The Indianapolis Colts announced the signing of running back Jonathan Taylor to a contract extension on Thursday. The deal carries a base value of $44 million over two years, with $39 million guaranteed and a maximum value of $47 million.
Taylor’s extension makes him the second-highest-paid running back in the NFL in terms of average annual value. His deal follows recent contract activity in the position, particularly Bijan Robinson’s agreement with the Atlanta Falcons at a base value of $22.75 million per year. Taylor now surpasses Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley, who earns $20.6 million annually. The $39 million full guarantee in Taylor’s deal slightly exceeds Robinson’s guarantee structure, representing the most guaranteed money ever given to a running back aside from Jeremiah Love’s fully guaranteed rookie-scale contract as the third overall pick in this year’s NFL Draft.
Taylor was entering the final year of a three-year, $42 million extension signed in 2023. He carries a $15.562 million salary cap hit for 2026 and a base salary of $11.98 million. The running back produced significant statistics last season, leading the NFL in both carries with 323 and rushing touchdowns with 18. He has posted at least 1,400 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns in each of the last two seasons and is heading into his age-27 campaign.
The Colts are investing heavily in their offensive core as they enter the new season. The team signed quarterback Daniel Jones to a two-year, $88 million contract this offseason, while also re-signing wide receiver Alec Pierce to a four-year, $114 million deal. The franchise demonstrated strong offensive production early last season before Jones sustained injuries, creating optimism about the unit’s potential with all key contributors available heading into training camp.
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