INDIANAPOLIS — Jonathan Taylor's priority in his push for a new contract with the Indianapolis Colts was always himself. But it isn't lost on the All-Pro running back that his new deal also is a win for other players at his position.
Taylor — one day after agreeing to a new three-year, $42 million contract that ended his acrimonious standoff with the Colts — acknowledged that his deal is a bit of a reversal of recent trends at his position. «I definitely think it is [a shift],» Taylor said. «Anytime a running back can go out there and perform but also have some security, it just shows that running backs are essential.» As Taylor has referenced in the past, it has been a difficult time to be an elite running back in the NFL.
Players like Saquon Barkley and Josh Jacobs lost their bids to secure long-term deals in the offseason. But the Colts, Taylor said, provided a vivid example of the position's value on Sunday.
With Taylor playing a limited role in his first game since being activated from the physically unable to perform list, the Colts rode running back Zack Moss to defeat the Tennessee Titans 23-16.