The Indianapolis Colts made quarterback Andrew Luck the richest player in NFL history on Wednesday, agreeing to a six-year, $140 million deal with the former No. 1 overall pick.
Despite a 2015 season in which Luck missed nine games and threw 12 interceptions in just seven stars, the Colts wisely decided to secure the future of the franchise before Luck entered the final year of his rookie contract.
Through four seasons, Luck has thrown for 14,383 yards and 101 touchdowns, while leading the Colts to 35 wins in 55 starts, three playoff trips and two AFC South titles.
Indianapolis will now be Luck’s home through the 2021 season.
“This is an exciting day for the organization and Colts fans around the globe,” Colts owner Jim Orsay said. “Andrew is the consummate professional, possesses extraordinary talent and is our leader on and off the field. When you consider what this team has accomplished in four seasons with Andrew under center, you cannot help but be thrilled about the future.”
Here are some the most important details of Luck’s historic, game-changing deal, via Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk:
– The six-year deal contains a record $87 million in guaranteed money, including a $32 million signing bonus. Of the $87 million, $44 million is guaranteed at signing ($32 million signing bonus plus 2016 base salary of $12 million). The previous most for guarantees was $65 million.
– Luck will earn a record $75 million through the first three years of the deal: $44 million in 2016, $13 million in 2017 and $18 million in 2018.
– His deal averages $23.2 million per season, a new NFL record.
– Of the $140 million, $45 million of the deal can be earned through various roster bonuses.
– $16 million of the deal becomes fully guaranteed on the fifth day of the 2017 league year (2017 base salary of $7 million and $9 million in roster bonuses).
– Luck’s base salary of $12 million for 2018 becomes fully guaranteed on the fifth day of the 2018 league year.
“I am thrilled and excited to continue with this great organization,” Luck said. “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.”