DeForest Buckner’s $26.6 million cap charge tops Indianapolis after two-year $46M extension (April 2024) locked defensive anchor through 2026. Anthony Richardson’s cost-controlled $34 million rookie contract ($8.5M 2025 cap hit) provides quarterback value enabling veteran additions including Daniel Jones ($14.5M backup insurance).
Colts maintain $7.86 million flexibility after Kenny Moore restructure freed $3.8M. Quenton Nelson ($22.7M) and Michael Pittman Jr ($23M) anchor offensive core while $28.4M projected 2026 space enables Jonathan Taylor extension talks.
Indianapolis Colts player biography and net worth information available for complete roster.
| Quarterbacks (QB) | Running Backs (RB) | Wide Receivers (WR) |
| Anthony Richardson | Jonathan Taylor | Michael Pittman Jr. |
| Daniel Jones | Khalil Herbert | Josh Downs |
| Jason Bean | DJ Giddens | Alec Pierce |
| Riley Leonard | Tyler Goodson | Adonai Mitchell |
| Salvon Ahmed | Anthony Gould | |
| Ashton Dulin | ||
| DJ Montgomery | ||
| Ajou Ajou | ||
| Laquon Treadwell | ||
| Tre Herndon | ||
| Raekwon Davis |
Defensive Investment Anchors Cap Structure
Buckner’s $23M AAV makes him NFL’s third-highest paid interior defender after Chris Jones ($31.75M) and Aaron Donald (retired). His April 2024 extension added two years preventing free agency departure while maintaining championship window competitiveness.
| Player | Position | 2025 Cap Hit | Contract Details | Net Worth Est. | Through |
| DeForest Buckner | DT | $26.6M | $46M (2yr 2024) | $160M+ | 2026 |
| Michael Pittman Jr | WR | $23M | $70M (3yr 2023) | $25M-$35M | 2025 |
| Quenton Nelson | OG | $22.7M | $80M (4yr 2022) | $118M+ | 2026 |
| Jonathan Taylor | RB | $15.3M | $42M (3yr 2023) | $16M-$25M | 2026 |
| Daniel Jones | QB | $14.5M | $14M (1yr 2025) | $30M-$40M | 2025 |
| Grover Stewart | DT | $14.25M | $39M (3yr 2024) | $15M-$22M | 2026 |
| Kwity Paye | EDGE | $13.3M | 5th-year option | $12M-$18M | 2025 |
| Kenny Moore III | CB | $10.69M | $30M (3yr 2024) | $10M-$15M | 2026 |
| Braden Smith | RT | $10.4M | $70M (4yr 2021) | $20M-$28M | 2025 |
| Anthony Richardson | QB | $8.5M | $34M rookie (4yr) | $15M-$20M | 2027 |
Buckner’s extension features $53.25M total guarantees ($43.25M at signing) demonstrating Colts’ commitment to defensive line dominance. His 32.5 sacks over four Indianapolis seasons (2020-2023) averaging 8.125 yearly validates $160M career wealth accumulation.
Nelson’s $118M net worth stems from $31M signing bonus (2022 extension) plus $80M total deal making him NFL’s highest-paid guard when signed. His seven consecutive Pro Bowl selections (2018-2024) justify investment protecting franchise quarterback Richardson.
Richardson’s Development Timeline
Fourth overall pick’s $34M fully guaranteed contract ($21.7M signing bonus) creates five-year window through fifth-year option ($25M+ estimated 2027). His benching for Joe Flacco (Weeks 6-15 2024) raised developmental concerns before December reinstatement.
2024 Statistics: 1,814 passing yards, 9 TDs, 12 INTs across 13 games (11 starts) demonstrating inconsistent rookie production. Rushing threat (478 yards, 5 TDs on 87 attempts) provides unique dual-threat upside justifying patience.
Jones Insurance Policy: One-year $14.5M deal provides experienced backup after Giants released him (November 2024). His $160M career earnings create mentor/competition dynamic supporting Richardson’s Year 2 leap.
