The Indianapolis Colts are at a crossroads in rebuilding, or relatively, retooling the roster. With a rookie quarterback underneath middle, it’s essential to construct the roster shortly to make the most of the so-called “Tremendous Bowl window.”

No larger roster query stays this offseason than that of Jonathan Taylor’s contract state of affairs. So how ought to the Colts method Taylor and what might a possible extension appear like?

Declining Operating Again Worth

It’s no secret that working backs have been devalued throughout the league. Over the previous a number of seasons, groups have been increasingly cautious about breaking out the checkbooks for his or her supposed celebrity backs.

All through this offseason alone, we’ve seen Dalvin Cook dinner and Ezekiel Elliott launched from their groups, whereas Aaron Jones took a large pay reduce to remain in Inexperienced Bay.

The Colts and Chris Ballard have clearly been watching the working again market, and I’m positive Jonathan Taylor and his illustration have as properly, they usually’re doubtless watching Saquon Barkley’s extension intently as his caliber of play most intently resembles.

Proper now, the highest-paid working again is Derrick Henry, incomes $12.5 million per 12 months. Nick Chubb follows intently behind averaging $12.2 million per 12 months. There’s little question Taylor will need to earn near, if not increased than, the aforementioned backs. And $12 million per 12 months will doubtless be the start line for any negotiations.

Attainable Extension Define for Taylor

Just lately, the perfect backs within the league have signed four-year offers and infrequently fail to spot the ultimate 12 months of mentioned contract. So how can Taylor and the Colts discover center floor? A two or three-year extension with big-time ensures.

So what might that appear like? Whereas $12 million per 12 months is the start line of negotiations, odds are Taylor will earn nearer to $14 million per. A 3-year, $42 million cope with $20+ million assured would give Taylor the massive cash contract whereas additionally giving the Colts future flexibility if Taylor’s physique begins to interrupt down. Indianapolis might even provide a two-year deal value extra per 12 months if essential, however Taylor could desire a longer dedication from the Colts.

But when Taylor digs his heels in and needs to reset the working again market, the Colts could also be higher transferring on from the Professional Bowl again. Some followers could not need to hear it, however there are wiser methods to handle the working again place than spending a big chunk of cap house on one ball service.