Colts likely to sign Wayne and let Edge go (1 Viewer)

[gbill2004]

http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/arti.../601220453/1100

Colts GM Bill Polian recently said Reggie Wayne "isn't going anywhere."

The Indianapolis star reports the team is likely to keep him over Edgerrin James. They can probably only afford one. Wayne is due a huge contract, but the Colts will slap the franchise tag on him if the two sides can't come to a long-term agreement. Jan. 22 - 11:45 am et

Source: Indianapolis Star

 

[David Yudkin]

The Colts are going to do what they are gong to do. IIRC, here are the only players in modern NFL history to average 100 yards from scrimmage per game over their careers (minimum of 50 games played).Edgerrin James 125.7Jim Brown 125.5LaDainian Tomlinson 123.5Billy Sims 119.6Barry Sanders 118.9Clinton Portis 117.6Walter Payton 111.9Ricky Williams 109.7Terrell Davis 109.7Marshall Faulk 108.8Fred Taylor 106.5Curtis Martin 106.3Jamal Lewis 105.6Eric Dickerson 105.5Rickey Watters 103.4Priest Holmes 101.7

 

[Rev]

Bump up Dominic Rhodes value. While I expect the Colts to go after a rookie RB on the first day, the spot is his to lose. With a 1000 yard year under his belt, you can't laugh him off as a viable option.

 

[David Yudkin]

Bump up Dominic Rhodes value. While I expect the Colts to go after a rookie RB on the first day, the spot is his to lose. With a 1000 yard year under his belt, you can't laugh him off as a viable option.

Rhodes had 1,000+ yards 5 years ago. I'm not saying he's a terrible RB, only that who knows at this point how good or durable he is. Since that season, he missed an entire season and has had 148 carries for 585 yards with a 3.9 ypc (regular and post-season) with a high of 12 carries.

 

[UnknownCoach]

Bump up Dominic Rhodes value. While I expect the Colts to go after a rookie RB on the first day, the spot is his to lose. With a 1000 yard year under his belt, you can't laugh him off as a viable option.

They'll bring in someone. They contacted Minnesota last year about Bennett and now he's a FA. Money points to someone they can get cheap. Which means either rookies or affordable FAs. I have no idea what Bennett is looking for... money or chance to showcase himself. There is a chance for someone in Indy. They wont rely completely on Rhodes but Rhodes could be splitting carries next year.

 

[SuperJohn96]

This might seem like it is coming from left field here...I am not a Manning hater, but this is one reason a lot of people hate Peyton Manning and praise a guy like Tom Brady.It's one thing to get 'paid'. And Peyton is getting paid.It's another thing altogether when your QB makes so much that the team cannot afford to retain the services of one of top RBs in the game.Absolutely ludicrous that it should come to this.Peyton's contract will be the downfall of this Colts team...

 

[gbill2004]

I've been hearing that Priest Holmes or Fred Taylor could end up with the Colts. I can't see Bennett playing there, that would be a MAJOR downgrade. If they did get Bennett though, I woudl make Rhodes the starter, and Bennett backup, but I doubt that Bennett would accept that role.

 

[gbill2004]

This might seem like it is coming from left field here...

I am not a Manning hater, but this is one reason a lot of people hate Peyton Manning and praise a guy like Tom Brady.

It's one thing to get 'paid'. And Peyton is getting paid.

It's another thing altogether when your QB makes so much that the team cannot afford to retain the services of one of top RBs in the game.

Absolutely ludicrous that it should come to this.

Peyton's contract will be the downfall of this Colts team...

How much is Peyton's contract?

 

[David Yudkin]

This might seem like it is coming from left field here...

I am not a Manning hater, but this is one reason a lot of people hate Peyton Manning and praise a guy like Tom Brady.

It's one thing to get 'paid'. And Peyton is getting paid.

It's another thing altogether when your QB makes so much that the team cannot afford to retain the services of one of top RBs in the game.

Absolutely ludicrous that it should come to this.

Peyton's contract will be the downfall of this Colts team...

How much is Peyton's contract?

9 years, $126 million w/$34 million signing bonus2006 cap hit of 17.8 million.

 

[MSULions]

The Colts are going to do what they are gong to do. IIRC, here are the only players in modern NFL history to average 100 yards from scrimmage per game over their careers (minimum of 50 games played).

