While quarterback Andrew Luck's eventual long-term contract extension is and will remain the most important order of business for the Indianapolis Colts, it seems GM Ryan Grigson is intent on tying up a couple of other major loose ends for soon-to-be free agents. A recent report from Ian Rapoport of NFL.com indicates that Grigson and the Colts are "optimistic" of getting deals done with wide receiver T.Y. Hilton and tackle Anthony Castonzo prior to the start of the 2015 NFL regular season.
"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."
While speculation over Hilton's future with the franchise has swirled since the team drafted Hilton-lite, Phillip Dorsett, in the first-round of the 2015 NFL Draft, it seems, per Rapoport, that Hilton, already Luck's favorite target, is a priority for the team.
"This organization loves and wants to reward (Hilton)," said Rapoport. "He's a high-character guy and they want nothing more than to give him the kind of contract extension that he deserves."
Hilton is currently scheduled to make $1.542 million in 2015, the final year of his rookie deal. There was talk that the recent extensions handed to Dez Bryant and Demaryius Thomas could be a new mark for receiver deals and that Hilton was likely looking for a deal somewhere in that vicinity - Bryant got five-years, $70 million with $45 million guaranteed. Hilton even went so far as to tweet a similar thought after the deals were reported. It was also suggested that personnel men around the league were starting to sniff around Hilton due to their belief that Hilton's asking price combined with Luck's eventual mammoth deal could price the talented pass-catcher out of Indianapolis.
Assuming Rapoport's report is accurate and combined with Hilton's agent Drew Rosenhaus' assertion Tuesday that Hilton wants to remain with the franchise "for his career," there now seems little for Colts fans to worry about where Hilton is concerned.
As for Castonzo, the former 22nd pick in the 2011 NFL Draft will make $7.438 million this season. He's become Luck's blindside protector and the team, per Rapoport, would like to ensure that he remains in place for "years to come" as well.
Castonzo has blossomed into a very capable tackle that, if not yet elite, seems like he still has ample room for growth and development.
