Taylor has remained one of the focal points of Indianapolis’ offense and now receives a new deal that cements his place among the NFL’s highest-paid players at his position.

The agreement comes shortly after another blockbuster running back extension reshaped the market, making Taylor’s new contract one of the biggest stories of the offseason.

Jonathan Taylor contract details

According to Adam Schefter, Jonathan Taylor’s extension is worth up to $47 million. “Another big running back deal: three-time Pro-Bowl RB Jonathan Taylor and the Colts reached agreement today on a two-year, $44 million extension worth up to $47 million that includes $39 million guaranteed.”

How does Jonathan Taylor’s contract compare to other top running backs?

Jonathan Taylor’s new deal makes him the third-largest running back contract in NFL history. Only Bijan Robinson and Saquon Barkley have larger overall contracts at the position, while Taylor now ranks among the league’s highest annual earners.

By average annual value, the NFL’s top running back contracts are:

• Bijan Robinson — $22.25 million per year
• Jonathan Taylor — $22 million per year
• Saquon Barkley — $20.6 million per year
• De’Von Achane — $16 million per year

With the running back market continuing to rise, Taylor’s extension reinforces his status as one of the NFL’s elite playmakers while ensuring the Colts retain one of the league’s most dynamic offensive weapons.

Appearing on the Pat McAfee Show, Daniel Jones himself stated he is fully recovered and ready to roll. “I’m feeling really good and I’m gonna be full go to start training camp… I’m ready to go,” said a smiley Jones.

This is a wonderful piece of news for the Colts, as they saw in Jones a surging quarterback who is also a tough competitor. Jones was having arguably his best season in the NFL until injuries hampered him.

Jones signed a lucrative deal despite his injury

Quarterback Daniel Jones signed a historic two-year, $88 million contract extension with the Indianapolis Colts in March 2026. The value of this contract can go up to $100 million with incentives.

Achilles tendon tears can take from six months to a year of recovery depending on how severe the tear was. Jones had a full tear, and he was playing through a left leg fibula fracture too. Hence, the fact is that his recovery has been outstanding and way ahead of schedule.

Daniel Jones is the Colts only hope for the QB position

Not only did the Colts blindly trusted Jones by giving him this contract, but there are not really that many alternatives. Anthony Richardson was given permission to seek a trade and Riley Leonard and Easton Stick are low-end QBs.

Hence, Daniel Jones is the Colts’ hope, at least for the next two years, to have decent quarterback play. Jones had 3,101 yards on 68% completion, 19 TDs and eight interceptions with a 100.2 rate. His numbers were not stellar, but highly effective.

As the Colts kick off their voluntary offseason program, the definitive question in Indy is whether Jones will be medically cleared for the 2026 season opener. In the eyes of the veteran quarterback—who was spotted throwing at OTAs less than six months post-surgery—the answer is a resounding yes.

“Definitely still work to be done and progress to be made,” Jones said, via The Athletic‘s James Boyd. “So, I think it’s just continuing to get stronger, continuing to run faster, cut harder. And progress, kind of, according to the program.”

The Colts need Daniel Jones healthy

When Daniel Jones went down in Week 14 last year, Indianapolis’ postseason aspirations suffered a devastating blow. The quarterback had been putting together a spectacular campaign, leading the team to an 8–5 record in his starts while throwing for 3,101 yards, 19 touchdowns, and just 8 interceptions. The front office made their commitment to him clear this spring, locking him down with a new two-year, $88 million contract.

At the time of Jones’ injury, former first-round pick Anthony Richardson, who the Colts declined to exercise his fifth-year option, was already sidelined with a fractured orbital bone sustained in a freak pregame warm-up accident. Now, Richardson’s future in Indianapolis is incredibly murky after his camp requested permission to seek a trade earlier this offseason.

If Richardson is eventually dealt, the Colts’ backup duties will fall squarely on Riley Leonard, with Seth Henigan serving as an additional developmental depth option. While Leonard is currently competing to lock down the true QB2 spot, he could easily find himself thrust into the starting lineup for Week 1 against the Ravens if Jones encounters any late-summer setbacks in his rehabilitation.

