Colts linebacker Darius Leonard was named NFL Rookie of the Year in 2018, and his career has only taken off from there. Leonard has signed a five-year, $99.25 million extension with the Indianapolis Colts, including $52.5 million in guaranteed money as part of his lucrative new deal, according to NFL Media's Ian Rapoport. He will earn $20 million per year over the first three years. CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora confirmed the deal.
The South Carolina State product finished the 2020 season with 132 total tackles (eighth most in the NFL), three sacks, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and seven pass deflections. Leonard, 26, has recorded at least 120 total tackles in each of his three seasons. He has missed an average of two games per campaign while being selected to two Pro Bowls and picking up three All-Pro honors in as many seasons.
Rapoport noted that the deal came together as former Colts running back Edgerrin James was taking the stage for his Pro Football Hall of Fame induction in Canton, Ohio. On the same night, as NFL Media's Steve Wyche notes, Donnie Shell became the fourth South Carolina State alum to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Leonard's new deal tops the one recently signed by Fred Warner of the 49ers in average annual salary, total value and total guaranteed money. As such, Leonard becomes the league's highest-paid inside linebacker and the second-highest paid player on his own roster. His deal is higher in total value but lower in average annual value than the one signed by defensive tackle DeForest Buckner last offseason. Quarterback Carson Wentz's deal, previously signed with the Eagles, is higher in total value, average annual salary and total guarantees.
Indianapolis strategically chose not to go on a free agent spending spree because it knew of the impending investment to its own players. The team has already signed right tackle Braden Smith to a four-year contract extension this offseason, and offensive guard Quenton Nelson could be next now that Leonard's deal is wrapped up.
Owner Jim Irsay made it clear that the team planned to re-sign Smith and Leonard, and he made good on that promise with Sunday's news.
The Colts have the second-best odds, behind the Titans, to win the AFC South, according to Caesars Sportsbook. Their season opens Sep. 12 at home against the Seahawks. The team could be without Wentz and Nelson early in the season due to foot injuries.
