INDIANAPOLIS — Marvin Harrison refused to take a pay cut. The Indianapolis Colts couldn’t afford to keep him without one.
On Monday, the two sides reached agreement on one thing: Harrison will be a free agent.
The decision comes one day after team president Bill Polian said he hoped to cut a deal that would keep Harrison in Indy. When Harrison said no, the Colts said farewell.
Tom Condain, Harrison’s agent said: “Basically, we were not able to come to any kind of agreement, it was not contentious and the Colts have agreed to release him.”
t’s not a surprising move because the Colts would save about $6 million, based on Harrison’s base salary. They would still be charged for prorated bonuses from the $66 million deal he signed in December 2004.
Harrison ranks second in NFL history with 1,102 receptions, and the move will disappoint many Colts fans, who embraced Harrison as a favorite. They referred to Harrison, Peyton Manning and Edgerrin James as “The Triplets,” and Harrison was one of the franchise’s most identifiable player in the last decade.
Indianapolis took Harrison in the first round of the 1996 draft and when Manning arrived two years later, the tandem began a record-setting journey.
They combined for more completions, yardage and touchdowns than any duo in league history.
Harrison made eight Pro Bowls, won a Super Bowl ring, and his 14,550 yards rank fourth on the NFL’s career list. He is No. 5 all-time with 128 TD catches and holds all major single-season and career receiving marks for the Colts.
Now Harrison will look for work elsewhere. Some have speculated that he would like to play with his hometown Eagles and former college teammate Donovan McNabb.
The Colts will have a vastly different look next season.
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