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

[Bri]

I wonder if he ruined his average late in his career

 

[BigRed]

1 - Wayne is a very good WR helped somewhat by "the system" and I question if he's worth a ton of $, but would you rather overpay a very good WR somewhat or roll the dice on "whatever" - ? Doesn't anyone else remember what it was like when the Colts did not have a good #2 WR? I'm not Wayne's biggest fan, but IMO he should be re-signed.2 - EJ is a very good RB helped somewhat by "the system" - he's great at picking his holes, but doesn't have the speed power, and/or moves to really break much of anything, and the Colts need that threat. I agree that replacing a RB is easier than a WR (but as easy as some may think) so yeah I'd probably let him go given a choice. 3 - Regarding replacements for EJ, even if Priest didn't retire after this year (highly likely, maybe even this year) the Colts aren't signing him. That makes zero sense. Bennett is a breakaway threat but that's ALL he is and also makes no sense (course Polian just might be stupid enough to do it). FT makes slightly more sense but like Bennett still has a knack for getting hurt.....no thanks. And if they sign RW I will personally drive to Indy and run over Polian. As for Rhodes, just because a RB has one 1000 yd season doesn't make him a quality starter. I like him as a backup, but no way is he the answer.4 - Give me a break on "Peyton's money is messing this up" etc. He is what drives this team and w/o him they wouldn't even make the playoffs. His cap hit sucks, but the deal wasn't unreasonable one given he's one of the best in the league.

 

[Warpig]

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.

Totally agree here. Why let go a top tier RB and keep a good #2 WR? Hell, I could play WR2 with Peyton throwing the rock and I'd post 1100 yds with 7 td's!

 

[jgb95]

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.

As long a Peyton is making that kind of cash and not performing against tuff opponents in the playoffs there will be NO championships in IND future.

 

[AmpLee]

3 - Regarding replacements for EJ, even if Priest didn't retire after this year (highly likely, maybe even this year) the Colts aren't signing him. That makes zero sense. Bennett is a breakaway threat but that's ALL he is and also makes no sense (course Polian just might be stupid enough to do it). FT makes slightly more sense but like Bennett still has a knack for getting hurt.....no thanks. And if they sign RW I will personally drive to Indy and run over Polian. As for Rhodes, just because a RB has one 1000 yd season doesn't make him a quality starter. I like him as a backup, but no way is he the answer.

It would be funny if the Colts ended up getting Ricky Williams.....didn't Indy end up drafting James before Williams.....I remember Williams being in tears as everyone thought he was gonna be the first RB drafted that year

 

[Jobber]

The Colts will sorely miss Edge if he leaves. I wonder what percentage of plays were play-action this year? Edge keeps defenses honest. Dominic Rhodes will not. Edge is also a fantastic blocker from what I've seen.

 

[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 125.7

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]

Smith clocked in at 95.5 yards per game. He only averaged 100+ yards per game in 6 of his 15 seasons.

 

[Reaper]

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?

So he MUST be a Doctor by now right? Smith is shockingly getting into........ The Sports Broadcaster business.

Though, he did write a book.

 

[wickster33]

Edge is an old back with a lot of mileage on his tires. If he wants star money, Colts are wise to part company. As an Ahman Green owner, I wouldn't mind seeing him there, but the bottom line for the Colts is to sign a free agent at a reasonable price and draft a running back to develop for the future. Can't see a rookie running back winning the job this year unless he is a superior blocker. Indy can't afford an injured Peyton manning.

 

[Real Man of Genius]

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.

Did you watch football this year?

 

[gman8343]

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.

Did you watch football this year?

Maybe when he said "on the decline" he meant "prime of his career."

 

[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.

Did you watch football this year?

Maybe when he said "on the decline" he meant "prime of his career."