Edgerrin James 125.7

Jim Brown 125.5

LaDainian Tomlinson 123.5

Billy Sims 119.6

Barry Sanders 118.9

Clinton Portis 117.6

Walter Payton 111.9

Ricky Williams 109.7

Terrell Davis 109.7

Marshall Faulk 108.8

Fred Taylor 106.5

Curtis Martin 106.3

Jamal Lewis 105.6

Eric Dickerson 105.5

Rickey Watters 103.4

Priest Holmes 101.7

I still mourn poor Billy's career ending Knee injury. he was well on his way to being an all time great. Barry overshadowed it upon his arrival, but this is the kind of stat that illustrates just how good he was.

 

[UnknownCoach]

I've been hearing that Priest Holmes or Fred Taylor could end up with the Colts. 

I can't see Bennett playing there, that would be a MAJOR downgrade. 

If they did get Bennett though, I woudl make Rhodes the starter, and Bennett backup, but I doubt that Bennett would accept that role.

It doesnt matter what you think of Bennett. It matter what Indy thinks. Its a fact that they inquired about Bennett last year before signing James. I didnt make that up. Reason I mentioned him is to prove that Indy isnt satisfied with just Rhodes. They'll bring in someone and it'll be someone they can get cheap. Bennett is one of many such possibilities due to him being a FA who might not be able to get a lot of money.

 

[ffball-novice]

This might seem like it is coming from left field here...

I am not a Manning hater, but this is one reason a lot of people hate Peyton Manning and praise a guy like Tom Brady.

It's one thing to get 'paid'. And Peyton is getting paid.

It's another thing altogether when your QB makes so much that the team cannot afford to retain the services of one of top RBs in the game.

Absolutely ludicrous that it should come to this.

Peyton's contract will be the downfall of this Colts team...

How much is Peyton's contract?

9 years, $126 million w/$34 million signing bonus2006 cap hit of 17.8 million.

In know the articke say 17.8 million but I don't match that number.34 million signing over 6 years = 5.7

1 million base in 2006

9 million roster (even if not converted)

seems to be about 2 million less than that at 15.7.

What did I miss?

 

[Bob Henry]

Bump up Dominic Rhodes value.  While I expect the Colts to go after a rookie RB on the first day, the spot is his to lose.  With a 1000 yard year under his belt, you can't laugh him off as a viable option.

Rhodes had 1,000+ yards 5 years ago. I'm not saying he's a terrible RB, only that who knows at this point how good or durable he is. Since that season, he missed an entire season and has had 148 carries for 585 yards with a 3.9 ypc (regular and post-season) with a high of 12 carries.

I agree with this. I think Rhodes will have some value, but I won't be a buyer most likely. I think they'll have a more viable option come August.

 

[Traders2001]

Chester Taylor anyone.

 

[Couch Potato]

Bump up Dominic Rhodes value. While I expect the Colts to go after a rookie RB on the first day, the spot is his to lose. With a 1000 yard year under his belt, you can't laugh him off as a viable option.

Colts | Rhodes due $1.45 million roster bonus, might not be retainedSun, 22 Jan 2006 08:57:27 -0800

Mike Chappell, of the Indianapolis Star, reports Indianapolis Colts RB Dominic Rhodes is due a $1.45 million roster bonus. The team might decide not to pay that and make him an unrestricted free agent.

 

[Bob Henry]

Edge would be a great addition to the Jags with Taylor looking to be on his way out. Who knows where Edge would end up if he's not a Colt? Even if he wants to play in Miami it doesn't seem likely. Jacksonville, Carolina or Arizona would seem like great targets though.

 

[Rev]

Bump up Dominic Rhodes value.  While I expect the Colts to go after a rookie RB on the first day, the spot is his to lose.  With a 1000 yard year under his belt, you can't laugh him off as a viable option.

They'll bring in someone. They contacted Minnesota last year about Bennett and now he's a FA. Money points to someone they can get cheap. Which means either rookies or affordable FAs. I have no idea what Bennett is looking for... money or chance to showcase himself. There is a chance for someone in Indy. They wont rely completely on Rhodes but Rhodes could be splitting carries next year.

The idea that Rhodes will get benched or merely share carries just because they bring in a Bennet-caliber RB is not logical, but merely means that they don't want to rely on Mungro as their primary backup. Rhodes will get the chance to start, mark my words. What he does with it remains to be seen, and that will determine the future primary RB in Indianapolis.

 

[EMoney]

Another reason why this season was the Colts last chance to make the Super Bowl for a while.

 

[djcolts]

Rhodes isn't a viable starter IMO. He didn't look good at all this year.With 4 1st round RBs this year, and Fred Taylor and Priest Holmes possibly available in FA, someone will be able to be the Colts' starting RB next year.

