The Indianapolis Colts and running back Jonathan Taylor were able to put their differences aside, coming to an agreement on a three-year contract extension Saturday.
With Taylor officially being activated from the PUP list, he will make his season debut against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday at Lucas Oil Stadium.
In a statement released by the team, Taylor was grateful the two sides were able to get a deal done.
“I want to thank Jim Irsay and his family, Chris Ballard, and Coach Steichen for the opportunity to be part of this organization’s future,” Taylor said. “I greatly appreciate the support of my teammates and Colts fans. I can’t wait to get back on the field and do everything I can to help bring this city the championship it deserves. I’m proud to be an Indianapolis Colt.”
Taylor wasn’t the only one to give a statement following the announcement of the signing. Owner Jim Irsay offered some encouraging words about Taylor and his future with the team.
“Jonathan is a special player and signing him to this extension is important knowing the impact he’ll make as the team develops under Shane Steichen,” Irsay said. “I have no doubt he’ll continue to create highlight plays and memories for Colts fans as he’s done in his three seasons thus far. Jonathan deserves this deal and I’m happy for him.”
Head coach Shane Steichen and general manager Chris Ballard also chimed in.
“I’m thrilled we were able to reach an agreement with Jonathan,” Ballard said. “At the end of August, I spoke about the importance of relationships and being able to move forward. We were able to reach that point. We know what Jonathan means to this team and this city. He is an exceptional playmaker, and he has given a tremendous amount to our organization. This is the result we all wanted.”
As for Steichen, the first-year head coach has been envisioning a backfield featuring Taylor and rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson since he took the job this offseason.
“Part of the reason I took this job was to work with a player like Jonathan Taylor,” Steichen said. “He adds an explosive element to our offense and his success on the field over the last three seasons is undeniable. I’m excited for the role he’ll play on this team as we continue to build.”
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