Will Anthony Richardson leave this offseason?

Now that the 2026 NFL Draft has concluded, finding a premium trade package for Anthony Richardson has become significantly more challenging. Most quarterback-needy franchises settled their rooms during free agency and draft weekend, leaving a very quiet market for the young signal-caller.

However, a trade could still realistically materialize later this summer due to unique contract mechanics. Any team trading for Richardson before August 1 would owe him a $5.385 million cap hit for 2026. If a deal takes place after his August 1 roster bonus is paid out by Indy, his remaining salary drops to a mere $1.145 million.

For now, Richardson has chosen not to hold out. He reported to voluntary workouts and is currently taking the lion’s share of first-team reps while Jones is limited to individual passing drills. Whether Richardson embraces his role as an elite insurance policy or forces his way to a new franchise, his presence guarantees a high-stakes summer in Indianapolis.

Speaking to the Indianapolis Star, Richardson said “The Colts are still giving me a chance to go out there and work, work hard and potentially get on the field.” Hence, it looks like the Colts might be adapting to the idea that no one will grab Richardson.

After all, a few weeks back, Colts GM Chris Ballard said the Colts received no calls as of yet for Richardson. That despite the QB actively looking to go elsewhere as he was relegated by Daniel Jones in the pecking order. As of now, Richardson still hopes to at least impress in OTAs.

Richardson is very young but hasn’t matured his game

Richardson admitted that if he doesn’t work hard and improve, he won’t be in the NFL much longer. Hence, he knows the clock is ticking despite him only being 24 years old when the season rolls around. While young. he’s been in the league for three years and his game is as raw as ever.

Richardson is a freak athlete and has unbelievable arm strength, but he doesn’t read defenses well, misses progressions, has very low accuracy (50.6% career-completion), and he is injury prone. Hence, he’s not a gamble many teams want to take.

The Colts QB situation is tricky

Daniel Jones is recovering from an Achilles tear, his timeline puts him back with the team for Week 1, but that might be rushing him a bit. Richardson is on his way out, and he also suffered a broken orbital bone that has taken longer to recover. Riley Leonard didn’t show much as a rookie last year either.

Hence, the Colts are praying on Daniel Jones’ recovery to be perfect and fast to get some stability. Jones came to the Colts after losing all his stock in the NFL. However, he was a pleasant surprise with the Colts. He had an 8-5 record before injury, throwing for 3,101 yards on 68% completion, 19 touchdowns and eight interceptions.

The Colts were the second-worst defense in passing yards last season. However, by putting big pressure on the opposing quarterback, that could change. Anarumo sais defensive end Laiatu Latu will have a breakthrough season.

“He’s not built like a typical defensive end,” Anarumo said. “He’s a jack of all trades… He is going to be unbelievable as he continues his process as a football player. He was on his way to 10 plus sacks last year, I think he’ll get there this year without a doubt.”

The Colts added muscle to the defensive line

Arden Key, Micheal Clemons, George Gumbs, and Caden Curry are new names on the Colts to help improve the pass-rush. They join the likes of Latu and DeForest Buckner. They also picked second-rounder CJ Allen as a linebacker.

Latu ended with 8.5 sacks, 45 tackles, 10 QB hits, and he also racked up an impressive three interceptions from the defensive end position. Latu also had five passes defended and one forced fumble. He is a force to be reckoned with and the Colts are banking on him.

The Colts have a hump to get over

The Colts haven’t reached the playoffs since the 2020. Shane Steichen has had three seasons and he has always wandered around the .500 mark. A 9-8, and then two 8-9 seasons followed. Steichen has done plenty without a proper quarterback, but the need to get into the playoffs is actually one that needs to be solved.

Josh Downs entered the NFL in 2023 as a third-round pick. Three years later, his younger brother Caleb was selected 11th overall by the Cowboys. While Caleb enters with first-round pedigree, Josh was quick to remind him of the family pecking order.

“It’s all fun and games, but I’ve still got to let him know he’s the ‘little brother’ in this situation,” Josh joked, referencing their high school days when his North Gwinnett team blew out Caleb’s Mill Creek.