 

[Spike]

Clearly letting the wrong guy go. Edge is a future HOF-er, while Wayne is merely a good WR with a great QB throwing to him.

If the Colts re-sign Wayne, I will avoid him (and his bloated contract) in every draft next year. Harrison will slip to the later rounds and be the steal of many drafts.

Great, not

 

[Keys Myaths]

Clearly letting the wrong guy go. Edge is a future HOF-er, while Wayne is merely a good WR with a great QB throwing to him.

If the Colts re-sign Wayne, I will avoid him (and his bloated contract) in every draft next year. Harrison will slip to the later rounds and be the steal of many drafts.

Great, not

Yep, and he's absolutely right.

 

[BoulderBob]

Clearly letting the wrong guy go.  Edge is a future HOF-er, while Wayne is merely a good WR with a great QB throwing to him.

If the Colts re-sign Wayne, I will avoid him (and his bloated contract) in every draft next year.  Harrison will slip to the later rounds and be the steal of many drafts.

Great, not

Wayne has at least 5-7 years of good production left, Edge has 2, if he is lucky. If Edge will take a discount to stay with the Colts then they should sign him, if not, so be it, he isn't that special anymore.

 

[Keys Myaths]

Clearly letting the wrong guy go. Edge is a future HOF-er, while Wayne is merely a good WR with a great QB throwing to him.

If the Colts re-sign Wayne, I will avoid him (and his bloated contract) in every draft next year. Harrison will slip to the later rounds and be the steal of many drafts.

Great, not

Wayne has at least 5-7 years of good production left, Edge has 2, if he is lucky.

And Edge>>>>Wayne as far as talent goes.I'll take 2 years of amazing talent over 5 years of above-average talent.

 

[BoulderBob]

What makes Edge amazing? He certainly looks like a back on the decline to me...If the Colts waste their cap room on him, Colts fans can kiss their title hopes goodbye.

 

[fruity pebbles]

Bump up Dominic Rhodes value.  While I expect the Colts to go after a rookie RB on the first day, the spot is his to lose.  With a 1000 yard year under his belt, you can't laugh him off as a viable option.

They'll bring in someone. They contacted Minnesota last year about Bennett and now he's a FA. Money points to someone they can get cheap. Which means either rookies or affordable FAs. I have no idea what Bennett is looking for... money or chance to showcase himself. There is a chance for someone in Indy. They wont rely completely on Rhodes but Rhodes could be splitting carries next year.

The idea that Rhodes will get benched or merely share carries just because they bring in a Bennet-caliber RB is not logical, but merely means that they don't want to rely on Mungro as their primary backup. Rhodes will get the chance to start, mark my words. What he does with it remains to be seen, and that will determine the future primary RB in Indianapolis.

I see nothing that lead me to believe Rhodes will be the Colts opening day starter. Nothing.

 

[Balco]

Peyton Manning makes that offense go, Harrison is an above average # 1 but you would do just as well putting Stokely or Troy Walters opposite him. Signing Wayne would be a huge $$$$$ mistake. Edge should be the higher priority, but I can also see the reason the COlts don't want to committ long term to a back with mileage.If I were the Colts, I would go for a mid tier free agent WR (i.e. Antonio Bryant), let Wayne go, and sign a mid tier fa running back (Bennet/Chester Taylor).

 

[coolnerd]

What makes Edge amazing? He certainly looks like a back on the decline to me...

If the Colts waste their cap room on him, Colts fans can kiss their title hopes goodbye.

2005 was probably his best year

 

[slayer666]

Rhodes isn't a viable starter IMO.  He didn't look good at all this year.

With 4 1st round RBs this year, and Fred Taylor and Priest Holmes possibly available in FA, someone will be able to be the Colts' starting RB next year.

Dominic Rhodes always seems to be nicked. I can't see him making it unscathed through an entire season as the featured back. IF the Indianapolis Colts let Edge walk, they should be looking elsewhere to fill the void.

 

[Bri]

http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/arti.../601220453/1100

Colts GM Bill Polian recently said Reggie Wayne "isn't going anywhere."

split

The Indianapolis star reports the team is likely to keep him over Edgerrin James. They can probably only afford one. Wayne is due a huge contract, but the Colts will slap the franchise tag on him if the two sides can't come to a long-term agreement. Jan. 22 - 11:45 am et

Source: Indianapolis Star

Gbill,did the first quote cause the author to infer the 2nd or did Polian say the second bit?

