The Indianapolis Colts and Jonathan Taylor have agreed to terms on a two-year, $44 million extension, the star running back’s agent told ESPN’s Adam Schefter and NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
The deal has a maximum value of $47 million and includes $39 million guaranteed — the third-largest deal for a running back in NFL history.
Taylor’s deal, finalized with the Colts by agent Malki Kawa of First Round Management, comes two days after Atlanta Falcons star Bijan Robinson’s record-breaking extension — the just in big contract in the running back market.
Second to one: Taylor tough to stopSince entering the NFL in 2020, Jonathan Taylor has the second-most rushing yards and scrimmage touchdowns, behind only Derrick Henry.
Rush YardsScrimmage TDsDerrick Henry9,18586Jonathan Taylor7,59876Davante AdamsN/A73Josh Jacobs6,65369– ESPN ResearchDetroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs also is seeking a new deal and has been a hold-in at training camp.
Taylor was asked Tuesday whether he saw Robinson’s deal as something that could jump-start his talks with the Colts.
“Hopefully,” he reported. “I’ve got to go talk to my agent. I need to go talk to him and see where things are at.
“I’ve been trying to just focus on getting better, but I have faith. I’m going to tap in and check in with him now that you guys broke the news to me.”
Taylor is now under contract with the Colts through the 2028 season. He was entering the final year of the previous deal he signed in 2023, following a lengthy standoff and hold-in with the Colts that ultimately led to a three-year extension.
After back-to-back seasons with injury concerns in 2022-23, Taylor has displayed durability over the past two seasons and has been among the most productive backs in the NFL. The three-time Pro Bowler led the NFL in rushing attempts (323) and rushing touchdowns (18) last season while running for 1,585 yards and also logging career highs of 46 receptions for 378 receiving yards.
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Taylor, 27, likely wanted some security after the heavy workload he has been asked to carry, having surpassed 300 carries in each of the past two seasons — with only Baltimore’s Derrick Henry compiling more rushes over that stretch.
Taylor’s last contract came after a protracted fight with the team during a time when running backs were not seeing many positive outcomes in contract negotiations. But Taylor’s deal and others such as Robinson’s and Saquon Barkley’s last year have helped turn the tide.
Taylor commented recently about what he described as a changing perception of the running back position, exemplified by the Arizona Cardinals drafting Jeremiyah Love third overall this year. Love became the highest-drafted running back since Barkley went No. 2 overall in 2018.
“Previously, it was rare to have a back go in the top five, top 10, really, in the first round,” Taylor reported. “And now you have a guy going third. When you start looking at the draft, you start to see the [trend] moving forward.”
Taylor, a second-round pick in 2020, is the second-leading rusher in Colts franchise history with 7,598 yards on the ground, trailing only Hall of Famer Edgerrin James (9,226).
