Freeney could be out in Indy, too

[srrono]

On Monday, Silva pointed out that, with the Colts giving defensive end Robert Mathis a new four-year, $36 million contract that kicks out $17 million in 2012 alone, the team now has more than $30 million tied up this year in a pair of defensive ends who are on the wrong side of 30.

But they may not have that problem for long. Dwight Freeney is entering the final season of a six-year, $72 million contract. He has a base salary of $14.035 million, and (per a league sourcce) a cap number of $19.035 million.

Freeney, as a result, may be out.

Of course, he could agree to take less money. But the problem is that he currently has no agent. Gary Wichard died on March 11, 2011, the same day the lockout started. He has not, we’re told, hired a new agent.

So, unless they intend to pay Freeney $14.035 million this season, the Colts will either have to negotiate a reduced contract directly with Freeney, or they’ll have to hope he finds a new agent. If Freeney were inclined to take a pay cut, he presumably would have hired a new agent by now.

Either way, the change in Indy may include not only the team’s highest-profile offensive player from the last 15 years, but also the most important defensive player of the last decade.

[Ole Miss Texan]

Holy smokes. Let's say we don't extend Mario a contract making him the highest paid defender...

How crazy would it be if we picked up Freeney to be our WOLB + Peyton on a reasonable incentive laden contract + Reggie Wayne as our #2 WR.

I know I know I know, this isn't Madden... but it IS the offseason and you can let a guy dream about raiding the Colts of their stars!!!

[Rey]

I hope like hell that the Colts don't pick up Mario.

[Dutchrudder]

Originally Posted by Rey

I hope like hell that the Colts don't pick up Mario.

You've got to admit though, the idea of Peyton coming here and Mario going to the Colts would be a pretty funny turn of events.

[The Cush]

Originally Posted by Ole Miss Texan

Holy smokes. Let's say we don't extend Mario a contract making him the highest paid defender...

How crazy would it be if we picked up Freeney to be our WOLB + Peyton on a reasonable incentive laden contract + Reggie Wayne as our #2 WR.

I know I know I know, this isn't Madden... but it IS the offseason and you can let a guy dream about raiding the Colts of their stars!!!

Freeney has been telling people he doesn't want to stand up and wants to stay a traditional 4-3 end.

[Goldensilence]

Originally Posted by Rey

I hope like hell that the Colts don't pick up Mario.

Unlikely, dropping one high priced DE for another?

[Dutchrudder]

Originally Posted by Goldensilence

Unlikely, dropping one high priced DE for another?

Signing Mario for a 5 year deal would mean when his contract ends, he will be younger than Freeney is now. It's an obvious trade-up, but it will cost them a lot. Cutting Freeney saves them 14 million or so, but still counts 2.5-5 million against the cap in dead money. Not a good spot for them to be in, but now is the time to rebuild if they are gonna do it.

[Rey]

Originally Posted by Goldensilence

Unlikely, dropping one high priced DE for another?

Freeney is older than Mario and Mario is better against the run.

Plus, Mathis benefited a bunch from having Freeney on the othe side...They may feel the need to get another guy that can do the same thing.