LestersLegends.com

Image courtesy of Icon SMI

Now that Marvin Harrison has moved on, Anthony Gonzalez takes over as the team’s #2 WR.  I believe the third-year WR out of Ohio State is ready to explode.  As a Rookie he had 37 receptions for 576 yards and 3 TDs.  Last year he had 57 receptions for 664 yards.  Not only do I think his reception total will increase again, I think his yards per catch will be closer to the 15.6 he averaged as a Rookie than the 11.6 he averaged last year.

Gonzalez showed some signs of what he could do in against Minnesota in Week 2 (9 catches for 137 yards), against the Patriots in Week 9 (2 TDs), and against San Diego in Week 12 (6, 95) and again in the playoffs (6, 97).  He’ll get more looks as the #2 and his numbers should increase dramatically.  I’m expecting 80 catches for 1100 yards and 6 TDs.  He is a decent WR2 and a great WR3.  He’s typically being drafted in the 5th round.

NFL.com is reporting that Marvin Harrison still wants to play.  It’s just a matter of whether he can A) avoid jail time for last year’s gun incident and B) find a suitor.

Though he’s not the receiver he once was, he still managed to catch 60 passes for 636 yards and 5 TDs.  Not bad when you consider he has to share the ball with Reggie Wayne, Anthony Gonzalez, Dallas Clark, and Joseph Addai.

There was some speculation that he would reunite with Donovan McNabb in Philly, but they already have three WRs of his mold in DeSean Jackson, Kevin Curtis, and Rookie Jeremy Maclin.  If he proves he’s healthy, I still think he can find a home, especially if there is an injury in training camp or the preseason.  His agent, Tom Condon, just wants to make sure everyone knows he’s still out there.

Torry Holt is actively pursuing work now that he’s back from his vacation.  Last week he visited with Jacksonville Jaguars and he’ll meet with the Tennessee Titans later this week.  Both teams heavily favor the run, but Holt would give them a valuable possession receiver.  He runs crisp routes and has excellent hands.  Holt will turn 33 this summer, which isn’t too old for a Wide Receiver.  Jacksonville has a more immediate need following the departure of Matt Jones.  Tennessee, however, has a better team and a better group of wides with Justin Gage and Nate Washington in the mix.  Holt was cut a few weeks ago by the St. Louis Rams.

Meanwhile Marvin Harrison’s phone remains silent.  Considering his legal woes stemming from last year’s shooting incident, that may be a good thing.  I guess I figured Marvin had a little in the tank, and that his February release from the Colts was simply based on economic factors.  Perhaps that’s what is keeping his phone silent.  Harrison may be looking for a payday that exceeds what teams would be willing to bring him in for.

The remaining crop of Free Agent receivers is pretty thin.  Reggie Williams, Ronald Curry, Amani Toomer, Brandon Lloyd, Shaun McDonald, Darrell Jackson, and Keary Colbert are the top options.  None of whom appear to have fantasy relevance regardless of destination.

Photo courtesy of Icon SMI

The Colts and Marvin Harrison came to a crossroads.  Marvin Harrison would either restructure his contract so he could retire as a Colt or he would be granted his release.  The team and their star receiver were just too far apart so after 13 years they will part ways.  He certainly left his mark in Indy with 1102 receptions (including a record 143 in 2002), 14580 yards, and 128 TDs.  He had a string of eight straight 10+ TD seasons and formed one of the NFL’s top QB-WR tandems with Peyton Manning.  He’s not the same receiver any more though as he managed just 80 receptions for 883 yards, and 6 TDs in 20 games over the past two years.

It’s going to be tough for Manning, the Colts, and their fans to adjust to life without #88, but the past two years have afforded them the opportunity to put a plan in place.  Anthony Gonzalez emerged as a solid WR who should hold his own opposite of Reggie Wayne.  Plus, Tight End Dallas Clark became the second option in the Colts’ passing attack last year with his 77 receptions for 848 yards.

As for Harrison, he’ll find a place to land.  There is plenty of speculation that he’ll end up as an Eagle.  He’s from Philly, played college ball at Syracuse with Donovan McNabb, and McNabb recently lobbied for help on Offense.  Even if he doesn’t land in Philly there will be plenty of suitors for the talented wideout.

After years of very little change the Colts will have to adjust to life after Dungy.  If anybody is capable of handling a new Coach, it’s Peyton Manning.  He’s still slinging the pigkin and the Offense won’t change drastically.  Joseph Addai will once again be the feature back.  Dominic Rhodes is an Unrestricted Free Agent, but I suspect he’ll be back.  Reggie Wayne, Anthony Gonzalez, and Dallas Clark will once again be at Peyton’s disposal.  Marvin Harrison may not.  Either way WR is probably a position that gets upgraded in the draft.  Jeff Saturday most likely won’t return either, but they should be covered as the team addressed that need in last year’s draft.

Kelvin Hayden is their key Defensive Free Agent.  He was their top CB last year, but could come with a steep price tag.  If they lose him, obviously that creates a hole to be filled.  LB Tyjuan Hagler is also a free agent that the Colts will look to bring back.
 
This is a championship caliber team that doesn’t need, nor will likely make, any major moves during the offseason.

** Update:  Kelvin Hayden signed five-year deal with Colts. **

KFFL Free Agent Tracker: