid running backs as a result of the deal.

After coming to an agreement, the Colts also activated Taylor from the PUP list. He will be eligible to play in Sunday’s AFC South game against the Tennessee Titans.

Sources to ESPN: Jonathan Taylor and the Colts reached agreement on a three-year, $42 million contract extension, including $26.5M guaranteed, that makes him one of the league’s highest-paid RBs and clears him to make his season debut Sunday vs. Titans.

Taylor becomes the first… pic.twitter.com/uidsSbbyPi

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 7, 2023

Taylor has not played this season and missed most of training camp due to contract disputes and injury. In his absence, the Colts have turned to Zack Moss to carry a majority of the load on the ground.

Through four games, Moss has racked up 280 rushing yards and accounted for two touchdowns — one on the ground and one receiving. It’s not clear how much Taylor will play on Sunday, but his return should help the Indianapolis offense.

Indianapolis owns a 2-2 record heading into Sunday’s game against Tennessee.

Jonathan Taylor follows in Nick Chubb’s footsteps

Although the running back market has been down, Taylor was able to cash in on a big deal by sticking with the Colts. Per ESPN’s report, Taylor became the first running back to sign a “long-term” deal worth $10 million or more per year since Chubb in 2021.

This season marks Taylor’s fourth in the NFL. Through three years, he’s proven to be a productive offensive weapon in Indianapolis.

Taylor’s breakout season came in 2021, piling up 1,811 yards and scoring 18 touchdowns on the ground. He also accounted for 360 receiving yards and had two touchdown grabs.

In his three years with the Colts, Taylor has totaled 3,841 yards on the ground and added 802 receiving yards. He’s accounted for 36 total touchdowns in that window.

Without question, Taylor can be one of the top running backs in the league. Obviously, the Colts felt like they couldn’t let his talents slip away.

Taylor said in June he hoped to agree to an extension with the franchise.

“Colts RB Jonathan Taylor says he and the Colts have had some recent contract talks and he’s hopeful for an extension before the season,” ESPN’s Stephen Holder reported. “But he also pointed out that he’s seen some disappointing developments with other RB contracts and is very aware of the realities.”

“Hopefully they can see the value,” Taylor said.