Not so long ago, the Indianapolis Colts' inability to protect the quarterback cost them a future Hall of Famer. Andrew Luck had to take a beating week in and week out, and his sudden retirement may have finally been the wake-up call this team needed to focus on the trenches.
That's why, after watching him blossom into one of the most proficient guards in the game, they didn't hesitate to make Quenton Nelson the highest-paid player at the position. He was a sturdy and physical run-blocker from the day he entered the league one year before Luck's retirement.
Nelson hasn't missed a beat. He's made the Pro Bowl every year he's been in the league, and as one of the top-tier interior offensive linemen in the game, it only makes sense that he gets high-end compensation. That's why it's not much of a surprise to read ESPN analyst Bill Barnwell predict that he'll reset the guard market again soon.
The Indianapolis Colts must keep Quenton Nelson in town until he retires
"Entering the final year of his four-year, $80 million extension, Nelson, 30, should be able to reset the guard market for a second time as a pro," wrote Barnwell.
As things stand now, the Dallas Cowboys have the highest-paid guard in the game. They're giving Trey Smith $24 million in annual average value, so Nelson might be looking at at least $25 million. Teams don't usually spend that type of money on interior offensive linemen, with premium cash reserved for offensive tackles. Nelson, however, isn't like the rest of the pack.
The former first-round pick has already exceeded all expectations, which is a lot to say of a guy taken No. 6. His ability to move grown men against his will from point A to point B is otherworldly, and his physicality at the point of attack is second to none.
The Colts have one of the most impactful and underrated running backs in the game in Jonathan Taylor. That said, as shifty as he is, Nelson has been instrumental in creating running gaps for him, climbing to the second level, and moving people out of the way in the open field for his explosive runs.
Nelson has struggled with penalties here and there, but it's hard to think of a more reliable left guard in the game right now. He's topped 1,000 offensive snaps in all but one season, and he's coming off giving up just 15 total pressures last season. Per Pro Football Focus (subscription required), his 84.7 grade was the fourth-highest among 81 eligible guards.
The Colts have spent plenty of money on their offense this offseason, but they're far from done. Nelson has earned the right to be the top earner at the position, and they should want to keep him in town until he walks away from the game.
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