The Indianapolis Colts have officially signed one of their most intriguing draft picks, securing a rookie contract that could turn out to be among the best value deals in the 2025 draft class.
DJ Giddens, a fifth-round pick (No. 151 overall) from Kansas State, has agreed to a four-year, \$4.624 million contract. The deal features a \$424,000 signing bonus, which will be spread out across the life of the contract for salary cap purposes, according to Over The Cap.
Giddens will count \$946,000 against the cap in 2025, with that number gradually increasing to \$1.34 million by 2028. His base salary starts at \$840,000 and grows to \$1.235 million in the final year.
Given his college production and expected contribution, the Colts are getting a low-risk, high-reward deal that aligns well with the NFL’s rookie salary structure.
Rookie Has Legitimate Shot For Offensive Reps
DJ Giddens might not have the buzz of a first-round pick, but his blend of production, versatility, and strong scheme fit makes him a sleeper candidate to become a long-term asset for the Colts—potentially outperforming the value of his rookie contract.
At Kansas State, Giddens proved to be a highly effective runner, racking up over 2,500 rushing yards across two seasons. In 2024, he averaged an impressive 6.5 yards per carry, ranked sixth nationally in yards after contact, and landed in the top 20 for missed tackles forced.
But Giddens isn’t just a downhill runner—he also brought value in the passing game, offering a skill set the Colts lacked last season with few consistent receiving options out of the backfield.
While Jonathan Taylor remains firmly entrenched as the team’s lead back, the addition of Giddens gives Indianapolis a significant boost in backfield depth. He’s a strong contender to claim the RB2 spot early in his rookie season.
Colts Secure Value In The Backfield
What makes this contract stand out isn’t just its affordability—it’s the potential value it could deliver. Rookie running backs often provide some of the best returns on investment in the league, offering meaningful contributions without the hefty price tags that come with veteran deals.
If DJ Giddens can stay healthy and lock in a consistent role, the Colts could benefit from four years of steady production at a fraction of the cost of many one-year veteran contracts. His skill set already meshes well with head coach Shane Steichen’s offensive system, according to analysts. While Giddens doesn’t possess elite speed or explosive acceleration, he compensates with sharp vision, disciplined footwork, and a knack for reading his blockers—traits that make him an ideal chain-mover in short-yardage or manageable down situations.
Rather than being a flashy playmaker, Giddens profiles as a steady, reliable presence who can keep drives alive. If he delivers on that potential, his rookie deal could look like a major bargain compared to similarly utilized veterans earning two to three times as much per year. It’s the kind of under-the-radar signing that quietly boosts a roster during the slower periods of the NFL calendar.
