Full Breakdown
Rigoberto Sanchez Secures Two-Year Extension with the Indianapolis Colts
8/28/2026, 12:15:11 AM
Background and Career Overview
Rigoberto Sanchez, a 31-year-old punter from Hawaii, entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2017 when the Indianapolis Colts signed him after Pat McAfee’s retirement. He has spent his entire nine-year career with Indianapolis, missing games in 2020 for tumor removal and the 2022 season for a torn Achilles tendon. He is tied with defensive tackle Grover Stewart as the second-longest-tenured player on the roster, behind long snapper Luke Rhodes.
Performance Metrics and Records
In 2024 Sanchez set a Colts record with a 49.7-yard gross punting average. The following season he posted a 44.7-yard net average, second in the league and a new franchise net record. Only 3.9 % of his punts since 2023 have resulted in touchbacks, the lowest rate among NFL punters with at least 100 attempts.
During the 2025 campaign he handled 44 punts, averaging 48.8 yards gross and 44.7 yards net, with half downed inside the opponent’s 20-yard line. Over his career he has accumulated 22,388 gross punt yards (46.5-yard gross average, 42.2-yard net average) and pinned 186 punts inside the 20.
Contract Details and Financial Implications
The Colts announced on Thursday that Sanchez has signed a two-year extension, according to multiple reporters and a league source cited by IndyStar. NFL Network analyst Mike Garafolo confirmed the deal places Sanchez among the five highest-paid punters in the league. The extension adds two years to the final year of his previous three-year, $7.5 million contract, locking him in through the 2028 season.
Official Team Statements and Strategic Rationale
Colts officials highlighted Sanchez’s “directional punting weapon” profile and his “remarkable control” in limiting touchbacks and pinning opponents deep. Special-teams coordinator Brian Mason noted that Sanchez’s consistency allows the unit to operate with confidence, particularly when paired with holder Blake Grupe and long snapper Luke Rhodes.
Impact on Special Teams and Upcoming Schedule
Sanchez’s continued presence secures a stable kicking game for Indianapolis, a factor the organization believes will benefit field-position battles and place-kicking reliability. The Colts will conclude their preseason with a matchup against the Detroit Lions on Saturday, providing an early test of the newly solidified special-teams unit.
Timeline of Recent Events
- 2017 – Signed as an undrafted free agent after Pat McAfee’s retirement.
- 2020 – Missed games for tumor surgery.
- 2022 – Missed the season due to a torn Achilles tendon.
- 2024 – Set franchise gross-average record (49.7 yards).
- 2025 – Recorded a 44.7-yard net average (second in NFL) and a 48.8-yard gross average on 44 punts.
- Thursday – Signed a two-year contract extension, becoming one of the league’s highest-paid punters.
Conflicting Reports and Data Gaps
Two outlets provide differing figures for Sanchez’s 2025 gross punting average. NBC Sports reports a 48.8-yard average on 44 punts, while Stamped eBlue cites a 44.8-yard average for the same season. Both agree on a 44.7-yard net average. No source offers a definitive explanation for the discrepancy.
What’s Next
The Colts’ special-teams unit will debut the extended contract in the preseason finale against the Lions, after which the team will begin regular-season preparations with Sanchez locked in through at least the 2028 campaign.
