This offseason was full of controversy surrounding the relationship between star running back Jonathan Taylor and the Indianapolis Colts. How, all of that controversy has come to an end as the Colts and JT have agreed to a 3-year extension worth $42M and $26.5M guaranteed. According to Adam Schefter, this makes Taylor the first RB to land a long-term deal worth $10 million or more per year since Nick Chubb in 2021.

For months, fans wondered and even questioned if Taylor still wanted to play for Indy and there were even concerns that he would legitimately leave and go to another team this season! All of that worry and any questions can be put to bed as the Colts and JT are locked for at least the next 3 years.

With the Colts extending Taylor and waiving RB Jake Funk, it is expected that JT will suit up and play this Sunday against the Titans. Whether that is in a limited capacity still remains to be seen, but nonetheless, there will be overwhelming pressure on Taylor to live up to the money. The trend with RBs getting paid is that they tend to underperform. There are certainly exceptions to this, but it is not the norm. Most notably, Ezekiel Elliot and Todd Gurley are two big name backs that got paid and underperformed. Saquon Barkley and Nick Chubb both got paid and have struggled to stay healthy.

All of this is to simply say that Jonathan Taylor is a Colt at least for the next three seasons. He has performed at a very consistent level in the past 3 seasons with projections over 1,000 yards per season and yards per attempt at 4.5 or higher. Coupling his ability with young rookie QB Anthony Richardson, the explosive capability of this offense has certainly been elevated. The thing to look for this season is the relationship with Jonathan Taylor and Anthony Richardson and how Shane Steichen will utilize those two explosive offensive playmakers.

Jonathan Taylor will be available and expected to play this Sunday against the Titans. This will be his first game action since December 17, 2022. A game in which the Colts lost historically to the Minnesota Vikings.