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Colts Waiting on Andrew Luck’s Contract Talks

By Luke Schultheis

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Earlier, it was reported that the Indianapolis Colts were already working on a mega long-term contract extension with their star young quarterback in Andrew Luck. However, per recent comments by owner Jim Irsay, that’s no longer the case (via ESPN’s Mike Wells):

"“Andrew still has two years left, and whatever our talks are between Andrew and his people will remain confidential,” Irsay said. “… I really think most likely the scenario is going into the offseason next year is when that second contract will come up. That’s the vision I have right now.”"

For a team looking to make a Super Bowl push for the here and now, it makes a whole lot of sense. Luck’s 2016 team option that the Colts will assuredly pick up is for $16.155M. A number that is far less than the $25 million that Luck is annually projected to command on his next lucrative contract:

Jan 4, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay attends the 2014 AFC Wild Card playoff football game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Such a contract will presumably make Luck the highest paid player in NFL history, and rightfully so, given the premium that is now placed on the quarterback position. At age 25, Luck is already one of the best quarterbacks in the game, as he led the league in touchdowns last season with 40 scores and carried his team to the AFC Championship Game.

Given the team’s emphasis on signing proven high-profile veterans as free agents this offseason, and it’s easy to see how the Colts contract stance on Luck’s contract extension perfectly aligns with their recent offseason moves. The additions of players like Andre Johnson, Frank Gore, and Trent Cole should help upgrade the team for a Super Bowl run now and were ultimately helped made possible by the bargain that is Luck’s current rookie contract.

However, such veteran signings also gives the team the salary cap flexibility to extend Luck in the near future to a mega-contract extension. None of those contracts are for more than 2-years deal given the lack of guaranteed money involved in their later years. It looks like the Colts are looking to go all-in right now for one last Super Bowl push before Luck’s mega-contract becomes due, and they are forced to make significant adjustments.

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