NFL.com’s Adam Schefter reports that the Indianapolis Colts will cut 36-year old Marvin Harrison soon.
It’s no longer a question of if Harrison, 36, will be let go. It has become a question of when. It will happen in the coming days, certainly before the new league year starts a week from Friday, but few are sure exactly when.
But make no mistake: It is happening. The Colts no longer can afford to carry Harrison, who is scheduled to have a $13.4 million number for an Indianapolis team that is starving for more salary-cap room to deal with free-agents-to-be such as CB Kelvin Hayden.
If the Colts were to release Harrison, his $13.4 million number instantly would come off the books, saving the team $7 million against the cap. Harrison still would count $6.4 million in dead money, but more importantly, there would be the $7 million savings.
Plus, the Colts have been bracing for this day, drafting Anthony Gonzalez in the first round and grooming young WRs Roy Hall and Pierre Garcon.
This day was coming. Harrison can still play and he can still play effectively in the Colts’ offense, but this decision comes down to money. Indy can’t afford to pay a 36-year old wide receiver $13.4 million when they’ve got holes on the defensive side of the ball. Plus, Reggie Wayne is a true No. 1 and Anthony Gonzalez is more than capable of being a solid No. 2.
The question now becomes: where does Harrison go from here? Unless he takes offense to the Colts releasing him, why couldn’t he return to Indy at a reduced price? The Eagles might be another option for him because he’s from Philly. The Jaguars are always in need of wideouts and the Dolphins could use a boost to their receiving corps, too.
Either way, I don’t foresee Harrison retiring if/once Indy does release him. He’ll wind up somewhere next year.
