Indianapolis quarterback Andrew Luck has signed a contract extension with his team which could make him the highest paid American football player.
Reports from NFL Media Insider Ian Rapport states that the deal extends Luck’s contract through to 2021, and is worth $140 million.
Rapport said Luck’s six-year contract will surpass Luck’s new salary will surpass current average salary of Baltimore Raven’s Joe Flacco, whose average salary is approximately $22.1 million.
Rapport’s report added that the contract extension pays him $75m over the first three years of the deal, and slightly less over the final three.
Colts owner Jim Irsay was hopeful that the constractual agreement would be completed before Independence Day, with three weeks left before the Colts report to training camp on 26 July.
“This is an exciting day for the organization and Colts fans around the globe,” Irsay 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.”
Luck was the No1 overall pick in 2012, having enjoyed a successful start to his career in Indianapolis.
He consistently led his team, carrying them to the NFL playoffs in each of his first three seasons, as well as winning the AFC championship game in 2014 and back-to-back AFC South titles.
However, his form dipped last year, and his season ended early after suffering a kidney injury against the Denver Broncos. He also missed two early starts with a shoulder injury, and completed just 55.3% of his pass attempts while committing 13 turnovers in 2015.
His current 74.9 quarterback rating put him in the bottom of regular starters in the NFL.
But he is keen to get back on top of things.
“I am thrilled and excited to continue with this great organization,” Luck said 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.”