Andrew Luck Contract: Colts to Reportedly Sign 1st Pick for 4 Years, $22 Million

When Andrew Luck is drafted by the Indianapolis Colts at No. 1 overall in the 2012 NFL draft, he will reportedly sign a four-year, $22 million deal, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.

Schefter tweeted on Thursday:

"

When No. 1 overall picks Andrew Luck signs with Indianapolis, it is expected to be a four-year deal worth just over $22 million.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 26, 2012"

This continues a shift in the NFL, where rookies are no longer getting huge contracts. Cam Newton of the Carolina Panthers got the same deal last year when he was selected No. 1 overall.

Luck has the potential to be a huge bargain in the first four years for the Colts. He's been compared to Peyton Manning coming out of Tennessee and has an understanding of the game well beyond his years. He has all the tools you want in a quarterback: arm strength, accuracy, pocket poise, leadership and even the ability to run for a first down when things break down in the pocket.

It's hard to find a draft expert in the country who doesn't think Luck will be a star at the next level. Given the Colts aren't exactly surrounding him with elite talent, there is a chance he won't be positioned to succeed, but his ability to read defenses and make everyone around him better could still see him put up big numbers right from the start.

The Colts previously said they were choosing between Luck and Baylor's Robert Griffin III, but it was pretty obvious they wouldn't pass up Luck. While Griffin very well could become a superstar in the NFL, Luck is seen as virtually a sure thing. There's really nothing not to like about his game.

The Colts should be ecstatic they "only" have to sign this kid to a $22 million contract. He could be one of the biggest bargains in years.

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