Edgerrin James Played A Significant Role In Restoring The Colts’ Bond With RB Jonathan Taylor
On Saturday, the Indianapolis Colts’ top running back, Jonathan Taylor, agreed to a three-year, $42 million contract deal only seconds after being activated off the team’s physically unable-to-perform list. Taylor will be one of the highest-paid running backs in the NFL, with an average salary of $14 million a season, thanks to the $26.5 million guaranteed in the deal.
Edgerrin James Played A Significant Role In Restoring The Colts’ Bond With RB Jonathan Taylor
Taylor had missed the first four games of the season due to an ankle ailment, but he was expected to receive $4.3 million this season as part of his rookie contract. This is a major gain for the running back position since it has been two years since a running back signed a rich, long-term contract.
Colts’ Hall of Famer Edgerrin James mediated to help repair relationship with Jonathan Taylor https://t.co/hxzzEEuhHw
— Stampede Blue (@StampedeBlue) October 8, 2023
Irsay claimed that former Colts running back Edgerrin James was instrumental in restoring the team’s relationship with its top player.
At running back, James knows the business side of the NFL as well as anybody. He departed the Colts in free agency in March 2006, at the age of 28, to sign a four-year, $30 million contract with the Arizona Cardinals, which was considered a top running back contract at the time.
Most rushing yards per game in Colts franchise history (minimum 5 games):
• Edgerrin James* – 96.1
• Jonathan Taylor – 89.3
• Eric Dickerson* – 85.1
• Marshall Faulk* – 69.1* Pro Football Hall of Famer @Colts #ForTheShoe @JayT23 @NFLResearch #NFL https://t.co/3AmbMj9G0w
— Tony Holzman-Escareno (@FrontOfficeNFL) October 7, 2023
However, James still has a high regard for Irsay because what the Colts gave him during and after his storied NFL career was essential.
The Colts, like Taylor, requested James to play an important role in the development of a rookie quarterback, Peyton Manning. Perhaps James felt forced to intervene and assist in resolving the quarrel between Taylor and the Colts, knowing how crucial the former is for a growing quarterback like rookie Anthony Richardson.
Sources to ESPN: Jonathan Taylor and the Colts reached agreement on a three-year, $42 million contract extension, including $26.5M guaranteed, that makes him one of the league’s highest-paid RBs and clears him to make his season debut Sunday vs. Titans.
Taylor becomes the first… pic.twitter.com/uidsSbbyPi
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 7, 2023
James understands the importance of a strong running game. James helped the Colts move from a 3-13 squad in Manning’s debut year to a playoff team in back-to-back seasons after surpassing 1,000 yards running in each of his first two seasons in the NFL.
BREAKING: Colts, RB Jonathan Taylor agree to terms on 3-year, $42M extension with $26.5M guaranteed. (via @rapsheet) pic.twitter.com/Qv3AVEhwey
— NFL (@NFL) October 7, 2023
Taylor’s contract could assist other running backs, like Josh Jacobs, Barkley, Pollard, and Ekeler, to land more lucrative deals next offseason. There is still hope for the running back position in the NFL as long as they continue to play effectively.
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