Trouble in Indy?

[CC]

With teams having to designate their transition and franchise players by Feb. 24, expect a lot of activity on that front in the coming days. Those tags will just about end any chance those players can move since there are so many restrictions tied to them. Most league insiders expect all of the top corners -- in addition to Bailey, that means Oakland's Charles Woodson and Baltimore's Chris McAlister -- to be hit with franchise tags, which will take them off the market. The Raiders weren't expected to tag Woodson, but the Raiders are now telling teams they will. Offensive tackles Orlando Pace (Rams) and Walter Jones (Seattle) will also get franchise tags, which both played under last season when they could not agree to new deals. Other players who could get tagged are 49ers linebacker Julian Peterson (franchise tag), Saints defensive end Darren Howard (transition) and Colts quarterback Peyton Manning, who will count $18 million against the cap if he plays under the franchise tag. There has been some talk that the Colts are considering releasing running back Edgerrin James to save money to help make the Manning tag work if it comes to that. Some say that's just a threat the Colts are putting out to help get the Manning deal done. Their hope is that Manning and the Colts can agree on a new deal before the tag is used. Just in case, the Colts have done a nice job clearing out cap room in case Manning has to take a big chunk. It's not that the Colts don't want to pay Manning. It's just that playing in a stadium that does not generate much premium-seat revenue makes it tough to pay a signing bonus in the $20 million range.

Source: NFL.com

This is pretty big news, hopefully they are just saying this so that Manning will take less money.

[Purple_Pride]

well if this is a test to peytons character, is he willing to maybe sacrifice a few dollars to keep his stud RB or is he saying its ME ME and a little dash of ME so screw Edge as long as i get my money.

[awwchrist]

Peyton can offer for the Colts to save dimes on the dollar, but they have to think they'll still be up a creek when Harrison's contract rolls around.

wow...the thought of EJ getting released. Makes me cringe as a fantasy owner.

[Go Vikes]

I've always liked Edge. I hope he doesn't get released.

[NittanyLions]

I have never thought peyton as selfish but i think its crazy if they are forced to do this. Edge could turn out to be the big FA RB instead of dillon now though...i half have to vote for his release so the steelers have a chance of grabbing him

[The Great Gambini]

If Edge got cut, the whole FA market would be screwed. One less job available, so guys like Garner and Antowain Smith could end up without jobs. Hopefully this doesn't happen.

[Canadian Seahawk]

already an exciting offseason

[KingGhidra]

Amazing. Yet another RB I'd take in Washington without hesitation. If Indy cant or doesn't want to pay Edge, I'm sure Snyder will. If I were Snyder I'd be on the phone with the Indy and Denver owners every week to see if they were willing to work something out for their stud RB.

[Canacuna]

I could see Edge being cut. It's highly unlikely, IMO, but not impossible. If that's what it takes to keep Peyton Manning, I'm sure they will do so.

Domanic Rhodes showed he could do well before and Ricky Williams 2 was decent enough.

[Roseman]

releaseing Edge would really shake things up in the league and where ever he ends up could really change Edges value. It could also effect Mannings value as teams would step back and double cover the recivers and force Indy to beat them with the run.