Three years ago, the Indianapolis Colts and Jonathan Taylor couldn't see eye-to-eye. A budding star in the game's most underappreciated position, Taylor wanted his team to acknowledge his contributions with a big payday, and he went the extra mile to get that money.
Taylor held out of training camp, citing an ankle injury, and started the season on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list. Eventually, by some sort of miracle, he got right back on the field as soon as the Colts gave him a three-year, $42 million extension.
Fast forward to today, and Taylor isn't the same guy he was back then. While he still wants a new deal and some long-term financial security, he's already earned his stripes, made his cash, and has a different view on this situation. That's why this time, he won't make it about himself.
Jonathan Taylor is actually proving that he wants to be a Colt for life
Most of the time, players share empty, P.R.-trained statements to avoid getting into trouble. Taylor has repeatedly said that he wants to be a Colt for life, but by not holding out or holding in, he's proving that he actually means it.
He's essentially putting the ball in Chris Ballard's court, letting him know that he's there to work, that he's all in, and that he believes the general manager will ultimately do right by him. That puts pressure on the front office, for sure, but it's the best type of pressure:
“I have faith,’’ Taylor said. “There have been good conversations, and I have faith between my agent and (the Colts’) front office. Like I’ve already said, I’d love to be a Colt for life. I have faith things are moving in the right direction.’’
Taylor has already done plenty to be considered one of the greatest players in franchise history. As much as teams are usually reluctant to give running backs big contracts, especially once they hit a certain age, he's as relevant and crafty as he was three years ago, and he's just 27.
The Colts need competent quarterback play to get over the hump, and that probably makes Daniel Jones the most important player in Shane Steichen's offense right now. However, Taylor is his escape valve, his safety net, and the one who'll make sure he doesn't take unnecessary hits and that he can find lanes in the passing game when he drops back.
Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs are younger. Like Taylor three years ago, they're doing what they have to do to get the deals they want and deserve. Taylor has been there and done that, and he's showing that this time it's all about doing what's best for the team and showing how much he cares.
That should count for something. That should buy him some good faith with the front office. This regime has seen the best and the worst of Taylor and contract negotiations, but if there is a lesson to learn from his previous contract stalemate, it is that his presence on the field is a big boost for the offense, while his absence is a catastrophe.
Pay the man.
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