Offensive left tackle Tarik Glenn, the linchpin of the Indianapolis Colts line and a stalwart blocker who has never missed a regular-season game, has reached agreement on a long-term contract, ESPN.com has learned.

	Glenn

The contract, finalized shortly before a 4 p.m. deadline, is for six years and is worth $30 million. There is a signing bonus of $10 million. In terms of average per year and signing bonus, it represents the most lucrative deal to date in free agency. The timing of the deal was significant, because that was the deadline for a "franchise" free agent to reach a long-term accord.

"It's a very good deal for the club and it's a very good deal for the player," Glenn's agent, Ralph Cindrich, told the Associated Press. "We did a very good job."

After the deadline -- which has now passed -- a team is precluded from negotiating such a deal with a "franchise" player until July 15.

"You can say Tarik is worth this amount in two words: Peyton Manning," Cindrich said.

"Without him protecting Peyton's blindside, you don't have a quarterback who's a star and on the rise."

The contract is believed to be structured in such a way that it will protect Glenn from having to re-do the deal, or from being released, down the road.

"Both sides want a deal to happen, we're motivated, so anything is possible," Cindrich said on Wednesday. "I wouldn't characterize it as just a phone call away from happening. But you never know what will spark some more talks."

There are eight "franchise" free agents still without long-term agreements. The only player who was designated a "franchise" player and signed a long-term contract was Pittsburgh strongside linebacker Jason Gildon, who landed a five-year, $23 million deal.

Glenn, 25, was the Colts' first-round selection in 1997. He was an immediate starter as a rookie, playing at right tackle, then moved to the left side in 1998 and has been there ever since. Glenn has appeared in all 80 games, every one of them as a starter, during his five-year career. He is regarded as a polished pass protector and solid run blocker.

Len Pasquarelli is a senior writer for ESPN.com. The Associated Press contributed to this story.