T.Y. Hilton
Wide receiver T.Y. Hilton received the big payday he wanted. The Pro Bowler agreed to terms with the Colts on Thursday to a five-year, $65 million contract extension with $39 million guaranteed.
“It takes two, you know,” Hilton said following the Colts’ morning workout. “They showed interest in me and I wanted to be here. There’s no place I’d rather be.”
According to Hilton’s agent Drew Rosenhaus, the deal makes Hilton the fourth-highest-paid receiver in the league. Only Calvin Johnson, Dez Bryant and Demaryius Thomas have more lucrative deals.
The Colts have positioned themselves to maintain a high-powered offense for years to come. With Hilton and quarterback Andrew Luck, both just 25, the team has a pair of young stars. Receiver Andre Johnson was signed this offseason to a contract that runs through 2017.
“We’re extremely happy as an organization to ensure that T.Y. will continue to be a part of our journey for many years to come,” Colts general manager Ryan Grigson said in a statement. “His daily excellence on and off the field is a shining example of an individual striving for greatness and what it truly means to be a Colt.”
Hilton was scheduled to become a free agent after the 2015 season with the end of his rookie contract. Had a deal not been reached, Hilton would have made only $1.5 million this season, according to Rosenhaus.
“What made sense for us was $39 million guaranteed and not $1.5 million,” Rosenhaus said. “He might get more in free agency, but he might get a lot less, too. Guys get hurt in this league and I’ve had that happen before.”
In his first three seasons, Hilton has 214 receptions for 3,289 yards and 19 scores. Last year, he became the third Colts player to top 1,300 receiving yards in a season, joining Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne. Hilton seems poised to become the next great Colts receiver, following in the footsteps of those two.
“My wife started crying with all the stuff we’ve gone through this weekend. It’s been a very emotional weekend,” Hilton said without elaborating on what happened in his personal life. “It means a lot.”
