Colts’ window of free agent opportunity remains open

By John Onan  |   Wednesday, March 08, 2006  |  Comments( 0 )

Indianapolis Colts
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Given the current uncertainty about the immediate future of the NFL's labor agreement, the Indianapolis Colts can breathe a sigh of relief for the moment thanks to their record setting duo, quarterback Peyton Manning and wide receiver Marvin Harrison.

Both players allowed the team to restructure their contracts to the tune of $12.8 million in cap savings for the upcoming 2006 season. Manning's restructured deal will reportedly reduce his cap hit by $5.3 million while Harrison's will shave $7.5 million off the Colts cap number. No need to worry about Manning or Harrison going broke due to this, they will simply have their roster bonus money spread out over the next couple years.

While getting under the magic number of $94.5 million is good news for the immediate future of Indianapolis fans and owner Jim Irsay, the organization isn't out of the woods yet. Considered a small market team if the NFL goes to the dreaded uncapped 2007 year, the team could still be dismantled if strife continues in NFL labor negotiations and a deal isn't set in stone soon.

For the time being, the Colts have not only retained the services of Harrison's opposite at receiver, Reggie Wayne, but are also likely to hang on to All-Pro defensive end Dwight Freeney for at least another season or two.

The bad news is that running back Edgerrin James' days in Indianapolis are likely over, but it seems he's had one foot out the door for the last three seasons. He is coming off a 1,500 yard rushing year and likely to be granted free agency on Thursday morning. He has a lot left in the tank and someone will give him the money he deserves.

It'll be much tougher for Indianapolis to make a Super Bowl run without James, but with the rest of the squad intact for 2006, they are still very much in the hunt. The state of the club afterwards is still up in the air, but the same can be said about the other 31 nervous teams in the league.
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