While NFL training camp is in full swing, contracts are still a major topic of discussion as several players are looking for their big pay day prior to the 2015 season officially beginning. As quarterbacks got their pay days during the offseason, wide receivers have been waiting their turn at getting the big check. Dez Bryant and Demaryius Thomas got the ball rolling with their five-year contracts and now players like TY Hilton, Julio Jones and AJ Green are next in line. Who will be the next big name to ink a deal?
At the start of the offseason, the Colts were prepared to let Hilton play out the final year of his contract. The team drafted Phillip Dorsett to be a potential star for the offense which could hurt Hilton's value with the team. However, that idea is proving to not be the case as NFL Media's Rand Getlin is reporting Indianapolis and Hilton are working quickly to get a contract extension in place in the coming weeks. Getlin reports the Colts are very optimistic a deal will get done for the receiver.
The Colts have several players needing a new contract in the coming year including Coby Fleener and Dwayne Allen, but the most important name could be Andrew Luck. After the Seattle Seahawks and Russell Wilson came into agreement on a new contract, Luck is the last big name remaining. However, the Indianapolis Star is reporting the quarterback will not be signing a deal this offseason and instead will earn a contract next summer.
The Colts could get a deal done for Hilton quickly which puts pressure on the Atlanta Falcons to pay Julio Jones. According to NFL.com's Ian Rapoport, the negotiations with Jones are "progressing nicely" but it is unclear when or if a deal will get done before the season. Jones reported to camp on time showing no concerns about a lack of a contract. The receiver told the media that he certainly would like a new deal in place before the first game, but is not concerning himself with negotiations.
"Seriously, I don't know where it's at," Jones said, via ESPN.com. "I don't know when it's going to be done. I don't know if there's a deadline or none of that. I don't know what's going on. I'm just here, just playing ball."
Green is the last receiver that could earn a deal this offseason. Reports of negotiations with the Cincinnati Bengals have been quiet. If Jones and Hilton ink deals in the coming weeks, he is expected to follow.