Edge puts up stats,I'll give him that. However, talent-wise, he is no longer an elite back that deserves a cap-crippling contract. Having the best QB in the league, along with 2 of the best WR's plays a huge part in the stats Edge puts on the board. If you can look at Edgerrin James, and call him a top 5 back in football (is it his agility? his speed? his toughness? his ability to hit the whole?), at this point in his career, I don't know what to tell you. The Colts will do the smart thing, and part ways with him. The NFL is all about today, and Edge's best days are clearly behind him. Stop looking at the stats, the evidence is on the field. Edge is a good RB who has excelled in a great system that many other RB's with similar talent, at this point, could also excel in. Don't tell me spending 6-11 million in cap space on Edge is a good move, it isn't, and every GM (except for the dumb ### who thinks Edge will help their team win 10 games next season) would agree with me. Come back to this thread a year from now, assuming Edge is no longer on the Colts, and I can almost guarantee the team that signs Edge (as long as it isn't KC or SEA) will be disappointed.Bottom line, giving a RB entering his 8th season a big contract is going to be a mistake in all but a few instances. Edge doesn't have the talent he used to have, and the Colts can fill the RB spot through FA and/or the draft and not miss a beat. Unless a RB has the talent of a Tomlinson/Sayers/J. Brown/Payton/etc, it is not wise to cripple your teams cap situation on a position that has plenty of depth. RB's are a funny breed, nowadays they get their big rookie contract, which they deserve due to their talent being at the highest point in the said timespan, and then they fall off. Edge has obviously fallen off a bit, time will tell if the Colts make the wise move.

 

[TheLaw]

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.

Did you watch football this year?

Maybe when he said "on the decline" he meant "prime of his career."

Edge puts up stats,I'll give him that. However, talent-wise, he is no longer an elite back that deserves a cap-crippling contract. Having the best QB in the league, along with 2 of the best WR's plays a huge part in the stats Edge puts on the board. If you can look at Edgerrin James, and call him a top 5 back in football (is it his agility? his speed? his toughness? his ability to hit the whole?), at this point in his career, I don't know what to tell you. The Colts will do the smart thing, and part ways with him. The NFL is all about today, and Edge's best days are clearly behind him. Stop looking at the stats, the evidence is on the field. Edge is a good RB who has excelled in a great system that many other RB's with similar talent, at this point, could also excel in. Don't tell me spending 6-11 million in cap space on Edge is a good move, it isn't, and every GM (except for the dumb ### who thinks Edge will help their team win 10 games next season) would agree with me. Come back to this thread a year from now, assuming Edge is no longer on the Colts, and I can almost guarantee the team that signs Edge (as long as it isn't KC or SEA) will be disappointed.Bottom line, giving a RB entering his 8th season a big contract is going to be a mistake in all but a few instances. Edge doesn't have the talent he used to have, and the Colts can fill the RB spot through FA and/or the draft and not miss a beat. Unless a RB has the talent of a Tomlinson/Sayers/J. Brown/Payton/etc, it is not wise to cripple your teams cap situation on a position that has plenty of depth. RB's are a funny breed, nowadays they get their big rookie contract, which they deserve due to their talent being at the highest point in the said timespan, and then they fall off. Edge has obviously fallen off a bit, time will tell if the Colts make the wise move.

Totally disagree. The Colts are simply not anywhere near as good w/o Edge. He is a special player. Colts fans will realize this only when he is in Jax winning the AFC South next year.Can the Colts afford to pay Wayne WR1 type money?? I assume this is what he will be looking for.

 

[David Yudkin]

Since 2001, the Colts are 47-17 (.734) with James playing and 7-9 (.438) with him out of the lineup. One certainly could argue it's only a coincidence and that most of the losses came in the same season, but there may be more to it than that.

 

[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.

Did you watch football this year?

Maybe when he said "on the decline" he meant "prime of his career."

