Total Pro Sports
Jonathan Taylor has been one of the NFL’s best running backs since entering the league five years ago, but the 2021 rushing champion may be a surprise 2026 offseason cut candidate.
During the 2023 season, Jonathan Taylor walked back on his previous trade request and signed a three-year contract extension worth $42 million, including $26 million in guaranteed money.
Social media personality and fantasy football guru FF Snoog noted that the Colts would save $13 million if they were to cut Taylor next offseason. FF Snoog also advised fantasy football players in dynasty leagues to draft rookie D.J. Giddens, whom Indianapolis drafted in the fifth round.
The Colts save 13 million from cutting Jonathan Taylor in 2026.
He’s missed 18 games since his elite 2021 campaign.
I expect the Colts to be run heavy yet again and you can get the primary handcuff in the 3rd/4th round of rookie drafts.
Draft DJ Giddens. pic.twitter.com/qgTPn7LKTf
— Snoog's Fantasy HQ (@FFSnoog) June 3, 2025
Indeed, taking another Colts RB as a “handcuff” option can be an effective strategy. Zack Moss finished as the team’s rushing leader (794 yards and five touchdowns) in 2023, with injuries limiting Taylor to 10 games.
After rushing for 1,169 yards and 11 touchdowns as a rookie in 2020, Jonathan Taylor took his game to another level and finished as the 2021 rushing champion (1,811 yards). His 18 rushing scores, 2,171 yards from scrimmage and 20 total touchdowns also led the NFL.
Taylor was limited to 21 games over the 2022 and 2023 seasons because of injuries. Despite missing three games last season, he finished with 1,431 rushing yards and 11 rushing touchdowns.
With quarterback Anthony Richardson entering a make-or-break year, the Colts need Jonathan Taylor to stay healthy and maintain his role as the focal point of their offense.
Richardson has yet to put it all together as a passer, but his dual-threat style of play makes life a lot easier for Taylor. If the latter can stay healthy and sustain his All-Pro form, it’ll go a long way in helping Richardson take that next step forward.
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