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Stampede Blue fantasy football takes on Jonathan Taylor
Every source-backed article insight STACKED has extracted from Stampede Blue about Jonathan Taylor.
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40
Positive
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Negative
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All Stampede Blue insights about Jonathan Taylor
NegativeDepth ChartOct 28, 2026
Named as a potential trade candidate floating around the rumor mill as the Colts execute a controlled rebuild, moving veteran players to accumulate draft capital.NegativeRoleOct 27, 2026
Running back's offensive line support significantly diminished by Quenton Nelson's trade departure. Nelson has been instrumental in Taylor's success throughout his career, providing elite run blocking on the left side of an offensive line that has consistently ranked among the team's strongest position groups. Losing Nelson will place additional pressure on Taylor and an offense that has already struggled considerably this season. The Colts will have to reshuffle their offensive line with young options like Matt Goncalves, Dalton Tucker, and Jalen Farmer, none of whom offer the reliability and production Nelson provided over nine seasons.PositiveUsageOct 27, 2026
Taylor rushed for 95 yards and 1 TD on 18 carries (5.3 YPC) in Week 7 against Minnesota, including the Colts' lone big offensive play—a 38-yard TD run on the opening drive. Despite the team's overall offensive struggles, Taylor was productive on the ground.NegativeValueOct 27, 2026
The source identifies Jonathan Taylor as the easiest piece to move in a potential trade deadline fire sale, arguing that McGowen may not match JT's career production but has a decent chance to do as much or more in year two while being under cheap control for three more years. This positions JT as expendable given the Colts' rebuild trajectory and cap/draft capital considerations.PositiveRoleOct 26, 2026
Taylor has been the centerpiece of Indianapolis' running game for years, and removing him would place even more pressure on an offense already undergoing significant changes. A young quarterback would benefit from having Taylor in the backfield, particularly for keeping defenses honest and preventing the entire offensive burden from falling on his shoulders.NegativeProjectionOct 26, 2026
Taylor will turn 28 next season and is approaching the stage of his career when running backs with significant workloads historically begin to decline. He is already nearing the 3,300 combined college and NFL touches benchmark the source uses for running back decline curve analysis. If Indianapolis does not expect to seriously contend until 2028 or later, retaining an expensive running back whose most productive remaining seasons could be spent on a rebuilding team becomes difficult to justify.NegativeValueOct 26, 2026
Taylor is under contract through 2028, giving an acquiring team more than two additional years of control, and remains one of the NFL's premier running backs capable of transforming an offense. The source's preferred return is a 2027 second-round pick and 2028 third-round selection, but is now more open to accepting a single second-round pick given the Colts' worsening situation. A first-round pick would be an immediate yes; a second-round selection would receive very serious consideration. The source estimates 50/50 odds of Taylor being traded depending on deadline aggressiveness and contender interest.NegativeRoleOct 26, 2026
Taylor's offensive role is directly connected to Quenton Nelson's presence on the offensive line. The source notes that Taylor is at his best when he has a strong offensive line capable of creating running lanes, and removing Nelson would make his job considerably more difficult. Trading both Nelson and Taylor would effectively signal a much more aggressive offensive rebuild. The source argues that if Indianapolis trades Nelson, it would be difficult to justify retaining Taylor at his current salary without seriously reconsidering the direction of the offense.PositiveUsageOct 25, 2026
Taylor led the Colts with 110 scrimmage yards (95 rushing on 18 carries) and 1 TD, including a 38-yard touchdown run that broke through the Vikings' defense on the opening drive to give Indianapolis an early 7-0 lead; showcased he can still generate the most explosive play of the game despite the team's offensive struggles.PositiveRoleOct 25, 2026
Star running back identified as central to Colts' offensive game plan; the source emphasizes that getting Taylor and the ground game going is the key for Indianapolis to compete against Minnesota's stingy defense that allows just 12.8 points per game.NegativeValueOct 25, 2026
