How Grover Stewart’s big $39M contract breaks down for Colts

The Indianapolis Colts re-signed defensive tackle Grover Stewart to a new three-year deal before free agency, making him one of the highest-paid players at his position.

The three-year deal is worth $39 million in total, and Stewart has a very strong chance to make up to $25.73 million in guaranteed money before the 2025 season arrives.

Here’s how the contract breaks down, according to Over The Cap:

Three years, $39 million

$6 million signing bonus (guaranteed)

2024, Age: 31
– $4.49 million base salary (guaranteed)
– $3.5 million roster bonus (guaranteed)
– $30,000 per-game roster bonus
– Cap Hit: $10.32 million (4.0%)

2025, Age: 32
– $7.74 million base salary (guaranteed for injury at signing)
– Base salary fully guaranteed if on roster March 15
– $30,000 per-game roster bonus
– Cap Hit: $14.25 million (5.5%)

2026, Age: 33
– $11.74 million base salary
– $30,000 per-game roster bonus
– Cap Hit: $14.25 million (5.0%)

It’s always important when looking at these contract breakdowns to keep the guaranteed money in mind. That’s really where the heart of a contract lies.

Stewart’s contract essentially breaks down to a two-year deal. Should something happen where the Colts need to part ways after the 2025 season, they would save $12.25 million against the cap for 2026.

Stewart’s $25.73 million is almost assuredly in the bag for him. His 2025 base salary is guaranteed for injury at signing and if he’s on the roster on the third day of the league year, his base salary becomes fully guaranteed. It’s very likely he gets that guaranteed money one way or another.

That would be the extent of his guaranteed money.

As of the publishing, Stewart’s contract ranks 22nd among interior defensive linemen, according to Over the Cap. Considering the growth of the market and the annual salary cap, this contract is only going to become more of a bargain even as soon as next season.

The Colts needed to re-sign Stewart. There was no way around it. He’s simply too important for the life of the defense. This turned out to be a solid deal for both sides where Stewart and the Colts can each get what they need.