The Indianapolis Colts avoided a massive setback when they re-signed Alec Pierce as soon as free agency began, locking the standout wide receiver up for four years. Had Pierce walked away and signed elsewhere, the Colts would be starting at a significant hole in their offense.
The same can be said for Daniel Jones, who, after being transition-tagged, eventually re-signed on a two-year deal. Like Pierce, if the Colts had not taken care of Jones, their offense would be empty, and there were not many options out there to replace both players.
Colts’ general manager Chris Ballard avoided a possible disaster, but there is another decision he'll have to make in the future, and it's better he makes it now before it's too late. Another notable player who will hit free agency next offseason in 2027, unless the Colts offer him an extension: Jonathan Taylor.
Why the Indianapolis Colts should re-up with Jonathan Taylor
There has already been a past conflict between the Colts' camp and Taylor's, so it's just a matter of the Colts wanting to avoid another one or not. In the 2023 offseason, Taylor wanted a contract extension (he was coming off his rookie deal), but the Colts were playing hardball with him, for reasons unbefitting of a player of Taylor's caliber.
An injury was involved, yes, but Taylor had done enough to warrant an extension. The dispute became public, and Taylor would request a trade, but that request was also denied. It was back and forth for a few months with Jim Irsay making some interesting public comments toward Taylor, and Taylor denying almost everything.
The dispute lasted all summer until October, when the Colts ended the conflict by giving Taylor a three-year, $42 million extension with $26.5 million guaranteed. Since then, Taylor has rushed for a combined 3,757 yards, including a career-second-best 1,585 yards this past season.
Coincidentally, Taylor also racked up 18 touchdowns, mirroring the same number he had in his best year ever in 2021, when he ran for 1,811 yards; it was just his second year in the NFL. Taylor shot out of the cannon this past season, as did the Colts, with Jones at quarterback, attempting to revive his career.
Taylor was the third-highest rusher in the NFL this past season, so he's clearly maintained his position as a top-tier rusher and is still just 27 years old. Without Taylor, the Colts' offense is and would be incomplete, and there are few running backs out there who can match or surpass Taylor as far as skill and impact are concerned.
In 2027, Taylor will be a free agent unless the Colts lock him up beforehand. Of course, the desire for a continued partnership has to be mutual. Considering some past conflict with the organization, Taylor may want to pursue other opportunities, and he would, without question, have them available.
The Colts can't afford to lose him, however, and therefore need to offer him a lucrative extension before next season, to avoid the risk of him walking away. Jones, while showing a glimpse of what he can be, isn't elite, but Taylor is. Which is why the Colts have to have a strong run game behind Jones, not just as reassurance, but to help carry the offense.
Taylor, like Pierce and Jones, should be at the top of the Colts' priority list. Running backs are becoming more expendable these days, but the Colts are not a team that can survive without someone like Taylor in the backfield. He is a strong extension candidate, yes. For the Colts, though, Taylor should be a necessity.