Colts project fifth-year option exercise 2026 offseason locking Richardson through 2027 before market-rate extension negotiations ($45-50M AAV projected) create 2028 cap challenge requiring Taylor, Pittman, Nelson restructures or replacements.
Wealth Concentration Among Veterans
Buckner’s $160M career total includes $84M 49ers earnings (2016-2019) plus $76.6M Indianapolis compensation. Nelson’s $118M wealth reflects $80M extension plus $38M rookie contract (#6 overall 2018) creating generational offensive line security.
| Player | Est. Net Worth | Career Earnings | Age | Contract Status |
| DeForest Buckner | $160M+ | $160.6M total | 31 | Locked through 2026 |
| Quenton Nelson | $118M+ | $118.8M total | 29 | Locked through 2026 |
| Jonathan Taylor | $16M-$25M | $39M+ | 26 | Extension candidate 2025 |
| Daniel Jones | $30M-$40M | $160M+ | 28 | One-year prove-it |
| Braden Smith | $20M-$28M | $77M+ | 30 | Final contract year |
Taylor’s Toppers Pizza ownership (four Wisconsin franchises via pre-draft deal) creates unique off-field wealth stream. His 1,000+ yard rushing seasons (2020, 2021, 2023) justify three-year $42M extension September 2023 though injury concerns linger.
Jones accumulated $160M through Giants contracts ($160M over six years including $92M signing bonus on four-year $160M deal signed 2023) before release cost New York $69M dead cap (2024-2025 combined). His Minnesota Vikings stint ($375K veteran minimum) preceded Indianapolis one-year commitment.
2026 Cap Outlook and Extension Priorities
Colts project $28.4M available space with 52 players under contract creating flexibility for Taylor ($15.3M current), Paye ($13.3M), Smith ($10.4M) extensions or replacements. Richardson’s ascending cap hits ($10.4M 2026, $12.3M 2027) maintain quarterback value window.
Extension Candidates: Taylor (entering final year $15.3M), Paye (5th-year option expiring), creating $25-30M annual commitments if retained.
Cap Casualties: Smith ($10.4M final year), Pittman ($23M), Moore ($10.69M) face restructure-or-release decisions if younger replacements emerge via draft.
Dead Money Minimal: Just $4.8M total (1.7% of cap) provides clean books unlike teams carrying $30M+ penalties enabling sustainable roster construction around Richardson timeline.
FAQs
Who is Indianapolis’ highest-paid player?
DeForest Buckner carries $26.6M 2025 cap hit ($23M AAV through 2026) leading Colts roster. His two-year $46M extension April 2024 features $53.25M guarantees creating $160M+ career net worth from combined 49ers ($84M) and Indianapolis ($76.6M) earnings making him third-richest interior defender.
What is Anthony Richardson’s rookie contract worth?
Richardson signed four-year $34M fully guaranteed deal (#4 overall 2023) featuring $21.7M signing bonus creating $8.5M 2025 cap hit. Fifth-year option ($25M+ projected 2027) provides cost-controlled timeline through age 25 before market-rate extension ($45-50M AAV estimated) beginning 2028.
How much cap space do Colts have?
Indianapolis maintains $7.86M available after Kenny Moore restructure ($4.75M salary converted to bonus) freed $3.8M additional space. Projected 2026 outlook shows $28.4M available (52 players under contract) enabling Jonathan Taylor, Kwity Paye extension negotiations or free agent additions.
What is Quenton Nelson’s net worth?
Nelson’s $118M wealth stems from four-year $80M extension (2022) featuring $31M signing bonus plus $38.8M rookie contract (#6 overall 2018) creating NFL’s highest-paid guard status. Seven consecutive Pro Bowl selections (2018-2024) justify investment with career total projected $150M+ through age 31.
Which Colts players are extension candidates?
Jonathan Taylor ($15.3M 2025 final year), Kwity Paye ($13.3M 5th-year option expiring), Michael Pittman Jr ($23M final year) top priority list. Taylor’s $16-25M net worth and Toppers Pizza ownership creates negotiating leverage seeking $14-16M AAV matching elite RB market.
