Indianapolis Colts fans are still waiting on those contract extensions for the star-studded 2018 NFL Draft class.
Darius Leonard leads the charge, too, because unlike Quenton Nelson, he’s a free agent after the 2021 season. The Colts had the luxury of buying time with Nelson by picking up his fifth-year option.
Leonard didn’t have one, though, because he was selected in the second round. Same goes for right tackle Braden Smith.
Earlier in the offseason, general manager Chris Ballard told us that the team wasn’t spending carelessly in free agency due to the need to get the aforementioned guys extended. So what’s the deal? Did Leonard just give us a hint in regards to what’s going on with this cryptic tweet?
I’m just trying to get what I deserve 🤷🏾♂️! #maniac pic.twitter.com/V3nvxQ2VBj
— Darius Shaquille Leonard (@dsleon45) May 17, 2021
Colts LB Darius Leonard’s Twitter activity hinting at contract negotiations?
The man is just trying to get what he deserves! And what he deserves is certainly not $3.443 million for the 2021 season! The 26-year-old is one of the most impactful linebackers in the game when it comes to making tackles, forcing turnovers, and motivating his teammates.
That’s why Spotrac is projecting a four-year, $76 million contract for the former South Carolina State star. That would make him among the highest-paid linebackers in the game, and deservedly so.
And what a coincidence. A day after he tweeted this, Leonard spoke to the media about his contract situation on Tuesday.
Asked Colts LB Darius Leonard today about a potential contract extension — something the team wants done this summer. "You know what you've done, and you know what you deserve," he said. "Hopefully, they see as much value as I see."
— Zak Keefer (@zkeefer) May 18, 2021
Bet on this getting done relatively soon.
Colts owner Jim Irsay is no cheapskate. He’ll throw the bag at his players if he thinks they deserve it. And we know how he feels about Leonard. He’s spoken highly of the Maniac, who is a two-time All-Pro and tackles leader in his first three NFL seasons.
Ballard hit a home run with the 2018 draft class and now it’s time to pay up. Though it won’t be cheap, the Colts have an inside track to ensure these guys remain the future of the organization since negotiations can begin … whenever.
And it starts with giving Leonard what he deserves. Before training camp begins.
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