Polian Says No Deal Immediately with Manning

Indianapolis (AP)-Bill Polian says the negotiations, Indianapolis Colts and Peyton Manning are ongoing.

Just do not expect the two parties reach an agreement this weekend.

"I would say that we are only moving at a steady pace, but nothing is imminent," Polian told The Associated Press on Wednesday after meeting with the competition committee of the NFL.

The meeting of the Competition Committee in Indianapolis as part of the NFL combine testing, which opens Thursday.

Manning’s deal is the Colts’ top offseason priority.

Team owner Jim Irsay said last week he had already offered Manning a deal that would eclipse Tom Brady’s record for annual average salary. Irsay did not provide additional details of the proposal, though he acknowledged Manning’s next contract cold be for five or six years.

Brady signed a four-year, $72 million contract in September, giving him a league record $18 million average salary.

Indy is already hedging its bets, too.

Last week, it put the exclusive franchise tag on the only four-time MVP in league history, keeping him off the free-agent market. Under current rules, Manning could not negotiate with another team, and if he plays under the tag he will make about $23 million next season.

Colts did the same thing in 2004 when they signed Manning, a seven-year, $ 98 million. Later, they give the franchise tag.

Polian hopes that something can be worked before the agreement of the League of collective bargaining expires at the end of March 3rd.

Manning would have the greatest impact under a salary cap again if there is one in the next CBA. But Manning is not the only player on the Colts' attempt to re-sign.

Indy list of potential free agents include Adam Vinatieri , the kicker of the best clutch on the history of the NFL, running back Joseph Addai , the beginning and the best blocking back, Charlie Johnson protector of Manning's blind side, Melvin Bullitt, which probably would go to the schedule from now that the Colts have released Bob Sanders of linebacker Clint Session and Starting defensive tackle Dan Muir.

Negotiations also began with Vinatieri, Irsay said last week, and Polian said the Colts presses throughout these negotiations.

"We're assuming he's going, and whether the changes that we have a plan," he said.

Colts are certainly not the passivity after winning an eighth title of the AFC South in nine years. Coach Jim Caldwell also hired two new coaches and teams that receive three overs.

E 'can also set a franchise tag on Manning, the Colts claimed defensive tackle DeMario Pressley off waivers from Houston on Tuesday and freed Sanders, 2007 defender in the NFL last week. Sanders had played only nine regular-season games after signing a five-year contract $ 37,500,000, after the 2007 season
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Although it is unlikely Sanders will be back in a Colts uniform next season, Polian said Indy would be willing to bring it if he does not sign with another team.
"I do not know if I would classify it as an opportunity," said Polian. "It would be nice to see him, I can tell you."