The Indianapolis Colts had two major decisions after they missed the playoffs this past season regarding the futures of Daniel Jones and Alec Pierce. They signed Jones to a two-year extension earlier this offseason and managed to retain Pierce as a free agent. As far as those two players go, the mission was a success.
Next year, though, the Colts will have to make another major decision about another major player: Jonathan Taylor. The six-year running back will be playing out the final year of his contract next season and will be a free agent in 2027.
What the Colts do with Taylor will be huge, one way or another. That said, given Taylor's production last season, the Colts would be far better off with him in the building, but if an extension isn't reached before next summer, trouble could be heading their way. The question is: Is Taylor still elite enough for the Colts to tie themselves to him long-term?
Jonathan Taylor isn't slowing down, giving the Indianapolis Colts all the more reason to extend him before it's too late
Taylor and the Colts have experienced an uncomfortable contract situation once before. The current deal he's playing on now was the result of that conflict, but it was filled with tension and a trade demand. The Colts should want to avoid another such situation.
Whether the Colts offer Taylor an extension before next season starts remains to be seen. What bodes well for Taylor is that he's still an elite running back, with no signs of decline.
Last season, Taylor had the second-best year of his career, behind only his sophomore season in 2021. He racked up 1,585 yards on 323 carries and punched in a total of 18 touchdowns. He also had 46 receptions, the highest in his career.
Those numbers do not resemble a running back losing a step. Taylor is still elite and remains one of the top rushers in the NFL, which is why the Colts should strongly consider getting a new deal done to avoid having to deal with free agency next year.
If there is one caveat to consider, it's Taylor's age, or rather, how old he will be in a few years, and that could determine what type of extensions the Colts would offer. Taylor will be 28 next year, and considering how hesitant NFL teams are to pay 30-plus running backs these days, a new deal for him sooner rather than later might be a priority.
That said, even a two-year extension would be a productive option for the Colts, provided Taylor is on board. A long-term extension beyond two years would be risky, especially if it takes them to a 30-year-old Taylor in a few years. He's still elite today, but in three or four years, that status could disappear quickly.
Nevertheless, today the Colts are better with Taylor than without. If he can still produce at an elite level for another two seasons, just like the production he gave them last season, locking Taylor up has to be on the board before the 2026 season begins.
Hopefully, Taylor has more than just two more great seasons in him. Hopefully, the Colts are willing to see what more he has to give. Taylor should be extended; it's in both parties' interest. The only questions are the terms and length, and if Taylor disagrees, Colts fans could see this situation drag into free agency next year.
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