Edge puts up stats,I'll give him that. However, talent-wise, he is no longer an elite back that deserves a cap-crippling contract. Having the best QB in the league, along with 2 of the best WR's plays a huge part in the stats Edge puts on the board. If you can look at Edgerrin James, and call him a top 5 back in football (is it his agility? his speed? his toughness? his ability to hit the whole?), at this point in his career, I don't know what to tell you. The Colts will do the smart thing, and part ways with him. The NFL is all about today, and Edge's best days are clearly behind him. Stop looking at the stats, the evidence is on the field. Edge is a good RB who has excelled in a great system that many other RB's with similar talent, at this point, could also excel in. Don't tell me spending 6-11 million in cap space on Edge is a good move, it isn't, and every GM (except for the dumb ### who thinks Edge will help their team win 10 games next season) would agree with me. Come back to this thread a year from now, assuming Edge is no longer on the Colts, and I can almost guarantee the team that signs Edge (as long as it isn't KC or SEA) will be disappointed.Bottom line, giving a RB entering his 8th season a big contract is going to be a mistake in all but a few instances. Edge doesn't have the talent he used to have, and the Colts can fill the RB spot through FA and/or the draft and not miss a beat. Unless a RB has the talent of a Tomlinson/Sayers/J. Brown/Payton/etc, it is not wise to cripple your teams cap situation on a position that has plenty of depth. RB's are a funny breed, nowadays they get their big rookie contract, which they deserve due to their talent being at the highest point in the said timespan, and then they fall off. Edge has obviously fallen off a bit, time will tell if the Colts make the wise move.

Totally disagree. The Colts are simply not anywhere near as good w/o Edge. He is a special player. Colts fans will realize this only when he is in Jax winning the AFC South next year.Can the Colts afford to pay Wayne WR1 type money?? I assume this is what he will be looking for.

I simply do not believe Edge is special, and therefor is unworthy of the contract that goes along with being special. I guess we will find out next season..

 

[David Yudkin]

I simply do not believe Edge is special, and therefor is unworthy of the contract that goes along with being special.  I guess we will find out next season..

Well, the history books think Edge is special . . .Most seasons with 1,500+ rushing yards:5 seasons: Barry Sanders4 seasons: Eric Dickerson, Walter Payton, Edgerrin James

 

[Wadsworth]

Since 2001, the Colts are 47-17 (.734) with James playing and 7-9 (.438) with him out of the lineup.  One certainly could argue it's only a coincidence and that most of the losses came in the same season, but there may be more to it than that.

Also, manning's worse seasons as a pro besides his rookie year for QB rating were 2001 and 2002 when Edge got hurt and was still recovering. 1998- 71.2

1999- 90.7

2000- 94.7

2001- 84.1

2002- 88.8

2003- 99.0

2004- 121.1

2005- 104.1

But then again, what do we know about football? The genius Bill Polian knows more than anyone and will of course make the perfect move as always. Gotta love him making public statements that they'll sign Wayne not matter what. I'm sure Wayne's agent took notice and raised up his demands. Smooooth Bill, smooth.

 

[BoulderBob]

I simply do not believe Edge is special, and therefor is unworthy of the contract that goes along with being special.  I guess we will find out next season..

Well, the history books think Edge is special . . .Most seasons with 1,500+ rushing yards:

5 seasons: Barry Sanders

4 seasons: Eric Dickerson, Walter Payton, Edgerrin James

Stats do not tell the whole story, did Walter Payton and Dickerson have the best QB and WR(s) on their team as well? Edge was special before his knee injury, I don't think I have witnessed one run since the injury that would lead me to believe he is an elite back. We will see the truth next season, when a different back is putting up similar stats in that offense.

 

[Blackjacks]

Can we get back to Ricky ending up there please. I know Ricky will never happen but he's a better option than Holmes. With all honesty I think I could really see a Chester Taylor, DD, Fred Taylor, Bennett, A. Green, T. Jones, M. Faulk, Foster, Dunn(if he's cut) ending up there. I think this is the list we're looking at. Another thought is for the last couple years we've said they can't keep all of the players in Indy and they do. Maybe they'll find a way again this year.

 

[Wadsworth]

Can we get back to Ricky ending up there please.

I know Ricky will never happen but he's a better option than Holmes.

With all honesty I think I could really see a Chester Taylor, DD, Fred Taylor, Bennett, A. Green, T. Jones, M. Faulk, Foster, Dunn(if he's cut) ending up there. I think this is the list we're looking at. Another thought is for the last couple years we've said they can't keep all of the players in Indy and they do. Maybe they'll find a way again this year.