Running back expected to be the subject of trade calls over the next couple of weeks ahead of the November 10 deadline. The source indicates Taylor would require at least a future first-round pick in return given his status as a homegrown franchise cornerstone and potential Pro Football Hall of Famer, though the Colts' lack of a 2027 first-round pick may complicate negotiations.NegativeRoleOct 23, 2026
In a rebuild scenario, the source identifies Jonathan Taylor as a potential trade asset. The source notes a new GM might trade Taylor and collect comp picks by letting players walk in free agency, given that Taylor is entering his third contract with significant carries already accumulated. The source acknowledges this wouldn't improve 2027 competitiveness but frames it as an available option for a new regime.NegativeRoleOct 22, 2026
Taylor stated he has not given any thought to being traded and emphasized that considering such a possibility would be a disservice to his teammates and organization, particularly given the upcoming matchup against Minnesota. He stressed his focus is on what is happening in the present moment rather than hypothetical scenarios.PositiveInjuryOct 22, 2026
Running back Jonathan Taylor returned to full participation at practice after being rested yesterday, confirming his availability for Week 7 against the Vikings.NegativeUsageOct 21, 2026
Jonathan Taylor was the other major contributor to receiving yardage in Week 6, with most of his production coming after the catch on just two receptions. On a seasonal basis, Jonathan Taylor has been roughly average in EPA per target.NegativeInjuryOct 21, 2026
Running back was limited in Wednesday practice; unable to practice at full capacity heading into Week 7 game against Minnesota Vikings.NegativeDepth ChartOct 20, 2026
At 27 years old with significant mileage, Taylor is a potential trade candidate, though the source argues the Colts should retain him unless he requests out. The source notes NFL running backs typically don't age gracefully into their early thirties (citing Derrick Henry as an exception) and compares Taylor's situation to Nelson—both future Hall of Famers and Ring of Honor candidates who provide fan appeal. The source suggests keeping Taylor for the remainder of his prime is worth more than the expected 2027 2nd round pick return. Taylor has 122 carries for 492 rushing yards (4.0 ypc) and 7 rushing touchdowns in 6 starts; possible suitors include Denver, Green Bay, and Minnesota.NegativeUsageOct 18, 2026
Fumbled on the first play of the third quarter against the Titans in a critical game situation; the turnover was part of a sequence of Colts miscues (fumble, interception, blocked punt TD) that proved too much to overcome in a home loss.NegativeUsageOct 18, 2026
The source argues that Taylor needs to be more involved in the passing game to help compensate for the Colts' depleted receiving corps and Jones's struggles against pressure. Rather than asking Taylor to carry the offense by himself every Sunday, the offense should manufacture more touches for him and give Jones easier completions through Taylor. The source criticizes the current offensive structure for not utilizing Taylor effectively to hide the weaknesses around him.NegativeUsageOct 18, 2026
Jonathan Taylor continues to face stacked boxes with no offensive answers from the Colts run game. The source indicates the Colts' inability to handle defensive stacking suggests limited rushing volume and efficiency for Taylor in Week 6 against Tennessee.PositiveProjectionOct 17, 2026
The source projects Jonathan Taylor to run wild against the Titans, a 0-5 team that has been a punching bag for the league; the Colts' strong record against weak teams (19-5 under Shane Steichen) supports elevated running back production in this matchup.PositiveValueOct 17, 2026
Trade valuation analysis positions Taylor between Christian McCaffrey (ceiling) and D'Andre Swift/Jay Ajayi (floor), landing much closer to McCaffrey. Despite being a year older than McCaffrey with substantial career touches and limited receiving dimension, Taylor remains a star player under team control through 2028. Recommended trade compensation: a 2027 second-round pick and 2028 third-round pick. A single second-round pick would start conversation but feels light; a single third would not suffice; a second and third together is where value makes sense. Taylor is comfortably above backs like Swift and Ajayi and should command premium compensation reflecting his caliber as an elite running back.PositiveValueOct 17, 2026
