Colts will not use franchise tag or Gary Brackett or anyone else

by Brad Wells on Feb 25, 2010 11:00 AM EST in Colts News

We've seen the Colts use the franchise tag on players like Dwight Freeney only to work out a long-term deal before the start of camp. However, with Gary Brackett, the Colts will not use such a strategy:

Team president Bill Polian said Wednesday that it's unlikely that the team will use the restriction to hold linebacker Gary Brackett in place.

"We still have about 24 hours to decide what we want to do and we continue to talk," Polian said, per the Associated Press. "I can't tell you what we'll do one way or the other. But as far as the franchise tag, I would think that we would not use that."

The problem is that the franchise tag requires the team using it to offer the player a one-year deal with a salary equal to the average compensation of the five highest-paid players in the league from 2009. For linebackers, the 2010 number is $9.68 million.

Brackett's agent previously has said that Brackett hopes to retire as a Colt.

Brackett will likely get re-signed before March 5th. If he isn't re-signed, Brackett should give serious thought to firing his agent. The Colts are the only place where a 30-year-old Brackett can start at MLB and have an impact on a winning team. The Colts have all the leverage here and they do not have a reputation for being "cheap" with players. So, it's a pretty safe bet Gary will be in blue next season.

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Yeah, I think Brackett will get resigned

Not franchising him is a decent move. Just because the threat of an uncapped year looms and is likely doesn’t mean a team can go on a spending spree, and the cost of franchising a player would be expensive compared to signing him. The cap may not limit the team next year, but their bank account will still have a bottom line. And franchising for a year will be more expensive than getting him signed. Therefore, it’s best to get a good contract in place so the amounts can be amortized properly and the hit on next year made less painful.

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by E.M.H. on Feb 25, 2010 11:38 AM EST reply actions

Hope they solve Brackett's contract

quickly so they can move on to Bethea.

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by BlueMark1821 on Feb 25, 2010 11:42 AM EST reply actions

I couldn't agree more

Anyone who has a problem with Joseph should stop watching Colts football. It's unfair to expect a back to replace Edge, and Addai has been excellent in all areas when he is healthy.

by DontHateAddai on Feb 25, 2010 12:21 PM EST up reply actions

Huh?

Why can’t they do both? Who said they can only talk with 1 player at once?

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by Cassieper on Feb 26, 2010 6:38 PM EST up reply actions

If Hagler and Keiaho couldn’t get a contract anywhere else, or only vet minimum was offered, then I think 3-4 million a year for Brackett should get him resigned.

by Ty46 on Feb 25, 2010 12:27 PM EST reply actions

I disagree somewhat...

I think Brackett has value in other defenses. As I stated on another thread…he is a leader, great teammate, and a good tackler. He is fantastic in coverage. He has not always played behind huge DTs so he can move in traffic…I think he is solid and may get a good bit of interest from other teams. The Colts need to get it done…sooner rather than later.

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by TRDean on Feb 25, 2010 12:30 PM EST reply actions

Agreed

I think Brackett has value in other defenses.

I would have to argue that this is true. While Brackett may be on the old side for a linebacker, he’s the type who’d fit in well with some of the defenses that are out there. Even though I don’t think they’re in the market for an MLB this year, I’d say that Carolina’s Panthers would be a perfect example of the sort of defense Brackett could play in. And there would be others who’d put a premium on speediness and cover ability in their MLB.

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"How can a pickup truck contain enough mass to unfold into a towering machine? I say if Ringling Brothers can get 15 clowns into a Volkswagen, anything is possible."

Roger Ebert, Transformers review.

by E.M.H. on Feb 25, 2010 12:52 PM EST up reply actions

After his 127 tackle, 1 sack, 3 PD, 3 INT season in 2005, he signed a 4 year 10 million contract. Double that, and it’s still good for both sides.

by Ty46 on Feb 25, 2010 12:52 PM EST up reply actions

Brackett has other opportunities

The Colts are the only place where a 30-year-old Brackett can start at MLB and have an impact on a winning team.

The Giants are looking for a new MLB to replace Antonio Pierce. Their defense is young; they can use an experienced player with leadership qualities. Why shouldn’t Brackett test the market?

Mickey C

by Mickey C on Feb 27, 2010 7:38 AM EST reply actions