WESTFIELD -- The Indianapolis Colts like to take care of their own. That means signing the young core players to contract extensions before they reach free agency. Their two top priorities at the moment: fourth-year linebacker Darius Leonard and fourth-year offensive tackle Braden Smith.
After a standout three seasons in the NFL, each 2018 second-round draft pick is headed into the final year of his rookie deal and looking for a lucrative new contract. The Colts hope to be the team that gives them those deals, however, the two sides have yet to find common ground, general manager Chris Ballard said Monday.