Jonathan Taylor just delivered a crystal-clear message to the Indianapolis Colts about the rest of his career
Jonathan Taylor didn’t leave much room for confusion about his hopes for a future with the Indianapolis Colts.
The Indianapolis Colts are seeking a major breakthrough in 2026.
The team showed ample promise in the first half of last season before injuries derailed an 8-2 start and left Indianapolis on the outside of the postseason, looking in. As disappointing as it was, it highlighted how close the Colts seem to be. And, if you’re into silver linings, the early winning streak wasn’t the only promising development from 2025. Jonathan Taylor is back to logging elite production. He logged his second 20 touchdown season and averaged more than 5.0 yards per touch for the first time since 2021. And just today, he’s made one thing very clear: he’s not only back to logging elite numbers, he’d like to be back in Indianapolis for good.
Jonathan Taylor has told the Indianapolis Colts he wants to be a “Colt for life”
“I’ve already expressed that I want to be a Colt for life, even throughout the years. So hopefully they feel the same, Indianapolis, not only, like, the team but the city, is a special place.”
— Indianapolis Colts RB Jonathan Taylor
Go ahead and file it under “things you love to see.” Taylor is in the final year of three-year contract extension and set to play this year at 27 years old. A “Colt for life” is a long way off — but Taylor is certainly proving that the looming threat of his late 20s isn’t enough to slow him down. And that would make a new deal in Indianapolis a no-brainer.
Given the rise of the running back market, the Colts may be negotiating in the right window of Taylor’s career to avoid having to pay an am and a leg to keep him in town beyond this season. Taylor is currently averaging $14 million annual average on his three-year deal. In 2026, he’s scheduled to earn $13 million in cash.
With the threat of new deals like Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs lingering, one thing the Colts have working for them is the tread on the tires. A 24-year old Taylor would be right in line with those players for a new deal. But Taylor, who turns 28 in January, likely will be in line for a more reserved compensation package. Father Time isn’t kind to running backs, after all.
The Colts don’t need to grant him “lifer” status just yet — but both sides should have plenty of incentive to land on a new deal before too long. Taylor’s made his stance very clear.
Indianapolis Colts News