You see the box score and think you know the story. 21 carries, 70 yards, a touchdown. Maybe a couple of catches for 15 yards. That’s the "new" Jonathan Taylor—the guy who carries the entire Indianapolis Colts offense on his back even when the efficiency isn't exactly screaming "All-Pro."
Honestly, the conversation around Taylor has gotten a bit weird lately. People look at his yards-per-carry dipping below 4.0 in five of his last six games of the 2025 season and start whispering about "the cliff." It’s basically the same thing we do to every high-volume back the second they hit age 26. But if you're actually watching the film, you’ve probably noticed that the context matters way more than the raw average.
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The 2025 season was a massive statement. Taylor finished with 1,924 yards from scrimmage and 20 total touchdowns. He hit that 20th score in Week 17 against the Jaguars, a game where he looked like he was running through mud but still managed to volume his way into the end zone. That's the thing about Taylor; even when the defense knows exactly what’s coming, he’s still 226 pounds of pure momentum.
The Workhorse Reality in a "Time-Share" Era
Most teams are terrified of giving one guy the ball 350 times a year. Not Indy. While other elite backs are looking at 60% snap shares, Taylor is still the undisputed focal point. He recorded at least 18 touches in every game but two last year.
You’ve got to realize how rare that is in 2026.
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The Colts' offense is literally built around his gravitational pull. When Taylor is in the backfield, everything changes for the quarterback—whether it’s Anthony Richardson trying to find his rhythm or a backup stepping in. Defenses have to stack the box. That’s why his efficiency numbers looked a bit "meh" toward the end of the season. He was running into brick walls so the rest of the team could breathe.
Breaking Down the 2025 Production
- Total Touches: 353 (across 16 games)
- Scrimmage Yards: 1,924
- Touchdowns: 20
- Efficiency Dip: Averaged under 4.0 YPC in late-season stretches.
The efficiency "problem" is kinda overblown. If you take away his 2021 season where he was basically a video game character, his 2025 output is actually one of the most productive years for a Colts back in the franchise's history. He’s now sitting at 7,598 career rushing yards. He’s 27 now, which is "old" in RB years but "prime" in Jonathan Taylor years.
Why the Contract Still Dictates Everything
Money talks. In October 2023, Taylor signed that three-year, $42 million extension. That wasn't just a "thank you" for 2021; it was a commitment to the heavy-lifting role he’s currently playing.
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Heading into 2026, his cap hit is roughly $15.5 million. That is a massive number for a running back. For context, the Colts could technically save $13 million if they moved on, but they won’t. Why? Because you don't replace 20 touchdowns and nearly 2,000 scrimmage yards with a committee of mid-round picks. Not when your championship window depends on a dominant ground game.
He’s under contract through the end of the 2026 season before he hits unrestricted free agency in 2027. This year is basically the "legacy" year. If he puts up another 1,500+ yard season, we aren't talking about his age anymore. We’re talking about a Gold Jacket.
The Explosive Potential Nobody Talks About
There’s this weird myth that Taylor has lost his home-run speed. People compare him to Kyren Williams and say Kyren is "more consistent" while Taylor is "just volume."
That's just wrong.
In 2024 and 2025, Taylor remained near the top of the league in breakaway runs. We’re talking about those 40+ and 50+ yard bursts that change a game in four seconds. Last I checked, he was still hitting top speeds that would make most track athletes nervous. The difference is that the Colts' offensive line has had its ups and downs, forcing Taylor to do more of the "dirty work" between the 20s.
Misconceptions vs. Reality
- "He’s injury prone": He missed some time with the ankle in '22 and '23, but he played 16 games in 2025. He’s durable when the freak accidents aren't happening.
- "He can't catch": He hauled in 3 receptions for 14 yards in the Week 17 loss, and while he’s not prime Marshall Faulk, he’s a very capable check-down option. He finished 2025 with nearly 200 receiving yards.
- "The YPC means he's washed": It means he's seeing 8-man boxes.
What This Means for 2026 and Beyond
If you're looking at Taylor for your dynasty roster or just wondering if the Colts are going to draft his replacement, the answer is a pretty firm "not yet."
The team is pot-committed. They are going to ride Taylor until the wheels fall off because he’s one of the few players in the league who can actually carry a bad offensive performance to a win. Honestly, if the Colts can improve their passing threat just enough to pull one safety out of the box, Taylor’s YPC is going to jump right back up to 4.8 or 5.0.
He is currently the RB9 in some circles and the RB1 in others. That gap exists because people are scared of the workload. But in a league that is moving toward "running back by committee," a true bell-cow is the ultimate cheat code.
Actionable Insights for Following Taylor
- Watch the O-Line Health: Taylor's late-season efficiency dip in 2025 coincided with some shuffling up front. If the Colts stay healthy on the line in 2026, expect a monster start to the year.
- Red Zone Usage: He’s still the primary goal-line option. Even if his yardage fluctuates, his touchdown floor is incredibly high because the Colts don't get cute in the red zone.
- Contract Year Mentality: With free agency looming in 2027, Taylor is playing for his last "mega" deal. Players of his caliber usually find an extra gear when tens of millions of dollars are on the line.
The narrative that Jonathan Taylor is slowing down is a classic case of over-analyzing the wrong stats. He’s 27, he’s healthy, and he’s still the engine of a team that has no choice but to give him the ball. Keep an eye on his volume in the first four weeks of the 2026 season—if he’s still seeing 20+ touches, the "cliff" is still miles away.