Breaking down Andrew Luck’s record NFL contract

ANDREW Luck just signed the richest contract in NFL history — and it’s not even close.

Andrew Luck is the highest paid player in NFL history.

INDIANAPOLIS Colts quarterback Andrew Luck just got PAID.

The 26-year-old burgeoning superstar signed a six-year deal worth almost $140 million, setting new marks for the total value of the contract and the amount of guaranteed money.

Luck reportedly will have $87 million guaranteed, or $22 million more assured than the old marks to Eli Manning of the New York Giants and fellow quarterback Philip Rivers of San Diego.

Details on Andrew Luck deal:>5-year extension (6-year deal).Just north of $139 million (a record).$87 million in guarantees (a record).

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 29, 2016

“I am thrilled and excited to continue with this great organisation,” Luck said in a statement. “I am thankful to the Irsay family and (owner Jim) Irsay for providing me with this great opportunity and the trust that they’ve shown in me. I can’t wait for this season to start.”

Luck had been set to make $16.1 million in the final year of his rookie deal, a team option the Colts picked up in March.

“This is an exciting day for the organisation and Colts fans around the globe,” Irsay said. “Andrew is the consummate professional, possesses extraordinary talent and is our leader on and off the field. When you consider what this team has accomplished in four seasons with Andrew under centre, you cannot help but be thrilled about the future.”

Is he worth it?

The Colts parted ways with Peyton Manning, who led Indy to a Super Bowl crown, to set the stage for Luck to be taken first overall in the 2012 NFL Draft. Luck guided the Colts to the playoffs in his first three NFL seasons.

His 14,838 passing yards are the most of any NFL quarterback in his first four seasons and he tied Detroit’s Matthew Stafford as the fourth-fastest to 100 career touchdown passes, in his 55th game.

But Luck struggled last season, making 13 turnovers and suffering a rib injury and lascerated kidney as well as shoulder and abdominal injuries. He missed nine games in all, finished with the lowest completion percentage since his rookie season (55.3) and threw 15 touchdowns and 12 interceptions in going 2-5.

“We never even suggested it as leverage,” Irsay said. “There’s no question in our mind that he’s going to return and do the things that he’s done,” Irsay said. “That fire’s in his eye in a special way.”

Way to go, 12.

How does it compare to other sports?

Despite the crazy number of zeros on Luck’s contract, it still pales into comparison to some other American sports.

Miami Marlins outfielder Giancarlo Stanton signed the largest deal in baseball history last year — a whopping $325 million over 13 years. Luck’s contract wouldn’t even crack the top 10 in MLB’s salary cap-less environment.

It also fails to challenge the most expensive signings in the NBA. New Orleans Pelicans big man Anthony Davis signed a five-year, $145 million contract earlier this year, while Cleveland will be able to offer LeBron James a five-year deal north of $200 million next year.

Andrew Luck's new contract worth "the most guaranteed money in NFL history" is less than Jeff Samardzija got this offseason. Play baseball.

— Aaron Gleeman (@AaronGleeman) June 29, 2016

How did his teammates react?

Pay That Man. Congrats 12. We got the whole city behind us. Now let's bring the 🏆 home #FORTHESHOE #12&13STOPUS pic.twitter.com/xo7hNZRb6X

— TY Hilton (@TYHilton13) June 29, 2016

CONGRATS ALuck. Dinner is on you when we get back to Indy 👌 #ThatsOurQB !! https://t.co/w1ZhEagqGE

— Vontae Davis (@vontaedavis) June 29, 2016

That's my QB ... 👀 https://t.co/mNlJf5zpfH

— Dwayne Allen (@Dallen83) June 29, 2016

Did y'all just see my quarterback??? Ha he in Indy for the long ride..

— Donte Moncrief (@drm_12) June 29, 2016

— with AP

Originally published as Breaking down Andrew Luck’s record NFL contract