I sure hope so. Keep pushing that money into the future.

 

[David Yudkin]

I simply do not believe Edge is special, and therefor is unworthy of the contract that goes along with being special.  I guess we will find out next season..

Well, the history books think Edge is special . . .Most seasons with 1,500+ rushing yards:

5 seasons: Barry Sanders

4 seasons: Eric Dickerson, Walter Payton, Edgerrin James

Stats do not tell the whole story, did Walter Payton and Dickerson have the best QB and WR(s) on their team as well? Edge was special before his knee injury, I don't think I have witnessed one run since the injury that would lead me to believe he is an elite back. We will see the truth next season, when a different back is putting up similar stats in that offense.

I am not 100% disagreeing with you, as I also think that Edge is not the same as before in terms of burst and breakaway speed. But the Colts had Manning and Harrison prior to James' injury.Edge's first two years: 101.9 yards rushing per game and a 4.3 ypc.

Edge's last two years: 98.5 yards rushing per game and a 4.4 ypc.

The only thing that changed dramtically (at least stats wise) is that the Colts started using Edge less as a receiver out of the backfield.

125 rec-1180 rec yds-9.4 ypr-9 TD his first two years

95 rec-820 rec yds-8.6 ypr-1 TD his last two years

Maybe the Colts can get away with another RB, but they know what they have in James.

 

[Rockchild]

The Colts ability to sign Wayne to a longterm contract will have some bearing on whether they can sign Edgerrin too. If they have to use the Franchise Tag on Wayne, then I don't think they'll be able to sign Edgerrin as their total cap number for the two of them will be too high. However, if they can sign Wayne to a longterm contract and have a lower cap number for him then they can do the same with Edgerrin. Another force hindering this is the negotiations on a new CBA. If there is no agreement on a new CBA, then it will be even more difficult if not impossible, to sin both and specifically Edgerrin because contracts will only be able to be 4 years long. Way too short to prorate any sizable signing bonus into the salary cap.

 

[LHUCKS]

If the Colts lose Edge we're looking at a RBBC IMHO.

 

[Sopranos]

Colts will be fine without Edge. Why is everyone in a panic about it..

 

[Polyethylene Bag]

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.

Edge will be a Viking in 2006.

 

[EZD222]

Edge is an elite back because he is the toal package.1. He runs well. Does not have lightening speed and really isn't a homerun threat, but his ability to get 8-10 yard chunks is unmatched. Plus it helps with clock managment.2. Edge is an excellent receiver when needed.3. Edge is one of the best blocking backs in the league and has a nose for picking up the blitz. Peyton himself has said this.

 

[Shermanator]

All this talk about Edge not being resigned, Im not buying it. No way Indy lets this guy walk. No way

 

[BoulderBob]

All this talk about Edge not being resigned, Im not buying it. No way Indy lets this guy walk. No way

Would you give a RB entering his 8th season a 10 million dollar contract? I'll give Edge this, he is as durable as they come and he does all the little things well, but history doesn't suggest he will be able to produce, barring the Colts bringing in the Cheifs offensive line, at a high level for much longer. Not going to be an easy decision, but if it comes down to Wayne or Edge, I'm almost certain Polian will go with the WR of the future.

 

[G3-175SE]

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.

Taylor is injury prone and I think Holmes would cost as much as James. I think the Colts are should resign James.

 

[one4thumb]

Bottom line here is that a serviceable rb that can do for Indy what Edge has done can be found in abundance right now. Otoh, they have the opportunity to wrap up their future #1 wr right now. If Wayne is signed, he will supplant Marvin as the #1 wr. An argument can be made that he already is the #1 wr. To wrap up the future 5-7+ years at wr is a much larger priority than it is to find someone who can fill in at rb for the next 2 years or so and put up similar numbers that Edge would put up. We've said many times in the past how hard it is to find a good rb and that wrs are a dime a dozen. I'd say if you look at the current glut at rb and current paucity at wr, it seems the times they are a changing.