At 27 years old with 1,585 rushing yards in 2025, nearly 8,000 career rushing yards, three Pro Bowls, and First-Team All-Pro honors, Taylor remains one of the best running backs in football despite a relatively inefficient start to 2026 with six rushing touchdowns through five games. Trade value analysis positions him much closer to the Christian McCaffrey ceiling (acquired for 2023 second-, third-, fourth-round picks plus 2024 fifth-round pick) than the D'Andre Swift/Jay Ajayi floor (fourth-round picks), as Taylor has been elite for most of his career with multiple seasons neither player approached. At approximately 2,800 combined college and NFL touches, he is on pace to reach the historical 3,300-touch running back wall around the 2027 season, projecting roughly another season and a half of high-level production through 2027 before 2028 becomes uncertain. His two-year, $44 million extension through 2028 makes the immediate 2026 cost relatively inexpensive ($6.98 million base salary already paid by Indianapolis), with premium commitments of roughly $16 million in 2027 and $18 million in 2028; a contender acquiring him at the deadline would control him through three playoff pushes. Multiple teams have clear market interest: Denver (4-2 with strong defense but inconsistent offense, needing a workhorse to support Bo Nix), Green Bay (Josh Jacobs' 929 yards at 4.0 yards per carry and commissioner's exempt list status creating uncertainty), Seattle (defending champions at 3-3 with Emanuel Wilson's 3.5 yards per attempt and Kenneth Walker III's departure creating immediate need despite Jadarian Price's first-round investment on injured reserve), New England, and Cincinnati (questioning Chase Brown's long-term viability). Valuation should land closer to McCaffrey than Swift, though Taylor's age, career touches, and lack of elite receiving dimension suggest he would not command the full McCaffrey package.PositiveInjuryOct 15, 2026
Full practice participant after veteran rest day; expected to play Sunday against Tennessee Titans.NegativeInjuryOct 14, 2026
Running back Jonathan Taylor (rest) was limited at Wednesday practice for Week 6 against Tennessee; appears to be a veteran rest day with no underlying injury concern.NegativeMatchupOct 13, 2026
Pittsburgh's front seven effectively shut down Taylor, holding the Colts' star running back to 3.0 yards per carry on 15 carries in tough weather conditions, demonstrating the Steelers' defensive priority to contain the run-first offense's top threat.NegativeUsageOct 12, 2026
Taylor finished with 45 rushing yards on 15 carries against Pittsburgh, with one carry breaking loose for 20 yards and his other 14 carries producing just 25 combined yards. Pittsburgh stuffed him three times near the goal line while constantly meeting him near the line of scrimmage. The offensive line struggled against Pittsburgh's Cameron Heyward and Yahya Black, with Pittsburgh's front-seven recording four tackles for loss, three QB hits, and a sack. When Taylor is restricted, the Colts lose their biggest offensive advantage.NegativeUsageOct 12, 2026
Jonathan Taylor has not gained 100 yards in a game since London last year despite being a great running back; the source attributes this to poor run blocking and suggests Taylor's famous patience sometimes needs to be replaced with quicker decision-making to hit the best available hole, indicating offensive line and play-calling issues are limiting his production.NegativeRoleOct 12, 2026
Taylor was part of a drive that advanced the Colts to the Pittsburgh 10-yard line, but the possession stalled when Jones threw three straight incompletions near the goal line, preventing a potential go-ahead touchdown; the source suggests the Colts' inability to convert red-zone opportunities into touchdowns (instead settling for field goals) was a key factor in the loss.NegativeUsageOct 11, 2026
Taylor was held to just 45 rushing yards on 15 carries (3.0 ypc average) as the Steelers bottled up the Colts ground game; the source notes this as a key offensive failure in Indianapolis's 34-22 loss.NegativeUsageOct 11, 2026
Taylor was held to 45 rushing yards on 15 carries, with one explosive 20-yard gain meaning his other 14 carries gained only 25 combined rushing yards; he was stuffed at the goal line three consecutive times and again in the backfield later in the game, forcing the Colts to find other ways to move the ball.NegativeUsageOct 10, 2026
Jonathan Taylor, who had been the main fuel powering the AFC-leading Colts, received only 14 carries for 45 yards in the previous Steelers matchup—a dramatic fall from grace that the Colts never recovered from. The source frames this limited usage as a critical factor in the Colts' collapse and raises the question of whether Taylor will again be underutilized in Sunday's rematch.NegativeRoleOct 7, 2026
Running back Jonathan Taylor missed practice today due to veteran rest day, a routine maintenance day for the veteran player.PositiveUsageOct 5, 2026
