The Indianapolis Colts are gearing up for a big 2022 campaign, but there’s other business going on before they get to the regular season. One, of course, is to stay healthy in the preseason and shore up the depth roster, but the Colts are also looking to extend one of their most important players.
According to ESPN, the Colts are working to find a way to sign All-Pro offensive guard Quenton Nelson for an extension — hopefully this month. Nelson has so far remained silent on his impending extension, saying on Thursday he would not answer any questions on the subject, by The Athletic.
The No. 6 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft at Notre Dame was named an All-Pro in each of his four NFL seasons and also won the Pro Bowl in each campaign. The Colts exercised Nelson’s fifth-year option last offseason, which will net him a fully guaranteed $13.75 million in 2022, per Spotrac.
According to Spotrac’s market value tool, Nelson is expected to sign a five-year, $86.24 million extension that carries an AAV of $17.24 million. This hypothetical AAV would make him the highest paid offensive guard in the NFL.
During his four seasons, Nelson established himself as one of the best players in the NFL. If he were to hit the open market, clubs would be sure to try to acquire his services. Nelson is CBS Sports’ 3rd best free agent in 2023. For the full list, click here.
