The Indianapolis Colts have one of the best offensive lines in the NFL, and they just paid a lot of money to keep one of the line's key cogs as Carson Wentz takes over at quarterback. Right tackle Braden Smith just got a four-year, $72.4 million contract extension, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. $42 million of the deal is guaranteed money.

Smith was a second-round pick out of Auburn in 2018, and he became a right tackle with the Colts after spending much of his college career at guard. The move has certainly worked out for him and Indy.

The Colts need their offensive line to be at their best to help protect Wentz, who struggled badly last season with the Philadelphia Eagles behind an atrocious offensive line. The offensive line woes weren't the only source of Wentz's problems in Philly, but he seemed rattled throughout much of the season.

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With Smith, Quenton Nelson and Co. manning the offensive line for the Colts, the hope is Wentz will have plenty of time to throw and find his rhythm again. It wasn't too long ago that Wentz was one of the most promising young quarterbacks in the NFL, but he has regressed in a big way.

In addition to Smith's deal, Indy is looking to shell out more money to other top youngsters from the 2018 draft class, including Nelson and Darius Leonard.