 

[BoulderBob]

What makes Edge amazing?  He certainly looks like a back on the decline to me...

If the Colts waste their cap room on him, Colts fans can kiss their title hopes goodbye.

2005 was probably his best year

Stats-wise he was very good, but when watching him play one could tell he wasn't a game changing running back (IMO, the only type of RB worth a big contract). The Colts have a nice system in place, no need to give a running back entering his 7th or 8th year a huge deal when Manning and the blockers make that offense work. Should Wayne get a a huge contract? Probably not, but giving one to Edge would be a mistake. Running backs don't last in this game, and GM's who give old RB's big contracts are in the same boat.

 

[harrycarey]

Which of these drafts would be better assuming Thornton and Edge are gone..Option A:1. Laurence Maroney RB2. Roger Macintosh OLB3. Rob Sims OG Option B:1. Ernie Simms/Thomas Howard OLB2. Joseph Addai/Brian Calhoun RB3. Rob Sims OGOption C:1. Max Jean Gillis OG2. Roger Macintosh OLB3. Jerious Norwood/ Leon Washington RBFree agents like Deshaun Foster and Chester Taylor could be good fits as well as Thomas Jones if he is made available. I like Option B i think or if the Coaches feel Gilbert Gardner can step in for Thornton I wouldn't mind seeing Gillis, Addai/Calhoun, Devin Hester/Maurice Drew for returns

 

[BoulderBob]

Which of these drafts would be better assuming Thornton and Edge are gone..

Option A:

1. Laurence Maroney RB

2. Roger Macintosh OLB

3. Rob Sims OG

Option B:

1. Ernie Simms/Thomas Howard OLB

2. Joseph Addai/Brian Calhoun RB

3. Rob Sims OG

Option C:

1. Max Jean Gillis OG

2. Roger Macintosh OLB

3. Jerious Norwood/ Leon Washington RB

Free agents like Deshaun Foster and Chester Taylor could be good fits as well as Thomas Jones if he is made available.

I like Option B i think or if the Coaches feel Gilbert Gardner can step in for Thornton I wouldn't mind seeing Gillis, Addai/Calhoun, Devin Hester/Maurice Drew for returns

Option B or C, RB in the first round wouldn't be wise with the depth at the position in this draft.

 

[coolnerd]

What makes Edge amazing?  He certainly looks like a back on the decline to me...

If the Colts waste their cap room on him, Colts fans can kiss their title hopes goodbye.

2005 was probably his best year

Stats-wise he was very good, but when watching him play one could tell he wasn't a game changing running back (IMO, the only type of RB worth a big contract). The Colts have a nice system in place, no need to give a running back entering his 7th or 8th year a huge deal when Manning and the blockers make that offense work. Should Wayne get a a huge contract? Probably not, but giving one to Edge would be a mistake. Running backs don't last in this game, and GM's who give old RB's big contracts are in the same boat.

I could see not giving him a long term deal, but would you do another 1 year franchise thing like they did this year???

 

[Bob Magaw]

i could see prioritizing wayne over edge...that said, edge is younger than some think... not so sure he only has two years left...colts appreciate edge, i am sure, but they also may be factoring in that he runs through some gaping holes created by spread offense, & they can get that from other RBs... what they may not be considering is that he is one of the best blocking backs in NFL, & that won't be so easily replaced... & could have an impact on passing offense.IND also may be thinking that it is a buyers market for RBs, with RBs like SA & fred taylor potentially being available... that could be a cushy gig, & some RBs may want to come there even at a discount (though probably not alexander) because they would probably put up some good stats, possibly increasing chance of bigger payday down the road, or maybe for incentive-laden deal.it should be interesting to see where guys like edge & SA land... one sticking point to there not moving last offseason was compensation in picks, which will now be removed...still, it may be hard for edge to land the monster deal he will no doubt be looking for, with 3-4 years, lots of guaranteed money up front, maybe $15 million bonus... so he will probably have to settle... maybe for shorter duration contract that pays most, & he can go through the process again in year or two...

 

[Fantasy Man]

Polian is smart. It's much easier to fill the RB position than it is WR. Servicable RBs are all over the NFL. Very good young proven WRs are not. Edge is good, but as has been already pointed out in this thread, there will be no shortage of potential replacements, both on and off the roster. What would the Colts do opposite of Harrison if they let Wayne walk?

