Not only is Colts running back Jonathan Taylor about to make his 2023 season debut, he’s about to be a very wealthy man.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Colts have agreed to a three-year, $42 million contract extension with Taylor. The deal includes $26.5 million guaranteed.
This contract will make Taylor one of the highest-paid running backs in the NFL.
“Taylor becomes the first RB to land a long-term deal worth $10 million or more per year since Nick Chubb in 2021 — almost 800 days ago,” Schefter said.” After months of animosity, Colts owner Jim Irsay, GM Chris Ballard, exec Mike Bluem and Taylor’s representatives Malki Kawa and Ethan Lock finally came together and successfully negotiated a contract extension. Each side gets what it wants.”
Sources to ESPN: Jonathan Taylor and the Colts reached agreement on a three-year, $42 million contract extension, including $26.5M guaranteed, that makes him one of the league’s highest-paid RBs and clears him to make his season debut Sunday vs. Titans.
Taylor becomes the first… pic.twitter.com/uidsSbbyPi
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 7, 2023
Taylor started this season on the physically unable to perform list. He’s been battling an ankle injury since December of 2022.
When healthy, Taylor is arguably the best running back in the league. In 2021, he led the league in rushing with 1,811 yards and 18 touchdowns.
It’s unclear if Taylor will receive a full workload this Sunday against the Titans. What we do know is that he’ll be happy about signing a $42 million contract.