The 2026 NFL season is going to be a pivotal season for the Indianapolis Colts franchise. General manager Chris Ballard and head coach Shane Steichen are no doubt going to be on the hot seat after finishing with an 8-9 record a season ago. Indianapolis has not made the playoffs since the 2020 NFL season. One player who will be a free agent after the 2026 NFL season is running back Jonathan Taylor.
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Jan 4, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (28) carries the ball against the Houston Texans during the first half at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Taylor has no doubt been the engine of this team for the last several years. One of the biggest questions is, will he want to stay with the Colts for the long-term if they miss the playoffs again? If things go south for them in 2026, there is a good chance that this organization could potentially start all over.
ESPN Has Indianapolis Colts Jonathan Taylor as Top Free Agent Running Back in 2027
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Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (28) rushes the ball Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025, during a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
Matt Bowen of ESPN lists Taylor as top free agent running back in 2027. He said,
“One of the league’s premier runners, Taylor combines power, vision and home run juice to rack up big-time production. He led the league with 323 carries and 18 rushing touchdowns last season; his 1,585 rushing yards ranked third. Plus, Taylor can produce as an outlet/underneath target in the passing game (46 receptions in 2025).”
Taylor no doubt will be the top running back on the market next year if the Colts don’t bring him back. It will be interesting to see which NFL teams would want to give him a long-term contract depending on how the 2026 NFL season plays out. Since Taylor played for the Wisconsin Badgers in college, would he want to return to Wisconsin and go play for the Green Bay Packers? There is a lot at stake with him during his contract year.
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