The Cowboys’ defensive overhaul

Dallas enters 2026 with a revamped defensive projection. Following a difficult 2025 season marked by the departure of Micah Parsons, the front office has aggressively rebuilt the unit. The interior is now anchored by “The Dynamic Duo” of Kenny Clark and Quinnen Williams, both acquired via blockbuster trades.

With Caleb Downs joining a secondary that features Malik Hooker and DeMarvion Overshown (who has moved into a hybrid linebacker role), the Cowboys finally have the “premium instincts” needed to complement Dak Prescott’s offense. New defensive coordinator Christian Parker has already praised Caleb’s football IQ, calling his transition to the pro game “seamless.”

A career year looms for Josh Downs

For the elder Downs brother, the 2026 season offers a massive opportunity. With Michael Pittman Jr. traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers in March, Josh is poised to see a significant increase in targets.

Josh currently sits as a primary weapon for quarterback Daniel Jones, who is returning from an Achilles injury after a stellar 2025 campaign where he finished third in the NFL in yards per attempt. If Jones maintains his form, Josh Downs—entering his fourth season—could be the focal point of one of the AFC’s most explosive offenses.

“The Colts will not pick up the fifth-year team option on quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr.’s rookie contract for the 2027 season, a source confirmed to ESPN.”

For a player once seen as the future of the franchise, the decision marks a disappointing turn. Selected No. 4 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, Richardson arrived in Indianapolis with expectations of becoming the next elite quarterback in a lineage that once included Peyton Manning.

Injuries and inconsistency derail expectations for Anthony Richardson

Instead, Anthony Richardson’s tenure has been defined by setbacks. Injuries limited his availability, while inconsistency on the field prevented him from fully developing into the player the Colts envisioned. Despite flashes of potential, Richardson was never able to establish himself as a reliable long-term option.

By 2025, the Colts had already begun to pivot. Head coach Shane Steichen and the front office brought in veteran Daniel Jones, a move that initially looked like competition, but quickly became something more. After a solid season, Jones has emerged as the likely future at the position in Indianapolis.

That leaves Richardson in an uncertain position. Without the fifth-year option, he is now set to become a free agent after the 2026 season, and his time with the Colts appears to be nearing its end.

What’s next for Anthony Richardson?

The focus now shifts to what comes next. Anthony Richardson still possesses the physical tools that made him a top draft pick, and there will likely be teams willing to take a chance on unlocking that potential.

The question is whether he can find the right situation to reset his career, and whether he can stay healthy and consistent enough to finally deliver on the promise that once made him one of the most intriguing prospects in the league. For the Colts, the decision brings clarity. For Richardson, it opens the door to a second chance elsewhere.

Per James Boyd of The Athletic, when asked about what offers the team’s have received on Anthony Richardson, Ballard simply replied “nothing yet.” However, Ballard also negated being shocked by it. “Nothing surprises me anymore… (Gotta) have a little patience.”

Richardson has failed to live up to the hype created by getting picked fourth overall in 2023. However, between injuries and just bad play, he’s fallen down the ranks. Still, Richardson is a freak athlete and also will turn just 24 years old, so he is a young guy trying to establish himself. He has plenty of upside.

The Colts haven’t received any offers for Kenny Moore either

Kenny Moore is also looking to sell his cornerback services to other NFL teams, but Ballard says no calls have been made for him either. The 30-year-old corner is a former Pro Bowler, but he only started seven of the 14 games he played last season.

Moore has 21 career-interceptions, four pick-sixes, 68 passes defended, six forced fumbles, 11.5 sacks, and 649 tackles. He has a very good career, and he might have some tank in the gas, but the NFL hasn’t been interested in trading for him so far this offseason.

The Colts have not made that much quality moves

While they re-signed quarterback Daniel Jones and WR Alec Pierce, not many top-tier names have joined the Colts. In fact, they traded away arguably their best wideout in Michael Pittman Jr. The Colts also traded linebacker Zaire Franklin to the Green Bay Packers.

