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The Indianapolis Colts just made sure Jonathan Taylor isn’t going anywhere. The two sides agreed to a two-year, $44 million contract extension, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Incentives could push that number up to $47 million. Taylor, who’s 27, is guaranteed $39 million of it.
Before this deal, Taylor was set to play out the final year of his previous three-year, $42 million contract in 2026. Instead, he’s got a new deal that’ll carry him through the rest of his prime years with the only NFL team he’s ever known.
Six seasons in, and Taylor’s résumé speaks for itself. Three Pro Bowls. A rushing title. First-team All-Pro honors back in 2021, when he ran for 1,811 yards and found the end zone 18 times.
Injuries knocked him down to 11 games or fewer in two of his six seasons. Even so, he’s cracked 1,169 rushing yards in four of them – that’s the kind of consistency teams pay for.
Last year proved age isn’t slowing him down. At 26, Taylor piled up 1,585 rushing yards on a league-leading 323 carries, and once again topped the NFL with 18 rushing touchdowns. He even added a new wrinkle to his game, catching 46 passes for 378 yards and two scores – both career highs as a receiver.
For a Colts offense still trying to figure out its quarterback situation, Taylor’s presence matters more than ever. Daniel Jones is working his way back from an Achilles injury, and there are still questions about whether he’s a long-term answer at starter. Having a back like Taylor in the backfield takes pressure off Jones immediately
This negotiation looked nothing like the last one. Back in 2023, Taylor held in and even requested a trade before eventually signing his second contract with Indy. This time around, he showed up to training camp on day one, no drama, no holdout.
“I would definitely love to be a Colt for life,” Taylor said, echoing sentiments that lined up with owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon’s public comments about wanting to keep him in Indianapolis.
Taylor’s extension makes him the second star running back to sign a new deal during camp this summer. Bijan Robinson beat him to it, agreeing to a three-year contract with the Atlanta Falcons that could max out at $75 million – a record for the position.
With Robinson and Taylor both locked up, that leaves Jahmyr Gibbs as the last big name still waiting on his payday. The Detroit Lions back is reportedly seeking a similar extension before the 2026 season kicks off.
