Colts owner Jim Irsay on Quenton Nelson extension: 'I see that getting done'

WESTFIELD — A contract extension for All-Pro left guard Quenton Nelson does not sound imminent, but Colts owner Jim Irsay remains confident one of the franchise’s cornerstones will be staying in Indianapolis.

Nelson, who is headed into the final season of his rookie contract, could be a free agent next offseason, but Colts decision-makers like Irsay and general manager Chris Ballard have made it clear the intention is to wrap up Nelson long-term.

Nelson has declined to answer any questions about his contract this August.

“I see that getting done,” Irsay said on Wednesday.

Indianapolis has a history of getting major extensions done during training camp. All-Pro linebacker Shaquille Leonard, right tackle Braden Smith and running back Nyheim Hines all signed extensions last August, in large part because the Colts would like to lock up their best players before they get close to the free agent window.

“You know, we’ve never had a problem, if you look through the history of the franchise, with outstanding players that go on to a second contract, whether it’s with Reggie Wayne or Marvin Harrison,” Irsay said.

The Colts firmly believe Nelson is one of those players.

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Nelson, who is widely considered the best guard in the NFL, has often been compared by Irsay to New England legend John Hannah, one of the best guards in NFL history. A punishing run blocker, Nelson has given up just four sacks in four seasons in the NFL and made three first-team All-Pros, along with a second-team All-Pro last year.

Frustrated by injuries to his foot, back and ankle in 2021, Nelson is healthy now.

“I feel great, no surgeries this offseason,” Nelson said. “It was just a chance to really work on my body, do deep-tissue massages, take some rest, work on stretching, flexibility, eating well and then really hitting the gym hard once I felt like I was ready to, gaining more range of motion in my joints, more flexibility.”

Nelson is likely to be become the highest-paid guard in the NFL, in line for a massive contract that will reset the offensive line market.

Deals like that take time — Leonard’s contract was similar — and the Colts are still working on Nelson’s.

“I see that getting done, I really do,” Irsay said. “It’s just a question of timing and moving toward an agreement, like I’ve always said, that favors both sides and is good for both sides.”

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Colts owner Jim Irsay sees Quenton Nelson extension getting done