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Earlier today, Colts left tackle Anthony Castonzo confirmed that him and the Colts are currently working on a long-term contract extension, and it wouldn't be a surprise to see Castonzo and wide receiver T.Y. Hilton both receive a new deal before the regular season begins. That's what owner Jim Irsay said last week, noting that extensions for both players could get done before Labor Day.
Multiple reports have said that the Colts and T.Y. Hilton are currently negotiating a new deal, and we heard another one of those reports today. NFL Network's Rand Getlin reported tonight that the Colts and Hilton are working "diligently" toward a new contract, though there's still no definitive timeline for when the deal might get done.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The Colts & T.Y. Hilton are working 'diligently' on a contract extension, no definitive timeline (via <a href="https://twitter.com/Rand_Getlin">@Rand_Getlin</a>) <a href="http://t.co/nRmf7xpfuL">pic.twitter.com/nRmf7xpfuL</a></p>— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) <a href="https://twitter.com/nflnetwork/status/628332495617003524">August 3, 2015</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
It's unclear what, if anything, more Getlin had to say on NFL Network, but his report that the Colts are working diligently on getting Hilton locked up long-term shouldn't come as a surprise. It would be smart for the team to get both Hilton and Castonzo extended this year so that they can check two of the biggest things off of their offseason checklist for next year, instead focusing on Andrew Luck's mega-extension and then other moves, such as the contract situations of the tight ends. It's not like Hilton will be getting any cheaper as the 2015 season goes on, so re-signing him now would make sense for the team as well.
So far, Hilton has been one of the biggest stars of training camp for the Colts in 2015, and he has been one of their biggest stars in games over the past few years as well. Playing as the Colts' number one wideout for much of the past two years, Hilton has really emerged as Andrew Luck's favorite target and one of the top receivers in the NFL, making the Pro Bowl for his play in 2014. He figures to be even better this year, and it wouldn't be a surprise to see him playing on a new contract when that happens.