Colts now must decide on Saturday, Harrison

Colts now must decide on Saturday, Harrison
By Mike Chappell
Posted: February 20, 2009

Kelvin Hayden's future with the Indianapolis Colts is secure. But now that the team has invested heavily in the 25-year-old starting cornerback -- a five-year, $43 million contract signed Wednesday -- it must decide what to do with a pair of 30-something offensive mainstays.

Jeff Saturday, 33 and a three-time Pro Bowl center, will become an unrestricted free agent Feb. 27 after the Colts opted not to give him the franchise tag by Thursday's deadline.

Marvin Harrison, an eight-time Pro Bowl receiver who will turn 37 in August and whose production has been declining, could have his contract terminated in a cost-cutting move.

What to do? Wait and see.

New coach Jim Caldwell shed little light on either player Thursday during an appearance at the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium.

He said Saturday "is with us until otherwise indicated.''

Saturday could not be reached for comment and his agent, Ralph Cindrich, declined comment. It's believed there has been no meaningful dialogue recently aimed at a long-term contract, an all signs point toward Saturday hitting the open market.

On Harrison, whose departure would provide $6 million in cap space if the team terminates his contract: "We certainly hope (to have him back)," Caldwell said. "That's what we anticipate. We're not quite sure what's going to happen, but we'd certainly love to have him back.''

Keeping either player would appear difficult.

The Colts faced significant salary cap issues even before the Hayden deal, which includes $22.5 million in guarantees and will count about $6 million to $7 million against the '09 cap. They have eight other players eligible for unrestricted free agency, including backup running back Dominic Rhodes and cornerback Keiwan Ratliff, and must budget about $4 million in cap space for their draft class.

Caldwell emphasized the importance of locking up Hayden for the long haul, saying "he's just done an exceptional job and he's in the prime of his career.''

The signing also means the Colts should return all 11 defensive starters from a year ago.

The offense, however, would face major changes if Saturday and Harrison don't return. It would be a particular adjustment for quarterback Peyton Manning, who has played 154 games taking the ball from Saturday and 173 throwing it to Harrison, including playoffs. Manning and Saturday have started more regular-season games together (138) than any quarterback-center combo other than Buffalo's Jim Kelly and Kent Hull (157). Manning and Harrison have career NFL quarterback- receiver records with 953 completions, 12,766 yards and 112 touchdowns.

The team prepared for Saturday's eventual departure by selecting three interior offensive linemen in the 2008 draft. Jamey Richard, a seventh-round pick, started four games at center, including the season opener, as Saturday dealt with knee and calf injuries.

Caldwell said he would be confident if young players had to step in for departed veterans.

"We've always had young guys that have learned and developed within the system and been able to step up and do a great job,'' he said. "We don't anticipate that changing.''

http://www.indystar.com/article/20090220/SPORTS03/902200370/1058/SPORTS03