Colts RB Jonathan Taylor signs 3-year, $42M extension

Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor signs a $42 million contract extension and expresses excitement to help the team win a championship.

The Indianapolis Colts have made a significant investment in their running back, Jonathan Taylor, by signing him to a lucrative contract extension. The three-year deal is worth a staggering $42 million, with $26.5 million guaranteed. This announcement was made by the team on Saturday, and Taylor expressed his gratitude to the organization and his excitement about the future.

In a press release, Taylor thanked owner and CEO Jim Irsay, general manager Chris Ballard, and Coach Shane Steichen for the opportunity to be a part of the Colts' future. He also expressed his appreciation for the support he has received from his teammates and the Colts fans. Taylor is eager to get back on the field and contribute to the team's pursuit of a championship, stating that he is proud to be an Indianapolis Colt.

The signing of Taylor comes at a crucial time, as he has just been activated to the 53-man roster after recovering from an ankle injury. The Colts also waived fellow running back Jake Funk to make room for Taylor. The team has cleared him to play in Sunday's game against the Tennessee Titans, lifting his questionable tag.

Coach Steichen expressed his excitement about working with Taylor, highlighting his explosive abilities on the field and his undeniable success over the past three seasons. Taylor's impact on the Colts' offense cannot be understated, and Steichen believes he will be a key factor in their future success.

It's worth noting that Taylor underwent ankle surgery during the offseason, which caused him to miss the first four games of this season. However, he has worked hard to recover and is now ready to contribute to the team's efforts on the field.

Taylor, who was selected in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, was in the final year of his rookie contract. His new deal ensures that he will be with the Colts for the next three years, providing stability and continuity to the team's offense. Prior to this extension, Taylor was set to earn a base salary of $4.3 million this season.

In his young career, Taylor has already made a significant impact. Last season, he rushed for 861 yards and four touchdowns in 11 starts. He has accumulated an impressive total of 4,643 yards from scrimmage and has scored 36 touchdowns in just 43 career games, with 41 starts. This level of production has earned him recognition as an All-Pro selection in 2021.

The Colts have struggled to find a consistent rushing attack this season, with Zack Moss leading the team with 280 yards and one touchdown on 66 carries. However, with Taylor back in the lineup, the team hopes to improve their ground game and provide a more balanced offensive attack. Rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson has also shown promise as a rusher, gaining 131 yards and scoring four touchdowns.

Overall, the Colts' decision to sign Jonathan Taylor to a contract extension demonstrates their belief in his abilities and his importance to the team's future success. With his explosive playmaking abilities and proven track record, Taylor is poised to make a significant impact on the field and help lead the Colts to the championship they deserve.