Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor has agreed to a two-year contract extension worth $44 million, a source familiar with the negotiations told the Associated Press on Thursday. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the team had not yet announced the deal publicly and does not disclose contract details. The extension ensures that the 2021 NFL rushing champion will remain with Indianapolis beyond the upcoming season, removing the possibility of him entering free agency next spring.
Taylor expressed confidence that an agreement would be reached before the Colts' season opener against the Baltimore Ravens on Sept. 13. Last week, upon arriving at training camp, he reaffirmed his desire to stay with the team long term, stating he hopes to remain a Colt for his entire career.
Shortly after Taylor’s extension, the Detroit Lions announced a new three-year contract for running back Jahmyr Gibbs. According to his agents at Athletes First, the deal is valued at up to $75.7 million and includes $51.5 million guaranteed, making Gibbs the highest-paid running back in the NFL. Gibbs appeared on the practice field Thursday for the first time since the start of training camp, signaling progress toward finalizing the agreement. Agents highlighted that he had been attending meetings with the team in prior days.
Meanwhile, the Seattle Seahawks, who are defending Super Bowl champions, are featured for the first time on the HBO series “Hard Knocks.” The premiere episode aired Tuesday night, showcasing a practice altercation involving linebacker Derick Hall and offensive lineman Bryce Cabeldue. Hall placed Cabeldue in a chokehold and took him to the ground following a scuffle that also involved linebacker Tyrice Knight. After practice Wednesday, Hall acknowledged that the incident escalated beyond intentions but emphasized that the players had reconciled. “At the end of the day, we all love each other,” he remarked.
Other notable injury updates during the preseason include the Tennessee Titans getting left tackle Dan Moore Jr. back in practice after he exited early last session. Wide receiver Elic Ayomanor suffered a shoulder injury during practice and left the field prematurely; head coach Robert Saleh described Ayomanor’s shoulder as stable but indicated further evaluation is pending.
The Buffalo Bills saw safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson return to practice five days after being sidelined with a strained lower right calf. Gardner-Johnson said he feels “100% ready to go.” The New York Jets announced that running back Isaiah Davis will miss “a couple of weeks” with a knee injury, though coach Aaron Glenn suggested the issue is not serious and should not impact Davis’ availability for the Jets’ opener against the Tennessee Titans on Sept. 13.