Indianapolis Colts and Darius Leonard agree to $ 98.5 million 5-year extension that makes him highest-paid ILB

Indianapolis Colts linebacker Darius Leonard signs a five-year, $ 98.5 million extension that will make him the highest-paid inside linebacker in NFL history, sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Leonard overtakes San Francisco 49ers linebacker Fred Warner, who signed his new contract early in training camp that made him the highest-paid inside linebacker in the NFL at the time.

Leonard now joins offensive tackle Braden Smith as the two players the Colts locked up for long-term overtime during training camp.

Leonard, 26, was a first-team All-Pro for the second time in 2020, when he recorded 132 tackles, three sacks, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries while helping the Colts return to the playoffs qualifying after a year of absence. He was Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2018, when he led the NFL with 163 tackles and also recorded seven sacks.

Selected in the second round of the 2018 draft, Leonard has 416 tackles in three seasons and also has 15 career sacks and seven interceptions.