Colts Hand T.Y. Hilton $65 Million Extension

The Indianapolis Colts had previously tried to act like they didn’t value number one wide receiver T.Y. Hilton. They brought in aging veteran Andre Johnson and drafted rookie Phillip Dorsett in the first round of this year’s draft. More than a team just trying to stock up offensive talent, they seemed to be a franchise preparing for the eventual departure of one of their key playmakers.

That just wasn’t the case. Per reports, the Colts and T.Y. Hilton have agreed to terms on a massive five-year, $65 million contract extension.

The deal comes with roughly $39 million in guaranteed cash, while registers at about $10.8 million annually. Indy did a solid job paying Hilton the type of money a number one target deserves, but stopped short of paying him the type of money Dez Bryant and Demaryius Thomas hauled in this summer.

To the Future

The Colts’ commitment to Hilton tell us two things. For one, they know a good thing when they see it. Hilton may not be the prototypical #1 wide receiver, but he’s a great fit for what the Colts do offensively and if nothing else has been extremely productive. Paying Hilton the money he deserves shows Indy isn’t afraid to spend on the pieces of their team that work and that have earned their rightful paycheck. Just as important, Indianapolis clearly wants to make sure franchise quarterback Andrew Luck has the pieces around him – now and in the future – to be successful. With Hilton now locked up through his age-30 season, the Colts have three young, high upside receiving talents for years down the road.

Eye on the Now

One other big thing Hilton’s contract does is allow him and the team to now focus on the big goal: winning the Super Bowl. Not only is Hilton’s contract no longer a lingering distraction for this season, but now both sides know he’s going to be here for a long time. Hilton, Luck and the rest of the offense can now just work on their chemistry and work towards that one collective goal. With Vegas already liking Indy’s chances (they’re picked to make it to the Super Bowl), finalizing a deal with their top receiving threat can only help their efforts.