 

[fatness]

http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/arti.../601220453/1100

Colts GM Bill Polian recently said Reggie Wayne "isn't going anywhere."

split

The Indianapolis star reports the team is likely to keep him over Edgerrin James. They can probably only afford one. Wayne is due a huge contract, but the Colts will slap the franchise tag on him if the two sides can't come to a long-term agreement. Jan. 22 - 11:45 am et

Source: Indianapolis Star

Gbill,did the first quote cause the author to infer the 2nd or did Polian say the second bit?

Polian did not say the second. The writer is supposing it.

Polian declined to address specific players in Thursday's interview, but there are indications the Colts will retain either James or Wayne, not both.

If that's the case, it's Wayne. Polian has told The Star in previous discussions Wayne "isn't going anywhere'' and reiterated that stance on his most recent Monday night radio show.

 

[Adrian Peterson]

i thought fred taylor was signed thru 2007?

 

[Da Guru]

Indy made a great move in franchising James for a SuperBowl run. It did not work out. They have to keep Wayne because Marvin is aging and let James go. Manning will like it better trying to break his TD record.

 

[BigTex]

The Indianapolis Star doesn't expect Edgerrin James to be with the Colts in 2006. Because of the uncapped 2007 season, teams will have to "frontload" deals, causing immediate salary cap hits when a marquee free agent signs. The Colts can't squeeze Reggie Wayne and James in, so Edge is likely to go. Indianapolis could look for a running back in the draft. Jan. 22 - 11:49 am et Source: Indianapolis StarDominic Rhodes has a $1.45 million roster bonus this offseason.Rhodes hardly distinguished himself when given the chance in 2005. The Colts may cut him and start completely over at the running back position. Jan. 22 - 1:07 pm et Source: Indianapolis StarColts GM Bill Polian recently said Reggie Wayne "isn't going anywhere."The Indianapolis star reports the team is likely to keep him over Edgerrin James. They can probably only afford one. Wayne is due a huge contract, but the Colts will slap the franchise tag on him if the two sides can't come to a long-term agreement. Jan. 22 - 11:45 am et Source: Indianapolis StarColts | Manning still feeling heat for offensive line commentsSun, 22 Jan 2006 08:48:29 -0800The Boston Globe's Ron Borges reports Indianapolis Colts QB Peyton Manning is still feeling some heat and has lost some respect for comments he made about the team's offensive line after their playoff loss Sunday, Jan. 15, to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Manning pointed the blame for the loss to the offensive line and their lack of protection for him. With each playoff disappointment, it becomes more difficult to exonerate Manning for the Colts' failures.Colts | Madden says defense was better; but still not goodSun, 22 Jan 2006 08:45:49 -0800The Boston Globe's Ron Borges reports NFL analyst John Madden said a telling point of the Indianapolis Colts playoff loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers was the performance of their defense. ''All year people kept saying the Colts were better on defense and mistaking that for having a good defense," Madden pointed out. ''They did get better on defense this year, but they still were not a good defense."Colts | James eligible for unrestricted free agencySun, 22 Jan 2006 08:32:24 -0800Mike Chappell, of the Indianapolis Star, reports Indianapolis Colts RB Edgerrin James will be eligible to become an unrestricted free agent after the 2005 season. If the team decides to keep WR Reggie Wayne, James would most likely play elsewhere for the 2006 season.Colts | Cortez eligible for unrestricted free agency....LOL!Sun, 22 Jan 2006 08:56:44 -0800Mike Chappell, of the Indianapolis Star, reports Indianapolis Colts PK Jose Cortez will be eligible to become an unrestricted free agent after the 2005 season.

 

[BoulderBob]

Polian is smart.  It's much easier to fill the RB position than it is WR.  Servicable RBs are all over the NFL.  Very good young proven WRs are not.

Sure, as long as your definition of "proven WR" is "a WR who puts up huge numbers in a pass-happy offense with a HOF QB".But in reality, Wayne won't be "proven" until he puts up equal numbers with a different QB.

I guess Jerry Rice never proved himself...

 

[AB in DC]

I wouldn't be at all surprised if Edge decides to retire, like Robert Smith did.

 

[H.K.]

FWIW Rhodes has a career YPC of 4.5, knows the system, runs well at the stripe, catches the ball well, and has very low mileage. However, he is clearly a step down from Edge.Also, Rhodes' 3.0 YPC this year was misleading as he carried 10 times for 0 yards in the final two weeks of the year when the Colts had packed it in and weren't exactly giving it their "A" game in those contests. The big concern about him should be his ability to handle a full load. Edge was very reliable after his knee injury, especially with his week to week workload.Also, Edge was a huge part of that offense ths season, and while some say his ability to hit the home run is in question, that is not his role. He really makes that offense click with his ability to gain positive yards and keep the offense "on schedule" by going to his nose and picking up the extra yard or two that most backs can't get. There is a huge difference in the play calling when an offense is in 2nd and 6 situations vs. 2nd and 8. IMHO Edge will be difficult to replace if he goes elsewhere.

