Robert Mathis, Colts Agree to Contract: Latest Details, Comments and Reaction

Indianapolis Colts pass-rusher Robert Mathis is out for the 2014 NFL season, but the team made arrangements Tuesday to ensure that the star linebacker will remain in the fold through 2016.

According to the Colts' official Twitter account, Mathis' contract has been extended for an extra year through the 2016 campaign:

Mathis will be paid $6 million during the added year, per Albert Breer of NFL Network:

Mathis won't play in 2014 after tearing his Achilles' tendon. He was suspended for the season's first four games for violating the NFL's policy against performance-enhancing drugs, and he suffered the injury while working out on his own.

Even though Mathis is on the shelf, he was allowed to rejoin the team after Week 4. Per Kevin Bowen of Colts.com, head coach Chuck Pagano is thrilled to have him back around the team.

"It was awesome, awesome to have him back," Pagano said. "It's great to have Rob back in the building. Again, his presence alone brings a ton of energy and excitement and enthusiasm to everybody."     

Mathis is currently 33 years of age, which means he will be 35 at the end of 2016. Achilles injuries can be extremely difficult to come back from, though, which is why the move is somewhat puzzling to Stephen Holder of The Indianapolis Star:

The Alabama A&M product has 111 career sacks and is coming off a personal best of 19.5 in 2013. He is still among the best pass-rushers in the game when he plays, but he has a long road to recovery ahead of him.

Some might argue that the Colts are smart for extending Mathis while his value is down, but it could backfire if he never regains his All-Pro form.

The organization is obviously comfortable with the decision, though, and it will be interesting to see if the gamble pays off.

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