 

[Bri]

Though, he did write a book.

you read it? any good?

 

[Sopranos]

I have watched every game james has played. He is not the same RB he was. He will never break a long one. Does not have the speed. His power is avg. He has a very good first step and he is one of the top 3-4 blockers in the league.He wants Portis money so he wont be back. Manning and Harrison have both said they will change their contract to help sign him. To be honest i dont think Management wants him back. Rhodes and a Rookie will do fine. Lets face it all the Colts loses come when we rush the ball 15 times or less. So if you dont use edge in the BIG games why have him.I could care less if they win 14 games. It didnt help anymore than a 11 or 12 win season. You either come to play or you dont. And so far the Colts dont.

 

[The Ref]

If the Colts lose Edge we're looking at a RBBC IMHO.

Well one thing is for sure, if they sign Wayne they are going to need real value at Rb with all the other $$ they have tied up on the O side of the ball.I can't help but think someone is going to get 225 touches and be valuable next year that someone isn't thinking of as of right now.

 

[iSnitch]

What makes Wayne so valueable? Is Manning incapable of making wr's? I've always felt running backs were more important to a team than #2 receivers.Who does Seattle have as their #2? Pittsburgh? Carolina? Denver? They've all got solid receivers but I don't think anybody here would call Lelie, Engram or the others a star. C'mon-Wayne may or may not be a great talent but if Manning can't win unless he has all these weapons then maybe he isn't as good as many of us think.

 

[cstu]

What makes Wayne so valueable? Is Manning incapable of making wr's? I've always felt running backs were more important to a team than #2 receivers.

Who does Seattle have as their #2? Pittsburgh? Carolina? Denver? They've all got solid receivers but I don't think anybody here would call Lelie, Engram or the others a star. C'mon-Wayne may or may not be a great talent but if Manning can't win unless he has all these weapons then maybe he isn't as good as many of us think.

Manning would probably be fine with lesser WR's, but Harrison will be 34 and likely only has a year or two left. Wayne is 26 and entering his prime as a WR. He has increased his catches every year and he passed Harrision in catches this year. He's not your typical #2 and looks to be replacing Harrison as the #1 the way Holt replaced Bruce.

 

[iSnitch]

What makes Wayne so valueable?  Is Manning incapable of making wr's?  I've always felt running  backs were more important to a team than #2 receivers.

Who does Seattle have as their #2?  Pittsburgh?  Carolina?  Denver?  They've all got solid receivers but I don't think anybody here would call Lelie, Engram or the others a star.  C'mon-Wayne may or may not be a great talent but if Manning can't win unless he has all these weapons then maybe he isn't as good as many of us think.

Manning would probably be fine with lesser WR's, but Harrison will be 34 and likely only has a year or two left. Wayne is 26 and entering his prime as a WR. He has increased his catches every year and he passed Harrision in catches this year. He's not your typical #2 and looks to be replacing Harrison as the #1 the way Holt replaced Bruce.

Then the big mistake was giving Harrison the long term contract. If it's between Marvin and Edge, I'll take the running back. If Wayne really is that good.

 

[ren hoek]

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.

I disagree. The value they get out of Wayne as a compliment to Harrison is far greater than the money they have been handcuffing to Edgerrin James every year. The difference between James and Rhodes is definitely not worth $4+ million dollars.

 

[cstu]

What makes Wayne so valueable? Is Manning incapable of making wr's? I've always felt running backs were more important to a team than #2 receivers.

Who does Seattle have as their #2? Pittsburgh? Carolina? Denver? They've all got solid receivers but I don't think anybody here would call Lelie, Engram or the others a star. C'mon-Wayne may or may not be a great talent but if Manning can't win unless he has all these weapons then maybe he isn't as good as many of us think.

Manning would probably be fine with lesser WR's, but Harrison will be 34 and likely only has a year or two left. Wayne is 26 and entering his prime as a WR. He has increased his catches every year and he passed Harrision in catches this year. He's not your typical #2 and looks to be replacing Harrison as the #1 the way Holt replaced Bruce.

