As the 2023 NFL season approaches, ESPN believes the Indianapolis Colts have a player that will be one of the defining players of the 2023 season.
Entering the 2022 season, the Indianapolis Colts were expected to be an intriguing team and storyline throughout the season. However, the Colts became more of a joke as they struggled to a 4-12-1 record and had several embarrassing moments. Now, that season is in the past and all eyes are on 2023.
While expectations are pretty low for Indianapolis in this upcoming season, some believe Indy has a player that will help define this season’s story. Dan Graziano, in a recent piece for ESPN, named 10 intriguing players that will help define the 2023 season. One of the players listed was Colts running back Jonathan Taylor.
Jonathan Taylor named as a player that will define the 2023 season
Taylor wasn’t listed as a defining player because of what he might do on the field or how many victories he could lead the Colts to, he was listed as a defining player because of contract implications. With Taylor entering the final year of his rookie contract, his pending extension could have a large impact on the running back market.
Graziano highlighted all of the running backs dealing with contract issues right now, and detailed the role Taylor could play in the market. Graziano said that if Taylor signs an extension before the season, after coming off the worst season of his career that was impacted by injuries, he likely won’t move the market much. However, if Taylor has a dominant season in 2023 like everyone expects, then signs for a new deal, he’ll have a better chance to improve the market for the running backs.
So as Taylor works on getting healthy and leading the Colts to victories, all other running backs will be watching him, hoping that he can secure a massive contract.