Insider: Big deals for WRs will impact Colts' T.Y. Hilton

Let's make one thing clear at the outset: T.Y. Hilton is no Dez Bryant.

So, while the Cowboys star getting his big payday on Wednesday – along with the Broncos' Demaryius Thomas – does bode well for other receivers seeking contract extensions, Hilton will have a hard time demanding from the Colts a deal in the Bryant and Thomas stratosphere (five years, $70 million).

However, the contracts agreed to just prior to the deadline for signing franchise players on Wednesday are not irrelevant where Hilton is concerned.

Hilton is entering the final year of his rookie contract, a deal he outperformed long ago because of his selection in the third round of the 2012 draft and slotting into the requisite contract (he will eclipse $1 million for the first time this season when he makes $1.542 million).

Here's where the Bryant and Thomas deals matter in relation to Hilton.

First, there's the obvious: The contracts signed Wednesday push the salary range for wide receivers higher. That doesn't mean Hilton is worth the same money. But with Bryant getting a reported $45 million in guarantees – most ever for a wide receiver – other receivers in line for extensions, like Hilton, will be empowered.

Before Wednesday, it'd been awhile since the receiver market adjusted dramatically. The last receiver to receive a landmark contract was Mike Wallace's $60 million deal with the Miami Dolphins in 2013.

There's another, less-obvious effect from these deals.

Bryant and Thomas getting their wishes further reinforces the notion that if you play hardball, it can pay dividends. To me, the idea of Hilton walking away when his contract expires in March is not hard to fathom. And now that it's been made clear the money is there for elite receivers, there will be real temptation to look elsewhere if talks with the Colts are not fruitful. It's very likely Hilton will hit the market in March unless the Colts knock his socks off with a staggering offer.

We know Hilton was paying attention to Wednesday's events because he told us so. He tweeted, in not-so-cryptic fashion, "All this BREAKING NEWS. Does this mean the bar is set??"

To add some context, I'll add a couple of things I know about Hilton and his contract situation.

First, he very much had his heart set on a contract extension this offseason. It hasn't come yet and all signs – including general manager Ryan Grigson's own words – point to it not happening in 2015. Hilton is onboard with the Colts, regularly attending voluntary workouts all offseason and continuing to be fully engaged. But do not take that as an indication he is content with how things have played out.

When Hilton said recently, "If they want to pay me, they'll pay me," it certainly didn't exactly suggest he's feeling warm and fuzzy.

Another thing you should know about Hilton: In my view, you should not anticipate him taking a hometown discount to remain with the Colts. Most players don't do this anyway, but it's worth discussing here because the Colts have so many financial commitments to make in the near term that it's doubtful everyone will receive every penny they seek. Everything I've seen and heard tells me Hilton taking less money to stay here is unlikely.

Hilton's circumstances are not identical to those of Bryant and Thomas. They are more accomplished players and their contract situations were different (because of the franchise tags). The Colts are also deeper at receiver than most teams, which is clearly a factor.

But Hilton's 2,428 yards the past two seasons and his age (25) mean he's preparing to hit free agency in perfect position.

He's going to get paid. The only question, it seems, is, from whom?