The Indianapolis Colts handed tight end Dwayne Allen a four-year contract worth nearly $30 million.
To some, that seemed like a hefty investment for a player with just 16 receptions in 2015. Allen recently told the team's official website he's heard those saying he got "overpaid" and is out to prove the doubters wrong.
"(The contract) was signed with expectations," Allen said. "I'm going to do everything in my power to make sure that I'm on the field, No. 1, but also I'm performing at my best when I'm on the field. There's already talk of me being overpaid. It's my job to now go out and prove that I'm worthy."
Allen has played just 16 games once in his career, during a 45-catch rookie season in 2012. Since being labeled an up-and-comer after his first season, Allen has struggled with injuries and hasn't been a big part of Indy's offense.
A true multifaceted tight end, Allen owns the ability to be an in-line blocker as well as a receiving threat, especially in the red zone. Allen said after his signing that offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski -- a former tight ends coach who has worked with the likes of Antonio Gates and Greg Olsen -- assured the tight end he'd be used differently in 2016.
With Coby Fleener fleeing to New Orleans, there are 81 targets up for grabs. The Colts expect Allen to snag some of those passes. The tight end said the Colts' commitment to him this offseason stoked a blaze.
"It definitely churned the fire in my belly to go out there and continue to grind and become the best that I possibly can and be the best tight end in the National Football League," Allen said.
