The Indianapolis Colts lost to the Patriots in the playoffs on Sunday, but the team already has eyes on the future, as Jim Irsay is working on a long term deal with quarterback Andrew Luck that potentially could make him the highest paid player in the league and this comes as Trent Richardson was out for the last two games, fueling speculation that he could be gone in 2015.
The Colts have made progress in each of the past three seasons and they now head into 2015 after losing to the Patriots in the AFC championship game. Luck has been developing into one of the best young quarterbacks in the league and he has led the Colts to three straight playoff appearances. The reports says the deal could be worth $25 million per season and could make Luck the highest paid player in the NFL. Luck came into the league as a can't-miss prospect out of Stanford and he has delivered on that promise, taking the Colts to the championship game for the first time since being drafted.
Luck had his best season as a pro this year, throwing for a career high 4761 yards and 40 touchdowns with 16 interceptions and he has yet to miss a start for Indy. Luck set a career high with a 61 percent completion percentage and he led the number one passing offense in the league. The Colts advanced in the playoffs after wins against the Bengals and Broncos and they entered the postseason after going undefeated while winning the AFC South.
Luck may have some new faces on offense in 2015, as Hakeem Nicks is coming off of a one year deal and running back Trent Richardson finished the season on the sidelines for the final two games. Richardson was inactive for the Denver Broncos game in the divisional playoffs and then missed the AFC Championship game against the Patriots for a "serious family emergency". Richardson has not had a great run since coming to the Colts in a trade from the Browns, losing his starting job and missing the playoff games.
Richardson was acquired for a first round pick with the Browns and he has not been productive since coming to Indianapolis, butting up less than 1000 yards in 29 games. Richardson will make $3,184,062 in 2015 and he could be an option to get traded or he could be a salary cap casualty for 2015. Richardson rushed for 519 yards this season and three touchdowns while playing in 15 games and that came after he rushed for 563 yards last season. Richardson had a strong rookie season with the Browns, rushing for 950 yards and 11 touchdowns and making 51 receptions, all career highs.
Dan Herron did a good job for the Colts down the stretch and if the team gives Richardson another chance, he he may come in behind Herron on the depth chart. The Colts finished the season while winning five of their final six games and they upset the Broncos on the road in the divisional playoffs. Luck led the team to a 6-0 record in the AFC South and the team finished the season 11-5 to make the playoffs for the third straight year. TY Hilton had a strong season and he will return as the top target for Luck after he put up 1345 yards and 82 receptions.
