The Indianapolis Colts have secured one of the NFL's premier running backs for the foreseeable future, with Jonathan Taylor reportedly agreeing to a lucrative two-year contract extension worth $44 million, with incentives that could increase the total value to $47 million.
According to multiple media reports, the extension adds two more years to the final season remaining on Taylor's current contract. ESPN reported that the agreement includes $39 million in guaranteed money, reinforcing the franchise's commitment to its star offensive weapon.
Colts reward one of the NFL's elite running backs
Taylor entered training camp despite heading into the final year of his existing contract, making it clear that his focus remained on football while negotiations continued.
The 27-year-old had previously expressed his desire to spend his entire NFL career in Indianapolis, saying he hoped to become a "Colt for life." The new extension appears to move both sides closer to that goal.
Since arriving in Indianapolis, Taylor has established himself as one of the league's most productive running backs, earning three Pro Bowl selections and becoming the centrepiece of the Colts' rushing attack.
Closing in on Colts history
Selected 41st overall in the 2020 NFL Draft after an outstanding college career at Wisconsin, Taylor has steadily climbed the franchise's record books.
He now sits 1,628 rushing yards behind Hall of Famer Edgerrin James, who holds the Colts' all-time rushing record. If he maintains his current pace over the coming seasons, Taylor has a realistic opportunity to become the franchise's all-time leading rusher.
Over the past two seasons alone, he has amassed more than 3,000 rushing yards while scoring 32 total touchdowns, underlining his value as one of the NFL's most consistent offensive performers.
Colts continue aggressive offseason spending
Taylor's extension is the latest major financial commitment made by Indianapolis during an ambitious offseason aimed at strengthening its core.
Earlier, wide receiver Alec Pierce signed a four-year, $114 million contract after stepping into the role of the team's top receiving option following Michael Pittman Jr.'s move to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Quarterback Daniel Jones also secured a new deal after initially playing under the franchise tag. He later agreed to a two-year, $88 million contract and is currently recovering from a torn Achilles injury ahead of his first season with the Colts.
With Taylor now locked in on a long-term deal, Indianapolis has retained another cornerstone player as it looks to build a stable offensive nucleus for the seasons ahead.
(With Reuters inputs)
