Unwanted Edge

So, apparently, Colts GM Bill Polian does not consider re-signing franchise RB Edgerrin James to be a "priority," preferring instead to focus on Reggie Wayne and Dwight Freeney. I find this to be about as intelligent as slashing one's own tires right before embarking on a cross-country road trip. The Edge is coming off of a year in which he rushed for over 1500 yards with 13 TDs. Even more important is that the Colts' increased reliance on James was one of the biggest reasons behind the defensive improvement that was directly responsible in my mind for Indy's status as the last undefeated team of 2005.

If you don't believe me, just think back to the 2004 quick-strike version of the Colts' offense, which on many occasions left their undersized defense too beaten up from all that time on the field to put up much of a fight. With Edge as the workhorse, however, suddenly the offense got a lot more support from the other side of the ball and many of those 45-42 shootouts turned into 31-10 laughers. Plus, aside from missing just over half of 2001 with an ACL tear (a freak injury that could happen to anyone at any time on a football field), he has been quite durable, missing only 6 out of a possible 96 games in his other 6 NFL seasons. Let's also not forget that he is only turning 28 during next preseason, so it's not as if he's ancient. After all, a 32-year-old Jerome Bettis just missed a 1,000 yard season last year, and he takes a lot more hits with his running style than the quicker and more athletic Edge.

If Polian's worried that Edge might run down in the latter stages of a long-term contract, he should just put language in the contract to protect his team. For instance, the Colts could guarantee the first two years of the contract to give Edge a little security, then make it so that future years are only guaranteed if he reaches certain performance objectives in, say, number of carries or yards per carry. If he doesn't reach those goals, make it a team option as to whether or not Indy picks up the next year on the deal. It's not that hard; they just need to be a little creative. Besides, it's not as if NFL teams always honor long-term contracts they have their players sign anyway.

Besides, what's keeping them from re-signing Edge? Fellow free agent Reggie Wayne I can understand a little bit. Sure, he's the #2 WR, but Marvin Harrison showed a few signs of slowing down in 2005, and he'll be 34 when the next season starts, so he's not getting any younger. Wayne, by contrast, is entering the prime of his career and probably is a better down-the-field threat than Harrison. Dwight Freeney is also a very important player, but there's a rather large problem with making him a priority over Edge for the 2006 offseason: he's already under for another season, and Edge is not. I realize that Freeney is a vital part of the defense, and that they can't afford to lose him to free agency a year from now. I think it's a good idea to start negotiating with him before next season starts, but not before they re-up with James.

There are a couple of reasons for this. First, as I mentioned earlier, having a clock-eater like Edge on your side makes your defense, especially a guy like Freeney who relies on speed bursts play after play, much better. Also, Indianapolis has a lot of components necessary for a championship club. Their time is now, and they can't afford to take a chance on settling for a lessor back in free agency or further down their depth chart, or turning over the RB position to an unproven rookie. This group has too much at stake to be jettisoning a big piece of the puzzle like Edge. Take care of James first, then Freeney, then focus on winning that elusive title. Even if it's really just about the money, simply being a part of a Super Bowl winner can do wonders for one's bank account. Just ask the no-name Patriots O-linemen from the Visa commercials.