Colts re-sign linebacker Darius Leonard to record-breaking extension
2-time All-Pro becomes NFL's highest-paid linebacker with new deal
Darius Leonard always believed he was the best linebacker in football.
The Indianapolis Colts made sure he'll be paid accordingly.
The two-time All-Pro agreed on Sunday to a five-year contract extension worth $99.25 million US that includes $52 million in guaranteed money, according to a person with knowledge of the deal. The person requested anonymity because the team has not released the terms publicly.
Leonard's deal tops the five-year, $95.225 million contract Fred Warner recently signed with San Francisco, making Leonard the NFL's highest-paid linebacker.
"There was no doubt in my mind that it was gonna get done before the season," Leonard said while wearing a Colts cowboy hat. "Yes, I got paid. I got paid for what I did. Now I've got to continue to prove it."
Colts, LB Darius Leonard agree to five-year, $99.25 million contract extension. (via <a href="https://twitter.com/RapSheet?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RapSheet</a>) <a href="https://t.co/AFzYctRGCM">pic.twitter.com/AFzYctRGCM</a>
—@NFLTeam officials made the announcement while Indy's players were still on the practice field and in between Saturday's Hall of Fame induction speech from Edgerrin James and Sunday's scheduled induction speech by Peyton Manning.
Leonard was held out of the first two weeks of camp following ankle surgery in early June, and said he hopes to return to the field next week.
"So happy for this terrific young man," team owner Jim Irsay posted on Twitter.
The deal keeps Leonard off the free-agent market and completes Indy's top two offseason priorities. They signed right tackle Braden Smith to a four-year, $72.4 million deal late last month.
Leonard's extension was expected to be a blockbuster.
He led the NFL in tackles in 2018, earning his first All-Pro honour and the league's Defensive Rookie of the Year Award. He was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2019 and 2020 and made the All-Pro team again last season.
In 42 games, all starts, the former South Carolina State star has 416 tackles, 26 tackles for loss, 15 sacks and nine forced fumbles. He also has seven interceptions, including one he returned for a touchdown. He's the 10th player since 1987 to top the 400-tackle mark in his first three seasons.
In 2020, Leonard started 14 games and had 132 tackles, seven tackles for loss and three sacks. His average of 9.9 tackles per game is the highest since he entered the league. Leonard could play an even bigger role this season as the Colts try to replace middle linebacker Anthony Walker, who signed with Cleveland in free agency.
Before speaking with reporters at camp, Leonard went to Twitter to thank Irsay and the Colts.
"I'm forever thankful and honoured to be a Colt!" he wrote. "Let's go baby."
