We’ve already seen Houston Texans quarterback Brock Osweiler get a huge contract for doing nothing. Then we saw Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Fletcher Cox get paid for doing a little. Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick has had no such luck with the New York Jets after his big season.
Denver Broncos edge-rusher Von Miller and New York Jets defensive Muhammad Wilkerson may not play this season because they haven’t gotten what they deserve up to now. But the time had to come when a player that deserves one of these huge contracts actually gets one.
And as Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay promised back in February, franchise quarterback Andrew Luck got his. On Wednesday, Luck signed a new six-year contract for $140 million with $47 million of it guaranteed, making him the highest-paid player in NFL history.
Luck’s $23.3 million per season was a smart investment for one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. The Colts simply let the man know what they think of him and didn’t play any games. So when all H-E-double-hockey sticks breaks loose next offseason, the Colts don’t have to worry.
Colt’s owner Jim Irsay told reporters that “we didn’t go there” when considering Luck’s poor 2015 campaign. They put more emphasis on the first three extraordinary seasons of Luck’s career far more than last season, as they should have.
A franchise quarterback is hard to find and are the most valuable commodity in team sports. Luck was sixth in the NFL in passing yards from 2012-2014. And Irsay knows how lucky he is to have replaced Peyton Manning with another potential top-shelf quarterback to keep his team on top.
Luck told the media Wednesday, “I am thrilled and excited to continue with this great organization. I am thankful to the Irsay family and Mr. Irsay for providing me with this great opportunity and the trust that they’ve shown in me. I can’t wait for this season to start.”