Taylor recorded 95 rushing yards and 2 rushing touchdowns on 20 carries (4.8 ypc avg) in Week 4 London win; the Colts went "back to the basics" and rode the efficient Taylor after Daniel Jones' early struggles. Taylor is now the all-time international leading rusher with 6 touchdowns and 408 rushing yards in league history.PositiveProjectionOct 5, 2026
Taylor rushed for 95 yards and two touchdowns on 20 carries in Week 4, extending his season total to 6 TDs. With 75 career touchdowns at age 27, he joined Emmitt Smith, LaDainian Tomlinson, and Jim Brown as the only running backs to reach that mark before turning 28. The source credits him as MVP of the game and notes he is cementing his name as an international superstar, becoming the NFL's all-time leading rusher and scorer in international games.PositiveUsageOct 5, 2026
Jonathan Taylor delivered clutch performance that helped the Colts keep the game close enough to pull comfortably ahead and reach .500, demonstrating his value in tight contests.PositiveUsageOct 4, 2026
Taylor led the Colts with a game-high 95 rushing yards on 20 carries and scored two 5-yard touchdown runs, becoming the NFL's all-time leading rusher in International Series games with 408 rushing yards on 75 carries and six touchdowns across all International Series contests.PositiveUsageOct 4, 2026
Star running back Jonathan Taylor, now the NFL's all-time leading scorer in international football, had 20 carries for 95 rushing yards and 2 rushing touchdowns; the Colts mixed in backup Seth McGowan (6 carries, 31 yards) to help limit Taylor's workload throughout the long season.PositiveMatchupOct 4, 2026
Against the Commanders' defense, which is strong against the run, the Colts can exploit coverage if Washington stacks the box to slow Taylor; the source expects the Colts to "make them pay" by attacking the secondary if the Commanders commit extra defenders to stopping the run.NegativeProjectionOct 3, 2026
Against the Commanders run defense, Taylor faces a strength-on-strength matchup, but Hogs Haven expects the Commanders run defense to win that battle and projects Taylor to have a relatively quiet game.NegativeUsageOct 3, 2026
In the 2023 Frankfurt international game, Jonathan Taylor scored Indianapolis' only touchdown in a low-scoring 10-6 victory over New England; the Colts' defense carried the game with Gardner Minshew throwing for just 194 yards and the two teams combining for only 16 points.PositiveProjectionOct 2, 2026
If the Colts can lighten up boxes by adding speed threats to replace Alec Pierce, Taylor can return to form as a workhorse back; the source believes he can be 'the guy who was almost guaranteed to rush for over 120 yards a weekend' if coverage is less compressed and safeties play deeper.NegativeInjurySep 30, 2026
Running back Jonathan Taylor was limited at Wednesday practice due to scheduled veteran rest day for load management. Expected to practice fully on Thursday and be available for Week 4 game against Washington Commanders.NegativeUsageSep 30, 2026
The way teams swarm to Jonathan Taylor creates defensive attention that should generate one-on-one matchups for other receivers; the source suggests the offense should exploit these opportunities by loosening up shorter routes and trusting receivers to make plays on those matchups.NegativeUsageSep 28, 2026
Colts star running back was bottled up all afternoon by the Texans' elite defensive front, averaging just 3.0 yards per carry on 23 carries; his lone big run was called back due to a Laquon Treadwell holding penalty. The source notes the Colts' run blocking was collectively disappointing despite the Texans' elite edge pressure.PositiveMatchupSep 26, 2026
Scott Barzilla identifies Jonathan Taylor as the key offensive weapon to attack the Texans' interior defense in Week 3; the Texans' edges are their defensive strength, so attacking the interior with Taylor keeps the Colts ahead of the chains and avoids a long day behind the sticks.PositiveInjurySep 24, 2026
Running back Jonathan Taylor returned to full participation today after being limited yesterday due to rest; he is expected to continue practicing on Friday.NegativeInjurySep 23, 2026
Running back Jonathan Taylor was limited in practice today as part of a veteran rest day to manage seasonal load; he is expected to return to full participation tomorrow.PositiveRoleSep 23, 2026
Taylor is cited as one of Ballard's 'greatest hits' and described as an 'elite running back,' representing successful draft capital allocation at the position; however, the source argues that while Taylor and other offensive pieces are quality, the Colts have spent a decade finding good players at positions that cannot compensate for being unsettled at quarterback and unable to consistently rush the passer.PositiveProjectionSep 23, 2026