The Colts had eight picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, but not a first-rounder. They used their top two picks in LB CJ Allen, and safety AJ Haulcy. Hence, it seems like they are content with their roster.

The trade cost the franchise significantly, as they surrendered both their 2026 and 2027 first-round picks along with wide receiver Adonai Mitchell. When analyzing which teams don’t have a first round pick, the Colts stand out as a team that prioritized proven veteran performance over the uncertainty of collegiate prospects.

Due to this blockbuster deal, the 2026 NFL Draft first-round order doesn’t include Indianapolis. The Colts will not be on the clock until the second round, where they currently hold the 47th overall pick. However, it is interesting to note that the Jets now own the selection the Colts would have made, which officially landed at the 16th pick in the 2026 draft.

Can the Colts get a first-round pick in the 2027 NFL Draft?

Yes, the Colts can technically acquire a first-round pick for next season, but it would require another massive trade. Since they already sent their original 2027 selection to the New York Jets, they would need to trade a high-value player or multiple mid-round assets to get back into the first round.

One common way to do this is by trading an established star for draft capital, similar to how the Jets acquired their extra picks. If a team has a player it is willing to part with, it can negotiate with a club that holds a surplus of picks to jump back into the 2027 opening night.

Another option is to wait until the 2027 draft begins and trade up from the second round using future picks or current players. While the front office is currently aggressive in its “win-now” mode, NFL rules allow for these types of trades right up until the clock runs out on draft day.

However, it’s the first round the one that matters the most. All top-tier talent is usually gone after the first 32 picks. This year, though, there are six teams that have no first-round picks. Each time will have different picks but the same time to select in the 2026 NFL Draft.

The Jacksonville Jaguars, Atlanta Falcons, Indianapolis Colts, Green Bay Packers, Denver Broncos, and Cincinnati Bengals have no first round picks in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft. Conversely, this means there are teams with multiple first-round picks.

Why do these teams have no first-round picks?

The Jaguars traded their 2026 first-rounder to the Cleveland Browns in a 2025 draft deal to move up to pick Travis Hunter. The Falcons traded their pick to the Los Angeles Rams as part of a package for a 2025 first-round used in OLB James Pearce Jr.

The Packers traded away their pick as a part of the Micah Parsons deal. The Colts traded their first-rounder to acquire Sauce Gardner. As for the Broncos, their first pick was traded to the Dolphins for WR Jaylen Waddle. Lastly, the Bengals traded their 10th overall pick to the Giants to acquire Dexter Lawrence.

Can these teams still have something to say?

Not having picks doesn’t mean that these six teams won’t play a part. It’s been heavily rumored that the 2026 NFL Draft will feature plenty of trades. Hence, don’t discard any of these teams jumping in and being a part of draft day if they see the opportunity to enhance their roster.

Per a report by James Palmer, the Colts are officially shooting for a Week 1 return, though they will let Jones’ body dictate the final timeline. This follows a 2025 season where Jones threw for 3,101 yards and 19 touchdowns with a 100.2 passer rating before suffering a torn Achilles in December.

The Colts‘ optimism is a welcome sign for the veteran quarterback as he enters the first year of his new two-year extension. By avoiding a rigid schedule, Indianapolis aims to ensure their starter is fully healthy to build on last year’s performance once the 2026 season kicks off.

What if Jones can’t return for Week 1?

If Jones isn’t cleared by the opener, the starting job likely falls to Riley Leonard. The second-year quarterback out of Notre Dame posted a 67.7 passer rating during the 2025 season and has the mobility to thrive in Shane Steichen’s system.

Behind Leonard, the depth chart gets complicated due to the ongoing trade rumors surrounding Anthony Richardson. While Richardson’s physical tools are elite, his 50.6% career completion rate and injury history have led the front office to keep other options like Seth Henigan ready.

The Colts’ primary goal is to maintain offensive rhythm through a “next man up” mentality while Jones finishes his rehab. Whether it’s Leonard or a veteran addition, the scheme will focus on protecting the ball and leaning on the run game to stay competitive in the AFC South.