The Indianapolis Colts have secured one of the NFL’s premier running backs for the foreseeable future, agreeing to a new contract extension with Jonathan Taylor ahead of the 2026 regular season. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter and NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Taylor signed a two-year, $44 million extension worth up to $47 million with $39 million guaranteed, keeping him under contract through the 2028 season.
The agreement comes just days after Atlanta Falcons star Bijan Robinson reset the running back market with a record-breaking extension. Taylor had repeatedly expressed his desire to remain in Indianapolis, saying earlier this offseason, “I’d love to be a Colt for life,” while adding in July, “I have faith… I would love to be a Colt for life, and I have faith that things are moving in the right direction.”
Those conversations have now resulted in one of the richest contracts ever awarded to an NFL running back.
Jonathan Taylor, Indianapolis Colts Agree to Historic Contract Extension
The extension marks another milestone for both Taylor and the Colts.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport announced on X, “The #Colts and star RB Jonathan Taylor have agreed to terms on a big-time 2-year, $44M extension, per me and @AdamSchefter. $47M is the max with $39M guaranteed. The largest 3rd contract for a RB ever and one of the highest paid ever. Deal done by @malkikawa of @FirstRoundMgmt.”
According to ESPN, the contract carries a maximum value of $47 million with $39 million guaranteed, making it the third-largest running back contract in NFL history and the largest third contract ever signed by a player at the position.
Taylor entered the final season of the three-year extension he signed with Indianapolis in 2023 following a lengthy contract dispute. This year’s negotiations followed a much different path.
Unlike three years ago, Taylor participated fully in training camp and never staged a hold-in. Earlier this summer, Colts general manager Chris Ballard also made it clear that Taylor would report and practice with the team while negotiations continued.
The agreement arrived after Taylor publicly emphasized his commitment to Indianapolis.
Speaking during minicamp, he said, “I’d definitely love to be a Colt for life… Hopefully they feel the same because this is a special place.”
Taylor echoed that confidence again in July.
“I have faith. There have been some good conversations, but I have faith between my agent and the front office,” he said.
The extension now keeps one of the league’s most productive offensive players in Indianapolis through the 2028 season.
Jonathan Taylor Continues to Reward Indianapolis Colts’ Investment
Taylor has justified the Colts’ commitment with elite production throughout his career.
Selected in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft out of Wisconsin, he immediately became one of the NFL’s top running backs by rushing for 1,169 yards as a rookie.
His breakout came in 2021, when he earned First-Team All-Pro honors after leading the league with 332 carries, 1,811 rushing yards and 18 rushing touchdowns while making the first of his three Pro Bowl appearances.
Taylor has remained among the NFL’s most productive backs despite battling injuries during the 2022 and 2023 seasons.
Last season, he led the NFL with 323 rushing attempts and 18 rushing touchdowns while finishing with 1,585 rushing yards. He also established career highs with 46 receptions and 378 receiving yards, demonstrating continued growth as a receiving threat.
According to ESPN, only Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry has logged more rushing attempts than Taylor over the past two seasons, highlighting the workload Indianapolis has placed on its franchise back.
The extension also reflects a changing market for elite running backs. Robinson recently became the league’s highest-paid player at the position, while Detroit Lions star Jahmyr Gibbs remains in search of a new contract.
Taylor recently pointed to that shift when discussing how the position is being valued again across the league.
“Previously, it was rare to have a back go in the top five, top 10, really, in the first round,” Taylor said. “And now you have a guy going third. When you start looking at the draft, you start to see the [trend] moving forward.”
Now 27, Taylor enters the 2026 season with 7,598 career rushing yards, second only to Hall of Famer Edgerrin James in Colts franchise history. With a new extension complete, Indianapolis has ensured its offensive centerpiece will remain with the organization for years to come.
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