NFL.com analyst names Jonathan Taylor as Colts’ key non-quarterback MVP candidate for 2026
With head coach Shane Steichen looking to open up the playbook, Taylor’s 1,585-yard season positions him as the offensive linchpin ahead of his contract’s final year.
Kevin Patra of NFL.com has identified Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor as the team’s top non-quarterback MVP candidate heading into the 2026 NFL season. The designation stems from Taylor’s established role as an every-down workhorse and his significant production during the previous campaign, where he recorded 1,585 rushing yards.
The analysis positions Taylor’s run game as pivotal for the Colts’ rebound under head coach Shane Steichen. Patra noted that Taylor’s explosive potential allows the coaching staff to open up the playbook, keeping the team out of predictable long down-and-distance situations. This structural advantage is viewed as essential for the success of quarterback Daniel Jones and the passing attack.
Taylor’s statistical output last season ranked him ninth in yards per rush and tied for third in rushes of 10-plus yards. As a Pro Bowl running back, his presence is described as setting the table for the offence, with the analyst suggesting that his impact extends beyond individual statistics to improve the overall performance of his teammates.
However, the assessment also raised concerns regarding durability. Patra questioned whether back-to-back seasons with 300-plus carries might impact Taylor’s availability or force the club to reduce his workload as the season progresses. These questions arise as Taylor enters the final year of his current contract.
The identification of Taylor is part of a broader NFL.com project aimed at identifying the top non-quarterback MVP candidate from every roster. While the quarterback remains the primary focus for most franchises, the Colts’ strategy appears to hinge on maintaining a strong ground game to recover from the significant decline experienced in the previous season.
