The Indianapolis Colts finally did right by running back Jonathan Taylor by paying him a worthy extension.
Ever since Colts owner Jim Irsay needlessly antagonized the “running backs getting paid a proper salary” argument and Taylor requested for a trade, the two sides have been locked at a stalemate.
However, Taylor returned to practice with the team this week, and him getting activated off the PUP list quickly turned into a new deal and a Sunday return in a key AFC South rivalry game against the Tennessee Titans.
Now, Taylor will join new Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson as Indianapolis contends for a division title this season.
The #Colts and star RB Jonathan Taylor have agreed to terms on a massive 3-year, $42M extension, locking him in at the top of the RB market and mending fences after a tumultuous period. $26.5M guaranteed.
Deal done by agents @MalkiKawa and Ethan Lock of @firstroundmgmt. pic.twitter.com/K0bXcWHEqo
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 7, 2023
Taylor getting paid helps the Colts keep their offense as explosive as possible during Richardson’s rookie deal and keeps him from being traded to a different franchise for his eventual payday.
Colts fans will have to be happy to have Taylor back in the lineup, and NFL fans were equally pleased to see all of this get settled after a long stretch of drama.