Yesterday saw sizable contract extensions handed out to Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant (five years, $70 million, $45 million guaranteed) and Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (five years, $70 million, $43.5 million guaranteed). Taking note of those deals were fellow No. 1 wide receivers Julio Jones and A.J. Green, both of whom are also eligible for extensions in the coming year.
Also paying attention was Indianapolis Colts WR T.Y. Hilton.
All this BREAKING NEWS. Does this mean the bar is set?? #THEGHOST
— TY Hilton (@TYHilton13) July 15, 2015
Hilton is coming off a career year in which he caught 82 passes for 1,345 yards and seven touchdowns on a scorching 16.4 yards per reception. There was no debate about who quarterback Andrew Luck's go-to target was in 2014. However, Hilton is entering the final year of his rookie contract and as a former third-round pick, he hasn't made top tier money during his brief NFL career. Now, he'll want to.
Hilton isn't on the same exact level of Bryant and Thomas. He's a dynamic talent to be sure, but his slight frame (5-foot-9, 178 pounds) keeps him from dominating physically like the others do.
Given the big deals doled out over the last 24 hours, the chances of Luck retaining his top target appear to be slim. It's doubtful the Colts will want to invest around $70 million in Hilton, especially after drafting the similar Philip Dorsett in the first-round this year.
"To me, the idea of Hilton walking away when his contract expires in March is not hard to fathom," Stephen Holder of Indy Star wrote. "And now that it's been made clear the money is there for elite receivers, there will be real temptation to look elsewhere if talks with the Colts are not fruitful. It's very likely Hilton will hit the market in March unless the Colts knock his socks off with a staggering offer.
"...In my view, you should not anticipate him taking a hometown discount to remain with the Colts. Most players don't do this anyway, but it's worth discussing here because the Colts have so many financial commitments to make in the near term that it's doubtful everyone will receive every penny they seek. Everything I've seen and heard tells me Hilton taking less money to stay here is unlikely."
