inmate running the asylum Posted February 12, 2004 Share Posted February 12, 2004 Irsay says QB deal will get done Colts owner vows to make Manning highest-paid player in the history of the league. Setting the bar - Here are contracts secured by several of the NFL's top quarterbacks: • Philadelphia's Donovan McNabb signed the biggest contract in league history in September 2002, a 12-year extension through 2013. It is worth a reported $115 million with a signing bonus of more than $20 million. • Drew Bledsoe in 2001 signed a 10-year, $103 million contract with the New England Patriots. • Minnesota's Daunte Culpepper in May 2003 signed a 10-year extension worth $102 million that included $16 million in guaranteed bonuses. Since the deal includes numerous incentives Culpepper is unlikely to achieve, the value of the contract is closer to $71 million. • Green Bay's Brett Favre in March 2001 signed a "lifetime contract." It was a 10-year deal worth $101.5 million and included a $10 million signing bonus. • Tennessee's Steve McNair in June 2001 agreed to a six-year, $47 million extension with a $16 million bonus. • St. Louis' Kurt Warner in 2000 signed a seven-year, $46.35 million contract that included an $11.5 million signing bonus.Setting the bar By Mike Chappell mike.chappell@indystar.com February 10, 2004 HONOLULU -- The laid-back atmosphere surrounding the Pro Bowl has given way to an urgent situation that will help shape the future of the Indianapolis Colts: Deal with quarterback Peyton Manning, whose contract expires March 2. "It will get done," team owner Jim Irsay predicted Monday afternoon. "As I've said before, Peyton isn't going anywhere. "I have had a special relationship over the past six years with Peyton and his family. We've been through a lot and I'm looking forward to a lot more." Colts president Bill Polian and Tom Condon, Manning's agent, spent the previous week in Honolulu and met on at least one occasion. Polian refused comment on the negotiations and Condon did not return calls. However, Archie Manning, Peyton's father, confirmed Monday that meaningful dialogue between the Colts and Condon has begun. "They've met a couple of times and I think they'll speak often in the days ahead to see if they can get it worked out," he said. The next possible face-to-face meetings could occur Feb. 18-24 when the National Football Scouting Combine returns to Indianapolis. Agents hold an annual meeting in Indianapolis during that time. ESPN reported during Sunday evening's Pro Bowl that Condon has submitted three proposals, each rejected by the Colts. Irsay declined to verify the report. When it comes to contract negotiations, he said, "there is a ritual, a dance, a process." That process figures to be arduous. If successful, it could make Manning the highest-paid player in NFL history. Manning is coming off the best season of his six-year career, one in which he was named the league's co-MVP, directed the Colts to the AFC Championship game and appeared in his fourth Pro Bowl. The benchmark for quarterbacks was set in September 2002 by Philadelphia, which signed Donovan McNabb to a 12-year extension worth a reported $115 million. The signing bonus exceeded $20 million. "I'm not getting into any debate on the best quarterback in the league -- (Steve) McNair, (Brett) Favre, McNabb, (Tom) Brady," Irsay said. "I'm willing to make Peyton Manning the highest-paid player in the history of the league." A new contract, he added, will include the biggest signing bonus ever and the biggest yearly average. "That says it all," Irsay said. "At the same time, we want to win a championship and to do that you have to deal with the salary cap. Peyton will be the highest-paid player in the league, but not by 25 percent. "This shouldn't be an extremely difficult deal." Polian acknowledged Manning's situation will affect the Colts' offseason personnel moves. "We have a Plan A and Plan B," he said. "Peyton is the linchpin." Under a long-term contract, Manning might count approximately $10 million to $11 million against the 2004 salary cap. He counted $15.4 million against the '03 cap. But if a multiyear deal cannot be reached, the team will retain Manning by designating him its "franchise player." That one-year tender must be issued by Feb. 24 and will result in Manning counting $18.4 million, 23 percent of the team total. Relying on the franchise tag, conceded Irsay, "would not be a good solution." A cap-friendlier long-term deal would give the Colts flexibility in retaining their free agents and reinforcing their roster with other veteran free agents, particularly on defense. Colts who can become unrestricted free agents in March include starting strong-side linebacker Marcus Washington, starting cornerback David Macklin, backup tackle Josh Williams and special teams standout Cliff Crosby. Manning set Pro Bowl single-game records with 22 completions, 41 attempts and 342 yards. His three touchdown passes pushed his career total to eight, another Pro Bowl mark. In the days leading up to the game, Manning deftly dodged the issue of his contract. "It's interesting," he said. "My first six years I've been under contract and I've never had to worry about anything. "This year is different. Other than that, I don't have a whole lot to say about it. Just say it's interesting." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillyKilmer Posted February 12, 2004 Share Posted February 12, 2004 He deserve's a fat payday. Great QB, Great character. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rypien 91 Posted February 12, 2004 Share Posted February 12, 2004 dang...good time to be Payton Manning huh? He deserves it though, great QB. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Riggo-toni Posted February 12, 2004 Share Posted February 12, 2004 This means, of course, we can probably raid the Colts this offseason. Is Dominic Rhodes any good between the tackles, or is he more of a (ugh)scat back? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
inmate running the asylum Posted February 12, 2004 Author Share Posted February 12, 2004 Originally posted by riggo-toni This means, of course, we can probably raid the Colts this offseason. Is Dominic Rhodes any good between the tackles, or is he more of a (ugh)scat back? No, I've already declared this the "Raid the Titans" year. Kearse, Kinney and Robaire Smith. :laugh: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shotgunner Posted February 12, 2004 Share Posted February 12, 2004 Yes he is a great QB. But is anyone worthy of that kind of cash. It has to stop somewhere, I can see in the future, games will be available on pay per view only. Hot Dog, Beer, peanuts - $30.00? The fans pay the price, stop the madness:hammer: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phat Hog Posted February 12, 2004 Share Posted February 12, 2004 Good move by the Colts... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WallyG3 Posted February 12, 2004 Share Posted February 12, 2004 Payton Manning should be the highest paid player in the league. He was the clear MVP this year, and has played at a high level his whole career. The Colts would be crazy to let him go. He'll most likely be a first ballot HOFer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheDoyler23 Posted February 12, 2004 Share Posted February 12, 2004 It's just sad that under a salary cap that one player can make up 1/4 of a teams total cap number. It's like a future punishment for making good draft selections. (not taking Ryan Leaf!) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GrapeApe Posted February 12, 2004 Share Posted February 12, 2004 Wow, look at the lenght of those contracts. Doesn't Champ want a signing bonus that exceeds most of those contracts and on a shorter term deal? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NVskinsfan Posted February 12, 2004 Share Posted February 12, 2004 Originally posted by WallyG3 Payton Manning should be the highest paid player in the league. He was the clear MVP this year, and has played at a high level his whole career. The Colts would be crazy to let him go. He'll most likely be a first ballot HOFer. 100% true on that account! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Novato Posted February 12, 2004 Share Posted February 12, 2004 Read somewhere that if in need, the Colts would cut Edgerrin James....... I would like to see him in B&G. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Duke Posted February 12, 2004 Share Posted February 12, 2004 I don't see ANY player will get paid over Payton in the near future, until, perhaps, when Vick's contract is due. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TC4 Posted February 12, 2004 Share Posted February 12, 2004 The question is are the Colts gonna be able to pay both Marvin Harrison and Edgerrin James after the 2004 season when they both become UFAs after playing all that money to Peyton? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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