Jonathan Taylor Shocked Every Colts Fan With a Special Gift At Training Camp After Signing His $44-Million Contract [VIDEO]
This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.
Jonathan Taylor just locked in a major payday with the Indianapolis Colts. The star running back agreed to a two-year, $44 million extension. The deal can reach $47 million and includes $39 million in guarantees.
Taylor announced the news himself at practice. He stood alongside owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon and told the crowd every fan in attendance would get a free beer. The moment turned into a celebration as players and supporters reacted with cheers.
Awesome: #Colts RB Jonathan Taylor announced his contract extension to fans at tonight’s practice alongside owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon by revealing that everyone in attendance would get a free beer. 🍻🍻pic.twitter.com/X2JMdTOO6c
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) August 7, 2026
Jonathan Taylor Rises Into Top Tier of NFL Running Backs
The new contract averages $22 million per year. That figure places Taylor among the highest-paid running backs in the league. Only two players currently sit above him on the new-money average list.
Atlanta’s Bijan Robinson signed a three-year deal earlier in the week. His extension averages $22.25 million and can reach $75 million. Detroit’s Jahmyr Gibbs then topped the market with a three-year pact averaging $22.5 million. Gibbs’ deal carries up to $75.75 million and $51.5 million guaranteed.
Taylor’s agreement keeps him under contract through 2028. He enters his prime years with long-term security in Indianapolis. The 27-year-old has repeatedly said he wants to remain a Colt for life.
How Jonathan Taylor, Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs Reset the Market
These three deals arrived in rapid succession during training camp. Robinson and Gibbs both held in from practice while talks continued. Taylor reported on time and participated fully while negotiations progressed.
Adam Schefter shared the updated ranking of the highest-paid running backs by average annual value. Gibbs leads at $22.5 million. Robinson follows at $22.25 million. Taylor sits third at $22 million. Saquon Barkley and Christian McCaffrey trail them on the list.
The highest-paid RBs in the NFL by new-money average per year:
🏈Jahmyr Gibbs: $22.5M
🏈Bijan Robinson: $22.25M
🏈Jonathan Taylor: $22M
🏈Saquon Barkley: $20.6M
🏈Christian McCaffrey: $19M
🏈Devon Achane: $16M
🏈Derrick Henry: $15M
🏈Breece Hall: $14.5M https://t.co/XXBWMOm11d— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 6, 2026
Taylor has delivered strong production in recent seasons. He led the NFL in rushing touchdowns last year. His consistent output and desire to stay in Indianapolis helped push the deal across the finish line.
The free-beer announcement added a personal touch. Taylor and Irsay-Gordon hugged on the field as fans celebrated. The running back expressed gratitude for the ownership group and the chance to keep playing in Indy.
Taylor now ranks among the best-compensated backs in football. The recent wave of extensions signals a clear shift in how teams value top talent at the position.
