Stephen Holder

IndyStar

The Indianapolis Colts are nearing the end of their two-months-long offseason program, culminating with this week’s mandatory minicamp.

But during a glorious Wednesday evening practice at Lucas Oil Stadium, with the roof and northward-facing window open, owner Jim Irsay contemplated the most important move of the offseason, one that is yet to come:

The contract extension of quarterback Andrew Luck.

Things are moving along, Irsay said while acknowledging the deal will be both massive and complex in its structure.

It seems a willingness to compromise is in the air, one that just might enable the sides to get this deal done before training camp in late July.

“Luck came out yesterday and said he liked my sunglasses,” said Irsay, who was wearing a different pair of specs Wednesday night. “I said, ‘You want those, too?’ They were gold. These are regulars.”

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Alas, it’s going to cost Irsay significantly more than a pair of fancy shades to keep his franchise quarterback, who is expected to earn an NFL-record contract. Doing that in a way that doesn’t hamstring the franchise is the trick. Thus the reason for the prolonged negotiations.

“It’s not easy. It’s obviously going to be a big number,” Irsay said. However, “we want to make sure the contract is something that’s Colt-friendly as we approach even the next decade.”

Accomplishing that will require cooperation from both parties.

“I think there’s been a really good element of compromise (from) both sides,” Irsay said. “Look, we went into it knowing that this is going to be a big contract and a big deal and all those things. We didn’t hide any cards that way. I think there’s been compromise on both sides. I would be surprised if we don’t have something done before training camp.”

Regarding the concept of a 10-year contract, which NFL.com reported was discussed by the Colts, Irsay said no such thing was ever presented to Luck and his agent.

“We didn’t get down that lane,” Irsay said. “That wouldn’t be accurate. That would be a reach and it would be hard to predict that far down the track. We weren’t aiming in that direction and they didn’t volunteer to.”

In any case, with those very critical efforts continuing off the field, the Colts have embarked on a sustained on-field effort to improve on last year’s 8-8 record. That began in April, when the team reported for offseason workouts, and continued through this week, after which players will be cut loose until training camp starts in late July.

Wednesday’s practice, held before a spirited crowd, featured more of what has been a staple of this spring’s offseason practices: deep shots from Luck to T.Y. Hilton and others, not to mention another slide from Luck, who is learning to adapt to avoid violent collisions.

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It has been a competitive offseason, judging by the naked eye, and the Colts are holding on to that as a positive indicator.

“I thought this practice was one of if not the best practice we’ve had to date,” Pagano said. “Great focus, great energy, great communication. We’ve thrown a lot at these guys. I’ve seen every one of these units grow from the start of the offseason way back in April. We have a long way to go. Our players will tell you that. Our coaches will tell you that.

“But I’m proud of all these guys.”

Pagano then used an interesting measurement to shed light on what he sees as a dedicated group, saying attendance at voluntary offseason workouts – only this week is mandatory – has been unprecedented in contrast to his previous four seasons.

“I do know this: We’ve got 90 men right now and 20-some coaches who all love football and are very passionate, very tough, very competitive,” Pagano said. “Our attendance has been 98, 99 percent. It’s been off the charts. It’s better than any year that we’ve been here.

“I love the direction that we’re going.”

Follow IndyStar reporter Stephen Holder on Twitter: @HolderStephen.

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