Colts running back Jonathan Taylor has agreed to a three-year $42 million contract extension which includes $26.5 million in guaranteed payments, ESPN’s Adam Schefter first reported Saturday.
Taylor, who returned to practice as a full participant Wednesday, has been in the midst of a well-publicized contract dispute that led to the star tailback requesting a trade in July.
The move to repair the relationship with the club’s top players is pivotal to providing rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson with a reliable threat in the backfield.
Taylor, who led the NFL with 1,811 rushing yards in 2021, was set to earn $4.3 million in the final year of his rookie contract. Prior to news of the two sides reaching an agreement, the Colts had activated Taylor off the physically unable to perform list earlier in the day, ensuring he will be eligible to be active in Sunday’s game against the visiting Titans.
Jonathan Taylor and the Colts reached agreement on a three-year, $42 million contract extension, including $26.5M guaranteed, per multiple reports pic.twitter.com/uN0qivYsmr
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) October 7, 2023
While NFL fans were keenly aware of the contentious meetings between Taylor and Colts owner Jim Irsay in recent months, those issues were put to rest when Irsay took to social media to celebrate the new agreement with his franchise back.
We have extended Jonathan! He's a SPECIAL player and this extension is important knowing the impact he’ll make as our team develops under Shane. I have no doubt he’ll continue to create highlight plays and memories for our fans. He deserves this deal and I’m happy for him.💪
— Jim Irsay (@JimIrsay) October 7, 2023
After rushing for 3,841 yards and scoring 36 touchdowns in 43 games, the former two-time Doak Walker Award winner will bolster the Colts’ ability to play with offensive balance.
In Taylor’s absence, the Colts’ ground game ranks 14th in the NFL through four games this season behind Zack Moss and Richardson.
The Colts play host to Tennessee on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET at Lucas Oil Stadium.
