Contract Talks 'Stagnant' Between Colts and Franchise Pillar

When you think of prominent Indianapolis Colts players entering the final year of their contracts, taking care of franchise cornerstone Quenton Nelson seems like a no-brainer.

However, this summer, the Colts have knocked out new deals for running back Jonathan Taylor and punter Rigoberto Sanchez, which were logical moves, but nothing yet for Nelson, who has made the Pro Bowl all eight years of his Hall-of-Fame-bound career.

According to ESPN senior national NFL writer Jeremy Fowler, talks between the Colts and Nelson on a new deal aren't at their most active right now.

"Talks are stagnant at the moment. Nelson preferred to sign a deal before training camp, which came and went. Though discussions haven't intensified, the Colts could pursue a deal before Week 1 kicks off Sept. 13," Fowler wrote.

"Nelson will likely need to be the highest-paid interior offensive lineman, which means topping Las Vegas Raiders center Tyler Linderbaum's three-year, $81 million deal ($27 million per year)," Fowler continued. "The highest-paid guard is the Tennessee Titans' Peter Skoronski at $25 million annually."

The Colts took care of Nelson last time he was in this situation, inking him to a four-year, $80 million extension on Sept. 10, 2022. As Fowler mentioned, Nelson would also certainly reset the market once again with any new deal he signs.

"It's really out of my control," Nelson said of his contract situation this offseason. "You know, that's with the people in this building and my agent, and worrying about it or thinking about it isn't going to help me accomplish any of my goals. So, I leave that to them, and I'm just here. I'm all ball."

Nelson, now 30, is still playing as well as ever. He is coming off a season in which he was named a Second-Team All-Pro (he's made six All-Pro teams), allowing just one sack — the fifth time in his career he's allowed one or fewer — and tying career bests in pressures allowed (15) and pass-block efficiency (98.7), according to Pro Football Focus. He also had his fewest penalties in a season (2).

Nelson played over 1,000 snaps for the fourth consecutive year and hasn't missed a game since 2021, which was the only season he's ever missed a start.

Led by Nelson and the line, the Colts' offense finished second in the league in rushing touchdowns (27) and tied for 10th in yards per carry (4.5).

Nelson made the NFL Top 100 Players list this year, coming in at No. 99. He was No. 54 on ESPN's NFL Top 100 list and No. 50 on the Locked On NFL Top 100 list. Nelson was also ranked the No. 2 interior offensive lineman in ESPN's poll of league coaches, executives, and scouts.