Colts given new Jonathan Taylor warning amid contract uncertainty

Indianapolis Colts star running back Jonathan Taylor made it known that he wants to "be a Colt for life." However, he remained set to play on the final season of his existing contract through the start of the NFL's ongoing summer break. 

On Wednesday, Colts reporter Stephen Holder of ESPN offered somewhat of a warning to the team regarding what Taylor may and/or may not do if he doesn't receive an extension to his liking before training camp gets underway later this summer. 

Colts, Jonathan Taylor situation is something "to monitor?"

"The Colts have shown little initiative when it comes to extending contracts so far this offseason, so this is a story to monitor heading into training camp," Holder wrote. "Keep in mind: When Taylor faced a similar scenario in 2023, it culminated in a contract standoff that lasted two months." 

During that standoff, Taylor didn't play until Week 5 of the season and until after he received a three-year, $42M contract extension that included $26.5M guaranteed. Meanwhile, ESPN stats show that Taylor ended the 2025 regular season with a league-high 18 rushing touchdowns and 323 carries. He was third in the NFL with 1,585 rushing yards, and he also recorded 46 receptions for 378 yards and a pair of touchdowns. 

Why Colts, Jonathan Taylor both have reasons to want to get something done

A recent report revealed that Taylor "has a strong preference for getting a deal done before the expiration of his current contract." Holder noted that Taylor "averages $14M on his current deal" and that "six running backs have higher averages" for their contracts. 

As for the Colts, they seem confident that quarterback Daniel Jones will be healthy enough to open the upcoming season as the team's starter. That said, Jones is still recovering from the torn Achilles tendon he suffered on Dec. 7, 2025, so one can only guess what he'll look like when he resumes facing live defenses. 

Having a happy Taylor in the backfield would make life easier for Jones this fall. Taylor likely realizes that to be the case, which is why he could make things awkward for the Colts if he is unhappy with his situation roughly one month from now.