The Indianapolis Colts have protected their investment in Andrew Luck for the foreseeable future, agreeing to terms with left tackle Anthony Castonzo on a four-year extension. The team announced the deal on Thursday.
Colts LT Anthony Castonzo agrees to 4-year extension to remain Andrew Luck’s protector
Anthony Castonzo has been a reliable pass protector in front of Andrew Luck for three seasons, and he was rewarded for his efforts.
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Castonzo will become one of the highest paid offensive linemen in football, according to NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport. The deal is worth a total of $42 million, $35 million of which will be paid within the first three seasons of the new contract.
Castonzo was drafted No. 22 overall in the 2011 NFL Draft, one season before Luck entered the NFL. He has started since that season and has yet to miss a game. He graded out as the 12th-best offensive tackle in football last season, according to Pro Football Focus. The Colts gave up 29 sacks in 2014, the eight-fewest in the league.
At $10.5 million per season, Castonzo ties the Broncos' Ryan Clady as the fourth-highest salaried offensive tackle in the NFL. Given the importance of Luck on the franchise's success, it's little surprise that the Colts are willing to open their pocketbook.
Luck himself could be given a new contract soon. His rookie deal expires after the 2015 season, and after a parade of ever-increasing quarterback contracts, he could be made the highest paid player ever.
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