Colts Contract Issues Hinge on New CBA, Manning

As NFL team's continue their mandatory weekend minicamps, there is a little discontent that has reared its ugly head at minicamp for the defending AFC Champs.

Wide receiver Reggie Wayne and defensive end Robert Mathis have elected to stay away from the activities due to their unhappiness over their current contract situation. Both have two years remaining on their deals. Wayne is currently on a six-year, $39 million while Mathis' six-year deal was worth a total of $30 million. Both want new deals, but with the uncertainty of a CBA, there's has been little, if any, movement in negotiations. Colts GM Bill Polian spoke regarding the situations involving Wayne and Mathis.

Polian

"We're not in a regular environment, that's the problem. I've spoken to both their agents, and I certainly respect both men and they make a good case. But the problem is we don't have a system, and without a system, you don't know where contracts might or might not fit in.

"It's a jigsaw puzzle, and as one piece fits in then another falls in place and another falls in place."

But there is one member of the Colts that needs a new deal even more than Wayne and Mathis combined, Peyton Manning. That compounds the issues surrounding Wayne and Mathis even more due to Colts owner Jim Irsay saying intends to make Manning the league's highest paid player. Manning is in the final year of his deal and re-signing him, even at 34, is of far more importance than renegotiating the contracts of Wayne and Mathis. The order in Indy begins with the four-time MVP. Although, Irsay's comments about Manning's potential contract amount cannot be extremely soothing to other Colts awaiting for a new deal.

No, I'm not writing off the importance of Wayne and Mathis to the Colts fortunes, but I'm also not ignorant enough to hide the fact that the Indianapolis Colts are not the same team without #18 under center. Wayne did step in as a team leader when Marvin Harrison was injured a couple of seasons ago and then not brought back after the '08 season. Wayne is a Pro-Bowler and Indy's best receiver, no question. But who gets Wayne the ball? No Manning, not as many catches.

Mathis is as integral to the Indy defense as Dwight Freeney. They are arguably the best pair of defensive ends in the NFL. When teams worry too much about Freeney, Mathis is always the beneficiary. He's that talented.

The status of a contract extension for Manning is what will delay any form of a new deal for Wayne and/or Mathis. And the longer there's no CBA in place, the longer Wayne and Mathis may stay away from Indy. Once a new CBA can be reached, the flood gates will open on this.

And so will the money...