Taylor is cited as one of the few significant successes in Ballard's draft history, remaining on the roster as a franchise-changing talent from the early-round picks.PositiveProjectionSep 23, 2026
Taylor became one of the league's best running backs under Ballard's tenure and remains one of the significant draft successes.PositiveUsageSep 21, 2026
Taylor rushed for 92 yards on 24 carries (3.8 ypc) with 2 rushing TDs and was once again the focal point of the Colts offense despite Kansas City's defensive efforts to contain him. The source notes he is a future Hall of Famer and one of the best running backs ever, and the Colts rode his back as much as possible in a tough road game against a strong Chiefs defense.NegativeUsageSep 21, 2026
Without Pierce's deep speed and vertical separation, the Colts become easier to cover, which means heavier boxes for Jonathan Taylor; Pierce's absence directly impacts Taylor's running lanes and offensive load distribution.PositiveRoleSep 21, 2026
Taylor was the Colts' dominant offensive weapon Sunday, scoring twice including a 24-yard touchdown before halftime and a game-tying five-yard score in the fourth quarter. He was the team's best offensive player and the focal point of fan and Daniel Jones calls to 'feed JT' throughout the game. In overtime after Treadwell's 48-yard catch, Steichen gave Taylor the ball twice on the critical possession, though Kansas City's defensive front stuffed both carries for losses of one and two yards respectively.PositiveUsageSep 21, 2026
Taylor carried the Colts offense with 24 carries for 92 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns, including a 24-yard TD run in the first half and a 5-yard TD run late in regulation to tie the game at 27-27. He was also used in the passing game, receiving a 14-yard dump-off on play action during the final drive.PositiveUsageSep 21, 2026
Colts star running back led the way with 92 total rushing yards and 2 rushing touchdowns on 24 carries (3.8 ypc average) in a tough road game. The source notes Indianapolis 'rightfully rode their workhorse' in this matchup, indicating heavy reliance on Taylor's production.PositiveUsageSep 21, 2026
The source notes Jonathan Taylor was as good as ever in week one and emphasizes the Colts' strategy to feed him the ball to control the pace of the game against Kansas City's blitz-heavy defense, positioning him as a key offensive weapon for game control.PositiveMatchupSep 19, 2026
Jonathan Taylor is identified as Indianapolis' best path to keeping the game close against Kansas City. Maurice Elston emphasizes the Colts must remain committed to Taylor and stay ahead of the chains. Elston notes there is no completely stopping Taylor because he is too talented, but if the Chiefs can contain him enough to force Indianapolis into third-and-long situations, Kansas City's pass rush and pressure packages can take control.PositiveProjectionSep 19, 2026
Colts star workhorse RB expected to carry offense during early stretch with QB Daniel Jones still working back from injury. Week 1: 98 rushing yards, 2 rushing TDs. Chiefs run defense limited Broncos to 61 total rushing yards in Week 1 and held Taylor to 58 yards on 16 carries (3.6 ypc) in Week 12 last year. Source projects Taylor will eclipse 100 rushing yards with at least 1 rushing TD this weekend, describing it as a 'masterpiece' performance.PositiveUsageSep 15, 2026
Colts star workhorse rushed for 98 yards on 19 carries with 2 TDs; the offensive line opened rushing lanes effectively for Taylor, though a mid-second quarter fumble ended any realistic comeback chance.PositiveUsageSep 15, 2026
Despite the Colts' lopsided loss to Baltimore, Jonathan Taylor put up good numbers and effectively stopped the Ravens from pinning their ears back; however, the team fell too far behind early due to turnovers to mount a comeback using Taylor's production.NegativeUsageSep 14, 2026
Taylor fumbled in Week 1, a turnover that the source identifies as a critical factor in the Colts' loss. The source notes that 'a Daniel Jones interception and Jonathan Taylor fumble lost swayed the scales in favor of Baltimore,' indicating the fumble contributed to poor field position and momentum shift toward the Ravens.PositiveUsageSep 13, 2026
The league's leading scorer last season finished with 98 rushing yards on 19 carries and 2 TDs, averaging 5.2 yards per carry; he punctuated the opening drive with a 1-yard TD plunge and later added a 3-yard TD run, demonstrating continued offensive reliance despite the Colts' overall offensive struggles.PositiveMatchupSep 13, 2026
