Colts' Jonathan Taylor reportedly has 'strong preference' for this amid uncertainty

Indianapolis Colts star running back Jonathan Taylor is currently heading into the final season of the three-year, $42M contract extension that included $26.5M guaranteed he signed in the fall of 2023. 

The last time Taylor was facing such a situation, things involving his camp and the Colts got a bit messy. For a piece published on Wednesday, Stephen Holder of ESPN suggested that Taylor could once again grow unhappy with the Colts at some point this summer.

Jonathan Taylor doesn't want to enter the 2026 season without an extension

"Taylor, like last time around, has a strong preference for getting a deal done before the expiration of his current contract," Holder wrote. "In 2023, when Taylor was nearing the end of his rookie contract, he engaged in a heated, weekslong standoff with the Colts that involved an exchange of barbs between his agent and late Colts owner Jim Irsay. Taylor, citing an ankle injury, sat out all of training camp and didn't play until Week 5, after he'd signed an extension."

Taylor turned just 27 years old this past January, and he showed last season that he can produce numbers worthy of winning the Offensive Player of the Year Award under head coach Shane Steichen.

Taylor ended the 2025 regular season ranked first in the league with 18 rushing touchdowns, first with 323 carries and third with 1,585 rushing yards. Additionally, he tallied 46 receptions for 378 yards and a pair of scores.

Meanwhile, Colts starting quarterback Daniel Jones is recovering from the torn Achilles he suffered on Dec. 7, 2025. Jones may be cleared to play in Indianapolis' 2026 regular-season opener, but it seems likely that Steichen will rely heavily on Taylor again this fall. 

The Colts likely have concerns about what Jonathan Taylor will be at this time next year

"The workload issue cuts both ways," Holder added. "Taylor is likely seeking more assurances because of his greater exposure to injury. On the other hand, the Colts might have concerns about the cumulative wear and tear on Taylor's body. Still, Taylor is entering the final season of his contract at a time when teams are showing a bit more willingness to invest in top running backs than they were just a few years ago."

Specifically, Holder noted that the Miami Dolphins recently signed De'Von Achane to a four-year, $64M contract extension. It's unknown how much money Taylor wants attached to his new deal, but history shows he may not give the Colts much of a discount this summer.