Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck has signed a record contract that keeps him with the franchise through 2021, the team announced Wednesday afternoon.
Team owner Jim Irsay revealed the new pact is worth $140 million over six years. The $23.3 million average annual salary is the highest in NFL history.
According to multiple reports, Luck will receive $87 million in guaranteed money.
“I am thrilled and excited to continue with this great organization,” said Luck in a statement. “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.”
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco and the Green Bay Packers' Aaron Rodgers are currently the only other NFL quarterbacks averaging more than $22 million per year.
Luck, the No. 1 pick in the 2012 draft, was scheduled to play the 2016 season under the final, fifth-year option on his rookie deal that came with a salary of $16.55 million.
“This is an exciting day for the organization and Colts fans around the globe,” said Irsay. “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.”
Luck missed nine games because of injury in 2015, a season that was easily the worst of his career, as he threw 15 touchdowns and 12 interceptions in his seven starts.
But the Colts surely believe that down year was an aberration, and that when healthy, and when given better help around him, Luck will continue his ascension into the upper echelon of NFL players. Luck led the Colts to the playoffs in each of his first three seasons, including a trip to the AFC Championship Game in 2014, where the Colts lost to the New England Patriots.
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Follow Lindsay H. Jones on Twitter @bylindsayhjones