Then the big mistake was giving Harrison the long term contract. If it's between Marvin and Edge, I'll take the running back. If Wayne really is that good.

That's what I said last year but the Colts wouldn't listen. LINK

 

[iSnitch]

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.

I disagree. The value they get out of Wayne as a compliment to Harrison is far greater than the money they have been handcuffing to Edgerrin James every year. The difference between James and Rhodes is definitely not worth $4+ million dollars.

If Wayne is merely a compliment to Harrison then IMO resigning him over Edge would be a large mistake. If Wayne is a dominant wr and the future of the Colts then that's a different matter. Being a good running back consists of more than simply running the ball.

 

[iSnitch]

What makes Wayne so valueable?  Is Manning incapable of making wr's?  I've always felt running  backs were more important to a team than #2 receivers.

Who does Seattle have as their #2?  Pittsburgh?  Carolina?  Denver?  They've all got solid receivers but I don't think anybody here would call Lelie, Engram or the others a star.  C'mon-Wayne may or may not be a great talent but if Manning can't win unless he has all these weapons then maybe he isn't as good as many of us think.

Manning would probably be fine with lesser WR's, but Harrison will be 34 and likely only has a year or two left. Wayne is 26 and entering his prime as a WR. He has increased his catches every year and he passed Harrision in catches this year. He's not your typical #2 and looks to be replacing Harrison as the #1 the way Holt replaced Bruce.

Then the big mistake was giving Harrison the long term contract. If it's between Marvin and Edge, I'll take the running back. If Wayne really is that good.

That's what I said last year but the Colts wouldn't listen. LINK

I agreed with you last year and still do. I find the comment saying they'll win 11 or so games every year only to lose to a team with a defense comment interesting.

 

[ren hoek]

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.

I disagree. The value they get out of Wayne as a compliment to Harrison is far greater than the money they have been handcuffing to Edgerrin James every year. The difference between James and Rhodes is definitely not worth $4+ million dollars.

If Wayne is merely a compliment to Harrison then IMO resigning him over Edge would be a large mistake. If Wayne is a dominant wr and the future of the Colts then that's a different matter. Being a good running back consists of more than simply running the ball.

Even if Edge costs well over twice as much as Wayne?He's a great #2, but I think there's reason to believe he wouldn't look even remotely like a capable #1 receiver in a less prolific offense. But the drop-off between Reggie Wayne to Brandon Stokley (as it would stand right now, I believe) is HUGE. I didn't mean to imply that he's 'merely' anything, he's an important cog in that offense.

Conversely, I don't believe there is all that steep of a drop-off between James and Rhodes. Rhodes has already proven that he can be a productive player, and he can provide that production at a fraction of the cost. They absolutely need to invest some money into their defense before they even think about paying a RB $6 million dollars, and I think Edge would look very pedestrian in a lot of other offenses.

 

[Biabreakable]

