Feb. 26, 2008

Even though a shoulder injury he sustained in the playoff loss to the Chargers could keep him out through training camp, S Bob Sanders’ ability to get through the regular season unscathed was enough to convince the Colts to re-sign the 2007 NFL Defensive Player of the Year to the richest contract ever for a safety. The downside to that move is that the Colts’ already high salary-cap number is that much closer to the $116 million ceiling. To ensure they would keep TE Dallas Clark, the Colts placed the franchise tag on him, and then the two parties agreed to a six-year contract days later. Even if handsomely paid stars like QB Peyton Manning and WR Marvin Harrison restructure their deals, it will be difficult to retain both starting OGs Ryan Lilja and Jake Scott. Lilja signed a five-year deal prior to the start of free agency, which means Scott may be headed elsewhere. Modest tenders are expected to be extended to a smattering of restricted free agents, including OG Dylan Gandy and S Matt Giordano, but it’s conceivable they could wind up elsewhere if another organization thinks it can nab them at a bargain price. The Colts can ogle at the league’s better free agents all they want, but the team is in no position to make a play for them.