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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.

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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:

Written by Lisa Danhof

Elder Statesmen, wily veterans, grey beards, it really doesn’t matter what you call them because they’ve already heard it all. They’ve been there, done that – most of them more than once. But are they merely resting on name recognition or do they really have value for your fantasy team? More specifically, do they have anything left in their tank?

Brett Favre – ½ full
At 38, he is the leader of this group. The oldest of the old; retired, un-retired and apparently truly believing he has what it takes to be a starting NFL quarterback. Well, from what I’ve seen so far I’d say he’s about half right. All quarterbacks need time to gel with their new teams, and Brett’s no different. He’s averaging 1.5 touchdowns and a respectable 180 yards, which are pretty middle of the road stats. If drafted high, he’d be considered a disappointment, but if taken later in the draft, a value pick. What bears watching is the 5 sacks he’s already taken this season. 38 doesn’t bounce back like 28, so if he’s your man, keep starting him but keep a close eye on those sack numbers.

Marvin Harrison – Empty
For all the “Old Men River” candidates, according to ESPN Harrison, 36, was drafted highest overall and is owned 100% in all of their leagues. So, based on his projected value and statistical expectations his tank is empty. He was an average fifth round pick and is now the third wide receiver on a team that has a top-five running back in Joseph Addai. Unfortunately that’s not even his worst problem. He has fallen out of favor with quarterback Peyton Manning as evidenced by his single reception last week.

Jon Kitna – ¾ full
Surprise number one of the group, at age 35 Kitna is posting solid numbers. The biggest issue with Kitna is that his team is terrible and that makes him easy to overlook. However his stats actually point to him having more left in his tank than you may think at first glance. He has completed 45 passes for 538 yards and four touchdowns, very solid fantasy stats. Of course the Lions being a terrible team is going to take its toll on Kitna. He’s already been sacked 8 times in just two games. Like with Favre, the older a body is, the harder it is to bounce back from those licks.

David Patten – ¾ full
Surprise number two of the group, mainly because a lot of you right now are going, “who?” Due to Marques Colston’s injury Patten, age 34, has moved up to the number one target of Drew Brees. His stats so far are not all that outstanding, only 6 receptions for 94 yards and a touchdown, but his room for statistical improvement is huge. As Patten and Brees both adjust to this change, the upside alone fills Patten’s tank to at least ¾ full.

Terrell Owens – Overflowing
When you catch three passes, and two of them are touchdowns, you had a good game, especially against a quality opponent like the Philadelphia Eagles. Overall, T.O. was the thirteenth pick in this year’s draft, marking him as an elite wide receiver, and even at 34 he is definitely living up to that title. With almost 90 yards receiving each game, and one TD in the first game and two in the second TO is definitely not resting on his considerable name recognition, but adding solid value to your team as your number one or two receiver.

The Colts 2007 campaign can be summed up in one word…injuries. They lost a key member on both sides of the ball (Marvin Harrison and Dwight Freeney), yet they were still one of the league’s elite teams. I see no reason that changes this year.

On Offense you know the cast of characters. Peyton Manning is their brilliant QB who may start a little slow as he recovers from knee surgery, but he’s still put up his usual 4000 yards and 28+ TDs. He’s got weapons galore with Reggie Wayne emerging as one of the top WRs in the NFL. He also has old pal Marvin Harrison back and second-year wideout Anthony Gonzalez. Their running attack is led by Joseph Addai, who like Manning and Wayne is one of the best at his position. He had over 1400 total yards and 15 TDs last year. Dominic Rhodes is back to help share the load, as is Rookie Mike Hart out of Michigan. The is a question mark for the Colts at the Center position. Jeff Saturday could miss the bulk of the season with a knee injury. Although he’s one of the leaders of their Offensive Line, Manning is savvy enough to make the necessary adjustments to keep the offense running like a well-oiled machine.

On Defense, it will be interesting to see if Dwight Freeney can regain his burst. His return will take some pressure off Robert Mathis allowing him to do his thing. The heart of the Defense is Bob Sanders. If his body can hold up, he’ll anchor that secondary and provide run support. The Defense is instantly improved when he’s on the field. Gary Brackett was their leading tackler (116) at Linebacker. He added four INTs. Their Cornerbacks Marlin Jackson and Kelvin Hayden had 87 and 83 tackles last year respectively. Their other Safety, Antoine Bethea, picked off 4 passes. This unit can be solid if they can stay healthy. If they can’t the Offense will just have to score more.

The Jaguars will challenge them, but the Colts will win the AFC South once again. They’ll win 12 or 13 games and have a legitimate chance to win another Super Bowl. Personally I think New England or San Diego will dispose of them in the playoffs, but you can never count Peyton out.

Fantasy-wise you know the drill. Take Addai and Wayne in the first round. Peyton in the second. Later grab Marvin, Dallas, and Anthony Gonzalez. Late rounds you can grab Rhodes as a handcuff, Indy D, and Adam Vinatieri. Just be cautious because you may not get top production in your Fantasy Super Bowl.