Braden Smith could be next right tackle to get contract extension

[JAFF]

https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.co...act-extension/

Ryan Ramczyk got his, agreeing to a five-year, $96 million contract extension with the Saints on Wednesday that makes him the highest-paid right tackle in the league. Braden Smith is next.

The Colts are working on an extension with Smith, Stephen Holder of TheAthletic.com reports.


That’s not a surprise given owner Jim Irsay said on draft weekend the Colts expected to extend the deals of Darius Leonard and Smith. Leonard and Smith were second-round choices in 2018.

Smith is entering the final year of his rookie deal, due to make $2.43 million.

Smith said during the offseason program that he was leaving negotiations to his agent, focusing only on football.

The Colts drafted Smith as a guard, which he played at Auburn, but he transitioned to right tackle as a rookie. He has started 46 games, including the postseason.

[Butter]

I hope he makes just a lot less than that, he won't but damn. Colts have been really good at structuring contracts so that helps.

[Ironshaft]

On Ramczyk's side of the ledger:

- He has played 4 years in the league to Braden's 3 years.

- He has been graded higher by PFF every single season. In fact, his lowest graded season (rookie 2017 at 80.5) is higher than Braden's highest graded season (2020, 80.1).

On Braden's side of the ledger:

- Jim Irsay LOVES to put into print that a player on his team is the HIGHEST PAID AT THEIR POSITION IN THE NFL!

Yeah, Smith might get $20m a year.

[Oldcolt]

This is why we haven't been spending like nuts in free agency. The man deserves to get paid and he will. I'm happy that he is going to break the bank. Great players do that and Smith is a great RT. Those of us who watched as we spent years looking for one will remember it isn't so easy to find a good RT. Now its time for these high paid jokers to start winning something!!!

[JAFF]

Originally Posted by Oldcolt

This is why we haven't been spending like nuts in free agency. The man deserves to get paid and he will. I'm happy that he is going to break the bank. Great players do that and Smith is a great RT. Those of us who watched as we spent years looking for one will remember it isn't so easy to find a good RT. Now its time for these high paid jokers to start winning something!!!

Well said

[YDFL Commish]

To me $20 million is a little steep. I was thinking along the lines of $18.0 to 18.5 million. Definitely would like to lock him up for another 5 years though.