Taylor exploits Ravens head coach Jesse Minter's defense again. Taylor torched Minter's Los Angeles Chargers defense for 94 total rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns last October. Minter's scheme hasn't fundamentally changed, and the Ravens are breaking in new pass rushers up front with starting Pro Bowl defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike out. Taylor is expected to be the tone-setter that keeps Indy's offense ahead of schedule, especially with starting quarterback Daniel Jones working his way back from a torn Achilles early on.PositiveRoleSep 11, 2026
Jonathan Taylor is the bell cow for the Colts; the source projects he will be too much for the Ravens defense to contain late in the game if the Colts establish the run game early, positioning him as a key offensive weapon in the matchup.NegativeMatchupSep 7, 2026
Taylor ran the ball well against the Chargers in the prior matchup; however, the source expects Ravens DC Anthony Weaver and Jessie Minter to be much more intentional about stacking the box and dedicating resources to stopping Taylor in Week 1, suggesting tighter defensive focus and fewer light boxes early in the game.PositiveRoleSep 3, 2026
Returns to team captaincy for the third time after previously serving as captain in 2022 and 2024 but not in 2025; described as the Colts' best offensive player, justifying his regained captaincy.NegativeRoleAug 30, 2026
Jonathan Taylor remains the star workhorse running back for the Colts, with rookie Seth McGowan elevated to second-string backup.NegativeRoleAug 25, 2026
Starting running back for the Colts will not play in the preseason finale against Detroit; head coach Shane Steichen confirmed Taylor will sit out despite being the starter, with starters playing only 8-10 plays total.NegativeUsageAug 25, 2026
The source states the Colts will obviously give Jonathan Taylor the ball often, though expresses concern about running back depth beyond him, wondering if a bargain veteran may be necessary.PositiveRoleAug 21, 2026
Jonathan Taylor is locked in as the Colts' RB1; the source notes the team is serious about taking some of the load off Taylor by rotating in backup options DJ Giddens and Seth McGowan.NegativeUsageAug 21, 2026
Jonathan Taylor's first five carries produced fewer than 10 yards in the joint practices against the Falcons. The Falcons repeatedly stuffed the Colts' tailbacks at the line of scrimmage, exposing struggles in the rushing attack that head coach Shane Steichen mentioned he wants to see more consistency from. Even a low-red-zone period designed to emphasize the battle in the trenches produced little rhythm for the Colts' touted offensive line.NegativeUsageAug 20, 2026
RB Jonathan Taylor had a difficult day during the joint practice against Atlanta; the Colts running game struggled overall against the Falcons defense.PositiveProjectionAug 18, 2026
Cracked the NFL Top 100 at No. 17, a major leap after not being considered on last year's list despite prior inclusion; earned consecutive Pro Bowl honors; rushed for 1,585 yards and 18 touchdowns on 323 carries in all 17 starts, leading the league in rushing TDs and carries while finishing 3rd in rushing yards; described as a 'monster' with unique combination of vision, speed, and power capable of taking any carry to the house.NegativeRoleAug 14, 2026
Referred to as the 'star workhorse' running back for the Colts, with Seth McGowan competing for the RB2 role behind him.PositiveRoleAug 12, 2026
Jonathan Taylor hit the ground running during Colts training camp, showing early momentum and readiness in the offensive preparation.NegativeDepth ChartAug 10, 2026
Listed as the starting running back on the Colts' depth chart; the Colts have indicated they want to manage his workload, making the backup running back role potentially valuable for weekly fantasy purposes.PositiveRoleAug 7, 2026
Team owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon announced a new contract extension for Taylor during the first night practice of training camp, signaling long-term roster commitment and security in his role with the Colts.PositiveProjectionAug 7, 2026
A full-strength Daniel Jones will be the key to unlocking Jonathan Taylor's full potential. The source argues that if Jones provides offensive balance, Taylor will shine yet again, suggesting Taylor's fantasy upside is tied to quarterback health and offensive scheme support.PositiveValueAug 7, 2026
Jonathan Taylor signed a two-year, $44 million extension with the Colts, securing his role as the franchise's rushing leader. The source notes that Taylor has produced over 3,000 yards and 29 touchdowns over the last two seasons, establishing himself as one of the best players in the league and the franchise leader in rushing touchdowns. The source states he is worth the contract now based on historical performance, though future production remains uncertain.