Former agent weighs in on Quenton Nelson's contract situation with Colts

[ASFN Admin]

Indianapolis Colts' left guard Quenton Nelson is entering the final year of his deal, and as CBS Sports' Joel Corry detailed, a big payday awaits.

Corry, a former NFL agent, believes that Nelson could become the NFL's highest-paid interior offensive lineman, a mark currently held by center Tyler Linderbaum, who signed a free agent deal with the Raiders that averages $27 million per year.

"It wouldn't be surprising for Nelson, who is 30, to insist on becoming the league's highest-paid interior offensive lineman again considering he isn't showing any signs of slowing down," Corry wrote. "Offensive guards can continue to play at an extremely high level into their mid-30s."

Corry adds that typically, it is the guards -- not centers -- who set the interior offensive line market. But currently, the highest-paid guard is Dallas' Tyler Smith at $24 million per year.

In contract negotiations, however, Linderbaum's deal may be what's brought up instead.

Nelson's current deal, which he signed in 2022, was for four years and $80 million, averaging out to $20 million per year.

Among all guards this season, Nelson ranked fourth in Pro Football Focus' pass-blocking efficiency and fourth in run-blocking grade. He is an eight-time Pro Bowler and has made six All-Pro teams in his career.

Getting a new deal done with Nelson sooner rather than later would be the prudent move for the Colts.

This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: A big payday awaits Colts OL Quenton Nelson, says former agent

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