Jonathan Taylor lands huge win for NFL running backs after Indianapolis U-turn
Jonathan Taylor is set to become one of the highest paid running backs after months of dispute with the Indianapolis Colts came to an end with the news that he has agreed a new deal to remain with the franchise.
Taylor had requested a trade earlier in the off-season after his initial desire to have a new contract was turned down by the Colts. The running back had entered the final year of his rookie deal, as he prepared to play in his fourth season in the NFL.
According to NFL.com, Taylor and the Colts have reached an agreement on a three-year contract extension worth $42 million (£34.2 million). As part of the agreement, Taylor will receive $26.5 million (£21.65 million) in guaranteed money.
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Taylor's deal comes at a time when Taylor’s fellow running backs have struggled to be handed long-term contract extensions. A situation that saw several players at the position hold video calls and set up a group chat over the summer to discuss the situation.
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Saquon Barkley of the New York Giants and Josh Jacobs of the Las Vegas Raiders were each handed the franchise tag during the off-season. After initially rejecting the tag, both players eventually signed one-year deals for the 2023 season.
But Taylor now has a long-term deal that could reset the market.
The news of the deal is something of a surprise, given the suggestions from both sides. Various reports from the Colts' perspective had stated that no deal would be agreed anytime soon over an extension of Taylor’s contract.
From Taylor’s point of view, the running back requested a trade in August which was initially granted by the Colts. After failing to find a suitable trade to a new team, Taylor would end up remaining in Indianapolis after the August 29 deadline for teams to submit their 53-man rosters has passed.
Taylor has been recovering from an ankle injury over the course of the off-season and was placed on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list for the first four games of the season. On Saturday, the Colts announced that Taylor had been activated and would be in contention to feature on Sunday against the Tennessee Titans in what would be his first appearance of the season.
On Thursday, Taylor spoke to the media for the first time since his trade request. The running back stated his commitment to Indianapolis, and why he has been focused on recovering from injury rather than seeking a trade.
"If somebody wasn't committed, they wouldn't be here,” said Taylor on Thursday, via .
"The No. 1 thing that's changed is I'm finally able to step back on the practice field. Like I said it's a big day, it's a huge day.
“You've got nerves, you're anxious. You want to do well. You've been working so much. You can simulate as many things as you want but nothing simulates football but playing football."
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