The Indianapolis Colts re-signed quarterback Daniel Jones and wide receiver Alec Pierce this past offseason, but just as general manager Chris Ballard seemingly refuses to do, the GM hasn't been proactive about extending some stars. One of those is running back Jonathan Taylor.
Taylor and likely future Pro Football Hall of Famer Quenton Nelson, to name two, are set for free agency next year. If they leave Indy, the team would be worse. Maybe Ballard knows that he only has a season to save his job, though, and wasn't thinking too far into the future.
That probably isn't true (it shouldn't be), but not extending Taylor and Nelson is foolish. For the running back's sake, he said at minicamp this week what his hopes are, and he needed just nine words to make it plain: "I’d definitely love to be a Colt for life."
Jonathan Taylor hopes to be with the Indianapolis Colts for the rest of his career
Most fans would likely agree with that sentiment. Taylor has been with Indianapolis for six seasons and is just 27 years old. While he's missed some games with injury, he's also had four 1,169 yards-plus rushing seasons. Three of those were at least 1,431 yards. Twice, he has led the NFL in total touchdowns with 20 (2021 and 2025).
The only question about his future should be how much all his use potentially diminished his efficiency for many years to come. He's had three seasons of at least 303 carries and 321 total touches.
Still, a team cannot give up on such a player too early. That might be a risk with most players, but Jonathan Taylor has to be the outlier. He's been far too important to the Indianapolis Colts, and without him, the ceiling of head coach Shane Steichen's team is lower.
How much would it cost to extend Taylor? According to Spotrac, for whatever that is worth, the amount would be an average of $15.7 million over two seasons. That certainly doesn't seem like too much to give to a player who, without him, the offense would be a shell of itself.
Jonathan Taylor and his agents also need to be fair to themselves. Simply by the running back saying he wants to be in Indianapolis for the rest of his career shouldn't mean any kid of discount is given to Colts ownership and GM Ballard to extend for the long term. Taylor's next contract could be his last high-paying one, and he needs to take advantage of that.
At least, Indy fans know the player's intentions. He doesn't want to play anywhere else. The Colts should make sure that doesn't have to happen.
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