 

[J-Money]

Polian is smart.  It's much easier to fill the RB position than it is WR.  Servicable RBs are all over the NFL.  Very good young proven WRs are not.

Sure, as long as your definition of "proven WR" is "a WR who puts up huge numbers in a pass-happy offense with a HOF QB".But in reality, Wayne won't be "proven" until he puts up equal numbers with a different QB.

I guess Jerry Rice never proved himself...

Sure he did, he did it with Montana then turned around and did it with Young

 

[Irish]

Polian is smart. It's much easier to fill the RB position than it is WR. Servicable RBs are all over the NFL. Very good young proven WRs are not.

Sure, as long as your definition of "proven WR" is "a WR who puts up huge numbers in a pass-happy offense with a HOF QB".But in reality, Wayne won't be "proven" until he puts up equal numbers with a different QB.

I guess Jerry Rice never proved himself...

Sure he did, he did it with Montana then turned around and did it with Young

And Gannon.

 

[Bri]

Polian is smart.  It's much easier to fill the RB position than it is WR.  Servicable RBs are all over the NFL.  Very good young proven WRs are not.

Sure, as long as your definition of "proven WR" is "a WR who puts up huge numbers in a pass-happy offense with a HOF QB".But in reality, Wayne won't be "proven" until he puts up equal numbers with a different QB.

I guess Jerry Rice never proved himself...

Wayne is not comparable with the best WR ever.

 

[Gatorman]

The fact is, there are going to be a whole bunch of RBs available and lying around this offseason, both in the draft and on the FA market (Thom Jones anyone?) While none of them is edge, they all have their pluses.My call: Edge to Arizona or Jax while Thom Jones or Fred Taylor make it t indy. LONG SHOT: Indy gives up a pick for a guy like RW.

 

[Bri]

Polian is smart. It's much easier to fill the RB position than it is WR. Servicable RBs are all over the NFL. Very good young proven WRs are not. Edge is good, but as has been already pointed out in this thread, there will be no shortage of potential replacements, both on and off the roster.

There will be WRs available in FA too. IMO a smart man realizes he doesn't have much luck drafting a certain position and grabs one via free agency. There were a bunch of WRs to play opposite Harrison before they got Wayne. Similarly, the Giants have been one of the worst franchises at drafting WRs. Before Toomer and Ike they had some miniscule number like 3 1000 yard WRs(guess) in 40-50 years. So when Ike left they got Plaxico and the hole was filled with a quality talent. Could the Colts find a guy like that in FA?

What would the Colts do opposite of Harrison if they let Wayne walk?

Harrison is getting up there in age. Is Wayne really as good as he seemed or is he benefitting from playing opposite a possible HOFer?Edge has always been one of the best two way threats since his rookie year. Peyton has been lucky to always have a stud RB as a threat. IIRC young Peyton did a play action fake on like every other play. Rhodes or a FA like Najeh could provide some running but I don't think they could be as great a 2 way threat as Edge. At this point in his career, his receiving #s are likely one of the best ever. In a way he's also been Manning's safety valve.

 

[JaxBill]

From the same article:

Backup running back Dominic Rhodes is due a $1.45 million roster bonus. There's a chance the team will not pay that, making him an unrestricted free agent.

 

[JohnnyU]

I wouldn't be at all surprised if Edge decides to retire, like Robert Smith did.

Robert Smith quit to study to become a Doctor. Does Edge have similar talent?

 

[Shermanator]

The Colts are going to do what they are gong to do. IIRC, here are the only players in modern NFL history to average 100 yards from scrimmage per game over their careers (minimum of 50 games played).

Edgerrin James 125.7

Jim Brown 125.5

LaDainian Tomlinson 123.5

Billy Sims 119.6

Barry Sanders 118.9

Clinton Portis 117.6

Walter Payton 111.9

Ricky Williams 109.7

Terrell Davis 109.7

Marshall Faulk 108.8

Fred Taylor 106.5

Curtis Martin 106.3

Jamal Lewis 105.6

Eric Dickerson 105.5

Rickey Watters 103.4

Priest Holmes 101.7

[hijack] I am amazed to NOT see Emmitt on this list [/endhijack]