According to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com, the Indianapolis Colts are hopeful that the team will be able to reach long-term contract extensions with two of its best players in offensive tackle Anthony Castonzo and wide receiver T.Y. Hilton:
"“There is optimism that they could finish both extensions before training camp ends,” Rapoport said. “Once camp ends, then business starts and it’s no more time to talk contracts.”“This organization loves and wants to reward (Hilton),” added Rapoport. “He’s a high-character guy and they want nothing more than to give him the kind of contract extension that he deserves.”"
Both players are expected to be among the highest paid players at their positions, and rightfully so, as they happen to be among the best respectively.
There’s been speculation that Hilton could earn as much as $14 million annually on his next contract, which would place him right there with Dez Bryant and Demaryius Thomas recently inked new mega-deals.
Not much is known regarding Castonzo’s specific contract demands, but he should be rewarded quite handsomely and is set to become one of the highest paid left tackles in football.
In Hilton’s case, his agent Drew Rosenhaus was at Colts training camp today, as both the Colts and him look to make headway on a long-term contract that would ensure Hilton remains a member of the team for the foreseeable future:
.@RosenhausSports talking to reporters about the potential TY Hilton extension. “He wants to be here for his career.” pic.twitter.com/eGT3u1zRNW
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 4, 2015
It’s also worth noting that Colts owner Jim Irsay was recently optimistic when speaking of getting new deals with Castonzo and Hilton done before the season starts:
"“We have a little time with trying to work on a few extensions,” Irsay said. “There’s no reason Anthony Castonzo and T.Y. Hilton can’t get done. Look for us to keep core players and our top players. I don’t think it’ll be a distraction. I can’t see why we can’t get something done before Labor Day with T.Y. and Anthony.”"
As such, it appears likely that long-term contracts with both Castonzo and Hilton will be reached relatively soon, as general manager Ryan Grigson looks to hammer out new deals with each player’s representation.
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