Anthony Castonzo, Colts Agree to New Contract: Latest Details and Reaction

The Indianapolis Colts locked in the most vital part of their offensive line Thursday as they came to terms on a new contract with star left tackle Anthony Castonzo.

A news release on the Colts' official website confirmed the contract extension and featured comments from general manager Ryan Grigson:

"

Left tackles like Anthony Castonzo are hard to come by. ... He's a team first guy that works as hard at his craft as anyone I have ever been around regardless of position. His desire to be great literally consumes him and he is a shining example of the sacrifice it truly takes every single day to be at the top of his game come Sunday. From ownership on down we are all extremely happy that AC will be wearing the horseshoe for many years to come.

"

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported the contract is worth $42 million over four years, per NFL.com's Conor Orr.

Castonzo was the No. 22 overall selection in the 2011 NFL draft, and he is coming off of the best season of his career after he started all 16 games and allowed just two sacks. In fact, the Boston College standout has started every game and been quarterback Andrew Luck's primary protector since the start of the 2012 campaign.

Mike Chappell of CBS4 highlighted Castonzo's value to the Colts in that context:     

After truly coming into his own in 2014, Castonzo made it clear he expected to get some type of deal done with the Colts, per Zak Keefer of the Indianapolis Star:

Colts owner Jim Irsay echoed that sentiment and expressed a desire to reach an agreement prior to the start of the regular season, according to ESPN.com's Mike Wells:

"

We have a little time with trying to work on a few extensions. There's no reason Anthony Castonzo and T.Y. Hilton can't get done. Look for us to keep core players and our top players. I don't think it'll be a distraction. I can't see why we can't get something done before Labor Day with T.Y. and Anthony.

"

Irsay made good on his comments with regard to Hilton on Aug. 13 as the two sides reached an agreement on a five-year, $65 million extension, per Rapoport. The dynamic wide receiver also picked up some big-time guaranteed money ($39 million) in the deal, according to NFL Network's Albert Breer.

With Hilton out of the way, it was time to secure Castonzo's future with the Colts as well.

While Indianapolis is stacked with offensive weapons to complement Luck, there is no shortage of question marks with regard to the offensive line. The one player whom coaches and fans likely won't have to worry about in terms of performance, though, is Castonzo.

The 6'7", 305-pound tackle is as solid as they come, and if he continues to progress in the same manner he has over the past few years, then there is no reason why he can't earn the first Pro Bowl nod of his career this season.

It is easy to forget about the importance of the players who live in the trenches when it comes to a team as dynamic and talented as the Colts, but Castonzo's presence will be key for many years to come.

Every great quarterback needs a great blindside protector, and Indy is banking on the notion that Castonzo is that guy now and will continue to be that guy in the future.

Follow @MikeChiari on Twitter.