T.Y. Hilton on contract: 'I'm ready to eat'

ANDERSON – T.Y. Hilton's collection of backpacks runs the gamut, with bags that feature everything from cartoon characters to superheroes.

Saturday, when the Colts' Pro Bowl receiver reported to Anderson University for training camp, he wore a backpack that had – seriously – a giant picture of a hamburger on it.

Asked whether there was any symbolism involved, Hilton confirmed each bag he owns has a purpose. And the meaning behind this bag was unequivocal.

"When you think about a hamburger, you're ready to eat, right?" Hilton deadpanned. "So, I'm ready to eat."

Take that however you wish, but the backdrop is this: Hilton is negotiating with the Colts, with the sides attempting to strike a deal on a long-term contract extension for the former third-round draft choice. Hilton has been seeking a contract extension for months, but talks appeared to have died down or broken off earlier in the summer.

Now, those talks have picked up again, with the goal being to get a deal done by the start of the season.

It's unclear how much the signings of the Cowboys' Dez Bryant and Broncos' Demaryius Thomas last week influenced the Hilton negotiations, but Hilton has referenced those deals as setting the bar in his talks.

He did so again Saturday.

"I saw that," Hilton said of the other players' contracts. "They just set the bar. So, for me, I just have to go out there and have fun. I'm not Dez or Demaryius. I'm T.Y. so I'm just going to continue being me."

Asked somewhat playfully whether he is worthy of a deal above or below that bar – both contracts will average $14 million annually – Hilton let out an awkward laugh, but offered no specific answer.

Hilton has one season remaining on his four-year rookie deal, a contract that has paid him modestly because of his selection in the third round of the 2012 NFL draft. His base salary will reach seven figures for the first time this season at $1.542 million.

While he clearly is adamant about wanting a new deal, Hilton said he can keep his focus in spite of the ongoing talks.

"For me, you want to get it out of the way," Hilton said. "But there's nothing I can do. Playing is the only thing I can control."

But the apparent willingness to negotiate while he still has a season remaining on his deal does make Hilton feel wanted.

"That means they have faith in me and they trust in me to give me the money," he said.

Follow Star reporter Stephen Holder on Twitter: @HolderStephen.