Indianapolis Colts star running back Jonathan Taylor took part fully in the team’s opening training camp practice Wednesday and voiced optimism that a contract extension will be completed.
Taylor is in the final season of his current agreement, yet the session unfolded without any holdout or extended absence that marked previous negotiations.
The three-time Pro Bowl selection completed every drill and later told reporters he believes both parties will finalize a new pact.
Three years after a high-profile contract dispute overshadowed the Colts’ camp, the atmosphere surrounding Taylor appears markedly improved. While Taylor worked with teammates at Grand Park, Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs and Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson reported to their clubs but sat out practice while pursuing new deals.
Taylor’s presence aligned with expectations outlined a day earlier by general manager Chris Ballard.
Ballard dismissed suggestions of a repeat confrontation from 2023.
“All these people look at the past, thinking it’s gonna happen again, nah,” Ballard said.
Taylor signed a three-year, $42 million extension during the 2023 season and is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent after the 2026 campaign. The 27-year-old produced another strong year in 2025, rushing for 1,585 yards and 18 touchdowns while catching 46 passes for 378 yards and two scores.
Speaking after Wednesday’s practice, Taylor offered a positive assessment of ongoing talks.
“Yeah, I have faith. I mean, there’ve been some good conversations and I have faith between my agent and front office,” Taylor said. “I have faith that things are moving in the right direction.”
He also repeated a desire first shared earlier in the offseason to remain with the franchise long term.
Taylor had previously stated he would “love to be a Colt for life,” and he confirmed the same view after the workout. His decision to practice and the tone of his remarks point to a stronger working relationship between player and team than existed three years ago.
Nevertheless, Taylor’s status ranks among the Colts’ primary offseason storylines until an extension is reached.
Should the team open the season poorly and Taylor remain without a new deal, interest from contenders seeking a difference-maker at the trade deadline could emerge.
For the moment, Taylor is on the field and publicly confident in the organization’s direction, a clear departure from the tension of the previous contract standoff.