The majority of posters here seem to think Reggie Wayne is not that good for some reason and that his numbers are only because of how good Manning is and that ANY WR could put up similar number to Wayne in thier system.Reggie Wayne: +--------------------------+-------------------------+ | Rushing | Receiving |+----------+-----+--------------------------+-------------------------+| Year TM | G | Att Yards Y/A TD | Rec Yards Y/R TD |+----------+-----+--------------------------+-------------------------+| 2001 ind | 13 | 0 0 0.0 0 | 27 345 12.8 0 || 2002 ind | 16 | 0 0 0.0 0 | 49 716 14.6 4 || 2003 ind | 16 | 0 0 0.0 0 | 68 838 12.3 7 || 2004 ind | 16 | 1 -4 -4.0 0 | 77 1210 15.7 12 || 2005 ind | 16 | 0 0 0.0 0 | 83 1055 12.7 5 |+----------+-----+--------------------------+-------------------------+| TOTAL | 77 | 1 -4 -4.0 0 | 304 4164 13.7 28 |+----------+-----+--------------------------+-------------------------+WRs in year 2000:Wide Receivers+----------------------+----+-----------------------+----------------------+| Name | G | RSH YARD AVG TD | REC YARD AVG TD |+----------------------+----+-----------------------+----------------------+| E.G. Green | 5 | 0 0 0.0 0 | 18 201 11.2 1 || Marvin Harrison | 16 | 0 0 0.0 0 | 102 1413 13.9 14 || Jerome Pathon | 16 | 1 3 3.0 0 | 50 646 12.9 3 || Terrence Wilkins | 14 | 3 8 2.7 0 | 43 569 13.2 3 |+----------------------+----+-----------------------+----------------------+WR in year 1999:+----------------------+----+-----------------------+----------------------+| Name | G | RSH YARD AVG TD | REC YARD AVG TD |+----------------------+----+-----------------------+----------------------+| E.G. Green | 11 | 0 0 0.0 0 | 21 287 13.7 0 || Marvin Harrison | 16 | 1 4 4.0 0 | 115 1663 14.5 12 || Isaac Jones | 2 | 0 0 0.0 0 | 1 8 8.0 0 || Jerome Pathon | 12 | 0 0 0.0 0 | 14 163 11.6 0 || Terrence Wilkins | 16 | 1 2 2.0 0 | 42 565 13.5 4 |+----------------------+----+-----------------------+----------------------+WRs in 1998:+----------------------+----+-----------------------+----------------------+| Name | G | RSH YARD AVG TD | REC YARD AVG TD |+----------------------+----+-----------------------+----------------------+| Aaron Bailey | 9 | 0 0 0.0 0 | 0 0 0.0 0 || E.G. Green | 12 | 0 0 0.0 0 | 15 177 11.8 1 || Marvin Harrison | 12 | 0 0 0.0 0 | 59 776 13.2 7 || Kaipo McGuire | 1 | 0 0 0.0 0 | 0 0 0.0 0 || Jerome Pathon | 16 | 3 -2 -0.7 0 | 50 511 10.2 1 || Freddie Scott | 1 | 0 0 0.0 0 | 0 0 0.0 0 || Torrance Small | 16 | 1 2 2.0 0 | 45 681 15.1 7 |+----------------------+----+-----------------------+----------------------+Before Reggie Wayne developed(year 3) Manning was much more reliant on throwing to the TE than he is now. Part of this may be the quality of reciever that Wayne has become.. part of it may be Manning developing as a Qb.. I do think young Qbs may favor the TE more as a safety valve as they are often forgoten in coverage or just plain beat when covered by a LBer. But now with Waynes development Manning does not go to the TE as often as he did before.I do not think Wayne is by any means as good as Marvin. However I can still see him being a productive Wr 2 and eventualy becoming thier WR 1 as Marvin declines. Then I expect a shift of targets to go back to the TE again while the Colts develop a complimentary WR to Wayne. Probobly a faster WR that is more of a deep threat.Bottom line while I do not expect Wayne to be able to put up Marvin numbers when Marvin retires I do think he will have too many opportunities to not hover around 100 catches. He has shown he is capable of doing that if his targets increase and in that situation they will.As far as the COlts being able to just plug any WR into thier system and that WR gaining Manning confidence.. history does not bear that out. I think Wayne will get a huge ammount of targets in the interum. And that continuity is more important to the Colts long term plans than Edge is. Keep in mind the Colts gave up Marshall Faulk for a 2nd round pick before aquiring Edge and that worked out exceptionaly well. If they could somehow get Deangelo Williams I could see a similar type of transition again. Ahman Green could be another good replacement that is more cap friendly.Or Ricky Williams I agree would be worth a trade for them because his salary is so friendly cap wise.Chester Taylor would be a cheaper option but I am not sure any team can have that much confidence in him at this point.

 

[softball]

I am just hopeful that if Edge leaves, he goes someplace that he is the clear # 1.And whomever Indy brings in is the clear #1.Thereby giving me a better chance of getting 2 clear #1 RB's on my FF Teams in 06' Who cares about the $$!!