Colts Give DE Robert Mathis 4 Year Contract Worth $36 million

Mike Chappell of the Indianapolis Star reports DE Robert Mathis‘ new deal will pay him $36 million for seasons and includes a $15M signing bonus.

Mathis will make $24 million in the first two years of the contract but the signing bonus could prorated if he’s released in the near future.

This is a pretty big deal for Mathis so the Colts are obviously banking on him being able to fit into whatever defensive scheme they elect to run next season.

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The Indianapolis Colts have announced that they’ve reached an agreement with DE Robert Mathis despite the fact that they used their franchise, possibly as a negotiating tactic or to extend their negotiations, just before the deadline.

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ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that the Colts have used their franchise tag on him as “precaution” but expects a long-term deal to be finalized shortly.

Bob Kravitz of the Indianapolis Star reports that the Colts have reached an “tentative agreement” with DE Robert Mathis.

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ESPN’s Adam Schefter is reporting that the Indianapolis Colts are currently working on a long-term contract with DE Robert Mathis but adds that they’re willing to tag him before the 4pm EST deadline if a deal is unable to reached.

The Colts would be looking at a one-year deal worth $10.2 million should they elect to franchise Mathis.

Both the Tennessee Titans and the Atlanta Falcons reportedly have interest in Mathis if he becomes available. The Colts are expected to change their defensive front to a hybrid 3-4 scheme next season and Mathis would be able to make the transition but better than Dwight Freeney who is more of a prototypical 4-3 defensive end.

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