The relationship between the Indianapolis Colts and running back Jonathan Taylor has not been a smooth one. Taylor was looking for respect and doing what it took to get it, and the team was trying not to let a player make a precedent out of them and wanted to stick their guns. However, the player and the team have come together, put differences aside, and agreed on a contract that ties Taylor to Indy for now and into the future.
With the contract dispute that includes a “hold in” and a stint on the PUP list that extended into the regular season behind them, the future of the Colts looks brighter with their best player happy and in the fold and ready to move on to the next chapter together.
Jonathan Taylor’s Contract Details
The Colts and Taylor agreed to terms on a three-year, $42 million contract extension that includes $26.5 million guaranteed, making Taylor the third-highest-paid RB in the NFL on a per-year average. Only San Francisco 49ers RB Christian McCaffery and New Orleans Saints RB Alvin Kamara will make more per year.
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Taylor entered the final year of his rookie deal looking for a new deal before suiting up. So much so that as training camp began with no deal agreed upon, Taylor requested a trade from the team on July 29. A new norm in the NFL is the “hold in” type standoff, which continued after multiple excused absences from camp. A plan that led to the Colts finally giving Taylor permission to seek a trade.
With no trade hammered out, Taylor remained on the PUP list as the season began, which led to Taylor missing the first four games. Eventually, the contract was sorted out, and Taylor was back on the field with his team for their Week 5 contest.
Taylor Since the Deal
Since returning to action in Week 5, the Colts are better for having him, but Taylor has not lit the world on fire. In five games of action so far this season, Taylor has tallied 62 rushing attempts, 254 rushing yards (4.1 yards a carry), and one touchdown.
While it could change in one afternoon, the numbers are nothing to write home about right now. Taylor is now the third-highest-paid running back in the NFL, and with that comes the burden of expectation. In addition to the stressors to perform for your team, the attack on running backs and their value could take another massive hit if Taylor does not pan out in his second contract.
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