The Colts Should Cut Marvin Harrison

Earlier today, Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk laid out the Colts' options in regards to surefire Hall-of-Famer Marvin Harrison. The basic gist of the situation is that either Harrison is going to be paid a ton more than he's worth to play for the Colts in 2009, or the Colts can cut him and save $7 million in cap space. This is a big deal because the Colts are scheduled to be significantly over the salary cap as it stands. They need to save money.

Honestly, I don't even see an alternative other than to cut Harrison. Yes, he's been to the Pro Bowl eight times and has shattered pretty much every receiving record in franchise history. He's part of the most prolific passer-to-receiver combination in the history of the NFL with three-time MVP Peyton Manning. That's fine, but this is no time for nostalgia.

The window of opportunity for the Colts to win more championships in the Bill Polian/Manning era is dwindling. Polian's shown the penchant to move on in the past -- by letting Edgerrin James walk, for example -- and now it's time to do so again.

Thanks for your time, Marvin, and we wish you luck moving forward ... with someone else. This should be the sentiment emanating from the Colts' front office before the 2009 season kicks off. I'm sure someone would have use for a 37-year-old who caught 60 passes for 636 yards and five touchdowns this past season, but it sure ain't the Colts. They have Reggie Wayne as the top receiving option, and Anthony Gonzalez is plenty capable of filling the WR2 role. Dallas Clark went from pretty good tight end to an elite one during the Colts' nine-game winning streak in 2008. Plus, they can always draft receivers.

The only bad news for the Colts after making this no-brainer move? They -- according to Florio -- still would need to shed an additional $2.5 million from the payroll. This would be after cutting Harrison.

As I said, it's a no-brainer.

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

1-04-2009 @ 1:44PM

Adam said...

Some of these older players (relatively speaking) on the downside of their career should quit while they're ahead and just retire. I don't really see anyone taking Harrison, and he'll end up in a Shaun Alexander/Daunte Culpepper situation where even if they get signed, it's pretty much for nothing.

You're 37, rich and respected. Retire as a Colt, go out on top and go do something else. Don't turn into Brett Favre.

1-04-2009 @ 1:55PM

YouFaceTheTick said...

Agreed. Someone should remind LT of this.

Marvin's done and it's been obvious for two seasons.

1-04-2009 @ 3:15PM

renee said...

excuse me? marvin harrison is a scapegoat why peyton manning sucks! oh? i forgot? he just won his 3rd mvp and couldn't prove that he deserved it against the emerging bolts--the second time! LMAO! harrison will get canned cause peyton will blame he is the reason why he sucks! i hope the jaguars offer marvin a couple of pretty pennies! thats all that team needs is 1 good reciever and marvin fits the pic! wouldn't that be awsome! LMAO!

1-04-2009 @ 10:08PM

hubb said...

what about peyton manning, he is getting paid alot money and he those not move or lead like he use to. I think the Colts need to move on with everyone not just one everyone. Peyton was giving an award this year, because Kerry Collins out played and was more won more than he did. The coaching staff is not happy I think everyone needs to go point blank.

1-04-2009 @ 3:43PM

Bill said...

YouFaceTheTick: LT should retire? At age 29 with over 1100 yards in offense this year with some injuries. Tick is Sick! This guy is a first ballot Hall of Fame player. You'd better check the records because you don't have a clue. If you watched the game last night he scored a TD on a bad wheel. Get a clue

1-04-2009 @ 6:08PM

Yu're probably too young to remember him, but Barry Sanders went out on top and he is remembered as a legend. As LT is a me-first, glory-hound, whiner player he will play as long as possible (ala Emmitt Smith). He'll still produce 1000 yard seasons but he's pretty much done as a force in the league. He's more Jamal Lewis now than Adrian Peterson.

Go out on top and you're a legend. Stick around too long and you end up on Dancing with the Stars making a fool of yourself.

1-04-2009 @ 4:07PM

rh said...

renee, you have no idea of what you are talking about. Peyton Manning is the league MVP because the Colts would not even be in the playoffs or have a winning record if he wasn't there. The Colts had no real running game all season long and were carried by Manning and the passing game. You want proof? Imagine a scenario where Manning wasn't able to play after the knee surgery and the backup played. What do you think would happen??? Use common sense before making an comment, please!!!

1-04-2009 @ 7:11PM

YouFaceTheTick: I think at 65 years old and a former sportswriter and editor/publisher of a sports publication I know a little bit about sports. That being said, you forgot to mention that Barry Sanders was not playing on a very good Detroit Lions team. Tomlinson plays on a pretty decent football team. Most of his individual stats rank in the top 10 or perhaps even the top 5. He is only 29 years old and has amassed 11,760 yards rushing in 8 years with 129 TDs.
Receptions for 3,801 yds.15 TDs, and he has passed for 7 TDs. I think Mr. Tomlinson will let us know when he wants to retire. In the past he has indicated he will play a "couple" more years.

1-04-2009 @ 8:15PM

He'll play, no doubt as he's all about attention. He's the most selfish player on the Chargers team and that's saying something when Merriman is on that team.

And while he was good for years, 2008 signaled the end of LT's run. He's had 3 leg related injuries in 2008. 3. This guy was ridden hard for 6+ years and now he's paying the piper. He will - like Emmitt - stick around long past his prime and continue to rack up yards and TDs in a sad attempt to break records. I do not doubt he will keep playing. I doubt he's even 3/4s as good as he was in 2007 or 2006.

RB has a short shelf-life and LT's is over. He'll be 30 next season and just like another TD record holder, he's done. He's tentative, aims for the sidelines and is ankle tackled. This isn't a game breaking RB. This is an washed up, selfish man trying to pad his stats.

1-04-2009 @ 7:28PM

Micki said...

Renee please let your husband talk sports because you are a moron.

1-04-2009 @ 7:45PM

billy said...

The Colts did a very good job this year considering they did nothing in the off season to improve the team.That being said , next season they should remain basically the same , get rid of Addai & harrison to free up money.Then look fpr a retun specialist like spoles Or leon washington type & bulldozer running back that can get that 3rd&1yard they can't w/what they have .They have not had a good return threat in years, Draft & free agency should go for thiseturn to the superbowl b4 mannings time runs out

1-05-2009 @ 8:28AM

Mitchell B. Sandlin said...

Manning is the best QB in the NFL. Brady a close 2nd. No one else is close though Rivers is a comer.

Eli plays on such a great team he does ot have to be the hero every game. Eli is like Bob Griese or Bart Starr. Good quiet leader who can get it done when needed.

Colt's need more depth on the O Line and the O Line needs to run block better. Nothing wrong with Addai. You cannot run if the line can't open holes.

Also need to get bigger on the D Line, especially at tackle and middle guard. Thye simply give up too many yards to the run.

1-05-2009 @ 10:24AM

Sandy said...

I agree about Harrison. I would like to know how long it takes him to curl into the fetal position on the field after catching a ball. He's the best in the league at that.

1-05-2009 @ 9:55PM

Ernie Hite said...

Everyone forgets Peyton is playing for a very mediocore team, particularly size wisE. he is the greatest quarteback to play the game. It is time Indy gets inline with the other team with big guys, or he should ask to be trade to a team that is going forward.

1-06-2009 @ 11:14AM

tj said...

What?.................spoken like a true Cub Fan! You have never been able to cheer for a Champion/Hall of Famer........Therefore, you are NOT able to comment on such topics! Loser!