PHOENIX – There’s no question that the Indianapolis Colts will sign quarterback Andrew Luck to a long-term contract.

There’s also no question that Luck will be the highest paid quarterback in the NFL once that happens.

The only question is: When will owner Jim Irsay open his checkbook and pay Luck?

Irsay answered that question while sitting in his air-conditioned suite at a swanky resort in Phoenix for the NFL’s owners meetings on Monday.

There’s been communication between the Colts and Luck’s representatives, but don’t expect a deal to get done until after the 2015 season. The Colts will pick up the fifth-year option of Luck's contract at some point. Even though it likely won't get to that point with their star player, the Colts also have the option of using the franchise tag on Luck if they need to at the end of his rookie contract.

“I really think most likely the scenario is going into the offseason next year is when that second contract will come up,” Irsay said. “That’s the vision I have right now.”

There’s nothing wrong with Irsay taking that approach because the Colts are focused on making the Super Bowl next season. That’s why they were aggressive during the first part of free agency -- signing players like receiver Andre Johnson and running back Frank Gore, and not worrying about Luck’s contract.

Waiting to get a deal done allows Luck to sit back and see what type of contract the Seattle Seahawks give quarterback Russell Wilson. The Seahawks hope to get an extension with Wilson before the start of next season. Luck’s representatives can use Wilson’s new contract, which may become the highest in the NFL, in their favor.

Wilson, who is also part of the 2012 draft class, has led the Seahawks to two Super Bowl appearances in his three seasons, but he’s had a better supporting cast around him than Luck.

Wilson has arguably the league’s best running back, Marshawn Lynch, in the backfield and the best defense to help him out.

Luck?

The Colts have only had one player -- Vick Ballard -- rush for 100 yards in a game in Luck’s three seasons. The New England Patriots have embarrassed the Colts by running the ball down their throat -- 219 yards a game -- in their last three meetings.

And despite those obvious flaws on the Colts’ roster, Luck has led the Colts to 11 victories and the playoffs in each of his three seasons -- including the AFC Championship game last season.

• Luck's 12,957 yards passing are the most by any quarterback in the first three seasons of his career.

• He joined Peyton Manning and Dan Marino has the only quarterbacks to throw for at least 4,000 yards in two of his first three seasons.

• Luck has led the Colts to 12 game-winning drives in the fourth quarter or overtime in his first three seasons.

So now we wait to see where Luck will rank in salary when he gets his new contract from the Colts.