The Bar To Andrew Luck’s Extension Talks Set By Eli Manning’s Deal
Andrew Luck has to be a happy camper after seeing the contract extension the New York Giants handed Eli Manning. The timing of the two-time Super Bowl winning signal-caller works out great for Luck, the quarterback who everybody who covers the NFL calls the next great passer.
The Indianapolis Colts quarterback is still on his rookie deal. He has all of the tools necessary to be great. Andrew Luck has the arm strength, the accuracy, running ability, and leadership skills.
Luck also has been to the playoffs. That is what separates Luck from the other young quarterbacks in the league. Most QBs have to go through growing pains, and there is still some room for improvement for him. All of his strengths would be for naught if he had not been to the playoffs. That makes him proven. If he takes the next step this season, he will have officially ascended to the elite group of quarterbacks. Thus earning a huge contract extension.
The names of Aaron Rodgers, Tom Brady, and Drew Brees are among who Andrew Luck has been mentioned with.
Rodgers has the big contract, Brady and Brees are nearing the end of their careers. They have made their money.
Eli Manning is not among the elite class, but he is a borderline Hall of Famer. Talent wise he is not in the same class with Andrew Luck, but his extension with the Giants sets the bar for what will be a huge payday for the young gunslinger.
According to NFL, Eli Manning officially inked his four-year, $84 million extension the Friday before the Giants’ season opener. If Manning is worth an annual contract of $21 million per, what is Andrew Luck worth right now?
The Indianapolis Colts are in a wait and see position with him, but they know that Luck is primed to be the highest paid player in football. Each win, every round that he surpasses will just add more money into his contract. As of now, the only thing that can derail the notion of a huge contract is a career-threatening injury. And even with that Luck will receive big money based off the contention that he can still be a great player.
Luck wants to be an elite player in the NFL. Suddenly, he is also becoming a marketable talent, doing the recently released DirecTV commercial may have started a trend. Though the just turned 25-year-old wants to focus on football, but he understands the power in marketing himself, as he told the Indy Star.
“I’ve never shied away from the pressure of being a quarterback in this league.Early on I told my agent I don’t feel comfortable putting myself out there. This year, you know, maybe it’s time to do a couple things.”
The more people see Andrew Luck’s face, the better off he will be. Marketability puts butts in seats just as much as talent does. Marketability factors into jersey sales, along with other merchandise. Look at how it helped Eli Manning?
Manning’s extension set the bar high for the Colts. No doubt was Andrew Luck paying attention to it.
Luck will have to cut down on his turnovers just so he does not give the Colts management any ammunition to work against him. Although, Eli Manning is prone to give the football away on occasion as well. The moment he signed his extension the cha-ching sound could be heard in Andrew Luck’s head.
[Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images Sport]
