While the Indianapolis Colts haven't made a flashy free agency or trade addition on the offensive side of the ball, their commitment to the offensive side of the ball is evident with just one look at their salary books.
The Colts have the fourth most expensive offense in all of the NFL heading into the 2024 season, only training the Los Angeles Rams, Kansas City Chiefs, and the Dallas Cowboys.
Highest-paid Colts offensive players in 2024
- Quenton Nelson, LG: $25.2 Million
- Michael Pittman Jr., WR: $18 Million
- Braden Smith, RT: $ 16.6 Million
- Ryan Kelly, C: $14.6 Million
- Jonathan Taylor, RB: $10.6 Million
The Colts have handed out two lucrative contracts on the offensive side of the ball over the last year, with stars Michael Pittman Jr. and Jonathan Taylor both inking new three-year contracts. Those contracts, paired with the Colts having one of the highest-paid offensive lines in the league it, starts to add up for them to have one of the highest-paid offenses in the league.
Something impressive to take into consideration for this, as well, is the fact that the Colts are the only team to appear in the top five with their quarterback still on his rookie contract. So, while it may not appear like it, the Colts have the most expensive offense in the entire NFL among teams, with their starting QB still on their rookie deal. Thats good for Anthony Richardson if you ask me.
Upcoming key offensive contracts for the Colts
- Ryan Kelly, C (One year left on current deal)
- Will Fries, RG (One year left on current deal)
- Braden Smith, RT (Two years left on current deal)
- Bernhard Raimann, LT (Two years left on current deal)
While the Colts already have a lot of money tied up in the offensive side of the ball, they could have even more in the near future. Four of the team's five starting offensive linemen's contracts are set to expire in the next two years. The team will likely have to choose to extend one of Ryan Kelly or Will Fries this upcoming offseason and then have some big decisions to make ahead of the 2026 season with both their starting tackles due to new contracts. Luckily for them, all of these deals expire while starting QB Richardson is on his rookie deal, which allows the team to get aggressive and use the money elsewhere for the time being.
