Colts Star Listed Among ESPN's Top 2024 Free Agents
Jonathan Taylor battled injuries for the first time in his career, and the Indianapolis Colts' season mirrored Taylor's struggles.
Taylor has been so reliable throughout his career that it was a story when he missed a practice for the first time since high school.
He played in just 11 games and rushed for less than half of his incredible 1,811-yard total in 2021.
However the Colts and ESPN both expect him to bounce back in 2023. ESPN has listed Taylor among their Top 2024 Free Agents in a recent article.
Taylor played in 11 games for the Colts last season, but he rushed for more than 1,000 yards in each of his first two seasons and is averaging more than five yards per carry over his career. He has rushed for 33 touchdowns as a pro, too. A physical runner with solid top-end speed, Taylor has the big-play chops to flip the field, and he has already logged 106 rushes of 10 yards or more. When healthy, Taylor is easily a top-10 back in the NFL. -- Matt Bowen, ESPN+
Let's face it though, if Taylor hits free agency, something has gone terribly wrong in 2023.
The franchise tag for a running back in 2023 was just $10.1 million. Owner Jim Irsay has never had any trouble paying his own players. If the Colts and Taylor can't come to some agreement on a contract extension in the next year, he'll get tagged quickly.
If the Colts didn't want to use the franchise tag on Taylor, it would be because of lingering-injury issues. Again, something would have to go terribly wrong for Taylor to hit the free agent market in 2024.
Taylor was considered arguably the top-fantasy pick prior to last season. His stock slipped considerably after last year, but Taylor, like the Colts, are looking to bounce back in 2023.
If that happens, don't expect to see Taylor's name on any free agent lists in 2024.
He'll still be a Colt.
