Stephen Holder

stephen.holder@indystar.com

You already know the Colts have extended linebacker Robert Mathis' contract by one year, through 2016.

What you likely don't know is why they chose to do so.

Now the details are becoming clear. Based on contract specifics reported by ESPN, we have some important context. And, as it turns out, the move is a win for the Colts, giving them flexibility in dealing with Mathis as he comes off a potentially career-threatening Achilles tendon tear.

Far more important than the fact that Mathis will make a non-guaranteed $5 million in 2016 is what the Colts did with his 2015 salary.

Mathis, according to the ESPN report, was previously due to earn a $3 million roster bonus in March 2015, when he'll still be dealing with the aftereffects of his injury (it requires a nine- to 12-month rehab period). But the Colts converted that March bonus into $3 million in per-game bonuses, starting with $1 million for the first game and $125,000 per game thereafter. These sums are in addition to the $4 million base salary Mathis would earn next year.

Why is this so big for the Colts?

It allows them to take a noncommittal stance on Mathis until the start of the 2015 season. By then, the team will hope to have more clarity on Mathis' medical situation and can make a more informed decision about whether to keep him on the roster. No one anticipates Mathis not being around a year from now. But to assume he returns to form or returns at all wouldn't be wise. Now, the Colts have some protection in case things deviate from the script.

This looks like a reasonable compromise for both sides. The Colts aren't required to pay Mathis while he's on the non-football injury list this season – his injury did not occur in a game or under team supervision – but the team is paying a prorated amount of his $3 million base salary for 2014 anyway (minus the four games he was suspended). And perhaps in exchange for that favor, Mathis is giving the Colts some contractual wiggle room as they move forward, especially because the Colts were willing to add another year to his deal.

In the end, if Mathis comes back strong, he'll make plenty of money over the next two seasons. And the Colts will continue to enjoy his pass-rush prowess, something they're currently lacking.