Indianapolis Colts sign Tyler Warren to four-year, $20.96 million rookie contract

Former Penn State tight end Tyler Warren has officially signed his contract with the Indianapolis Colts. The No. 14 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Warren’s contract is four years, $20.96 million fully guaranteed with an $11.88 million signing bonus, per Jordan Schultz of FOX Sports.

Six other Colts draft picks signed contracts Friday. That list included cornerback Justin Walley, offensive tackle Jalen Travis, running back DJ Giddens, quarterback Riley Leonard, defensive tackle Tim Smith and safety Hunter Wohler.

Warren and the Colts seemed like a match made in heaven from the jump. Indianapolis has struggled to get high-end production from its tight end room; Warren should help.

Warren, 22, spent five seasons in Happy Valley, making 56 appearances and 31 starts. He finished the 2024 season with 104 receptions for 1,233 yards and eight touchdowns. Warren also recorded 26 carries for 218 yards and four scores.

Warren’s 104 catches and 1,233 yards last season are the most by a tight end in a single season in Big Ten history. For his efforts, he was named the Big Ten Tight End of the Year, an All-Big Ten First-Team selection and a Second-Team AP All-American. He also won the John Mackey Award, annually presented to the best tight end in college football.

Tyler Warren set to kick off NFL career in Indianapolis

Fueled by Warren’s fantastic play, the Nittany Lions reached the College Football Playoff semifinals in the event’s inaugural year of a 12-team field. Warren tallied six catches for 63 yards and two touchdowns in Penn State’s win over Boise State in the CFP quarterfinals.

Warren wrapped up his career first among Penn State tight ends in total touchdowns (25 total; 19 receiving, 6 rushing), receptions (153), receiving yards (1,839), receiving touchdowns (19) and 100-yard games (5). Now, he’ll look to find success at the next level.

“I’ll tell you this, the last time I felt that good about pulling a pick, and I’ve felt good about all of them, but [it] was Quenton [Nelson],” general manager Chris Ballard said of drafting Warren.

“It was just an [easy pick]. It was easy. There wasn’t a lot of discussion.”