Blayne Sucks

The Indianapolis Colts have signed Dwight Freeney to a record contract and not one that requires him to sing. The contract is 6 years for 72 million, including 30 million in signing bonuses. John Clayton reports that as a result he will only count 5.75 million against the salary cap the next two years. The contract also means that the Colts won’t have to use their franchise tag on him, which raises the question whom will they use the franchise tag on?

Personally, I think the contract is a good move. I rate Freeney as the second best defensive end in the league with Julius Peppers the best. Since he’s signed early, the Colts can avoid the one-upmanship that might take place when other free agents at defensive end are signed. More importantly, he is the backbone of the defensive line. He fits perfectly into the style of defense the Colts play. I also think that contracts in the NFL are only really important for the first few years. It seems that they change with some regularity beyond that.