Marcus Pollard to test F.A. market

[neilclarke]

If we could sign Marcus Pollard to a cap friendly deal, I think this would be a definite upgrade at TE although I did like the way Royal came around the last part of the season. But Pollard has great hands and can also block. Would be perfect in Gibb's offense.

http://www.colts.com/sub.cfm?page=article7&news_id=2724

[bpoch]

http://www.colts.com/sub.cfm?page=article7&news_id=2724

INDANAPOLIS – The Colts’ message to Marcus Pollard Wednesday was clear:

You’re always a Colt.

And always will be.

Pollard, a veteran tight end and the longest tenured player on the Colts’ roster this past season, was informed by Colts President Bill Polian and Head Coach Tony Dungy Wednesday morning he will not be retained under his present contract.

The NFL’s free agency period began at 12:01 Wednesday morning, and as of Wednesday afternoon, Polian said the paperwork for Pollard’s release had not been completed.

“This is not a good day from the standpoint of (Colts Owner and Chief Executive Officer) Jim Irsay, Bill Polian and Tony Dungy,” Polian said late Wednesday afternoon.

“We wish Marcus nothing but the best.”

Pollard, who joined the Colts as an undrafted free agent in 1995, caught 263 passes for 3,391 yards and 35 touchdowns in 10 seasons, and long had been one of the team’s most popular players inside and outside the locker room.

He is the only player to have played in both of the team’s AFC Championship Game appearances during the Indianapolis era, having played in the title games following the 1995 and 2003 seasons.

“We’ll replace him at tight end,” Polian said. “I don’t know that we’ll replace Marcus Pollard – in the locker room, on the field, around the building or in the community, but he’s only going someplace else for a brief time.

“He’s going to finish as a Colt. He’ll always be a Colt.”

Polian and Dungy told Pollard to test the free-agent market, but if he does not receive an offer better than the Colts could give, he would be welcome in Indianapolis next season.

“We sat down and met this morning,” Polian said. “We explained that Marcus’ dollar figure, given the way we have to structure with the cap, and the budgets – it didn’t look as if that figure was going to work. We have such affection for Marcus and his whole family that we thought it was best to say, ‘Look, go out on the market. See what you can get. If it’s as good or better than what you had here, then by all means take it for your family’s sake.

“ ‘If nothing is out there that looks terrific for you, the door is not only open, it’s wide open and the Welcome Mat is out for you here whenever you want to come back.’’’

Polian said he hopes Pollard eventually will again play for the Colts.

“We said the following with respect to the end of his career, whenever that may be: he’s going to retire a Colt as long as he wants to,” Polian said. “As long as Jim Irsay is here, and as long as I’m here, he’s going to retire a Colt.

“I wouldn’t be a bit surprised if he wears the blue and white again before his career is over other than ceremonially.”

Polian said Pollard’s situation, with the Colts releasing a player because of cap reasons they very much would liked to have retained, illustrates the downside of NFL free agency and the salary cap.

“The salary cap works two ways,” Polian said. “It benefits players, because it allows them to seek top dollar. It penalizes good teams, because you can’t keep all your good players. When you look at it from a business standpoint, it works, theoretically.

“When you put faces names and emotions on it, it’s a very, very difficult thing to do.”

Several Colts players became free agents Wednesday, including four starters: guard Rick DeMulling, safety Idrees Bashir, cornerback Nick Harper and middle linebacker Rob Morris.

Polian said the Colts, as has been the case throughout his tenure, will not be a major player in high-profile names in free agency.

“I think it’s important for our fans to understand what the dynamic is that’s out there at this time of year, for the next month or so,” Polian said. “This is the feeding frenzy of free agency driven by the media as orchestrated by the agents. It has nothing to do with value. It has nothing to do with competence. It has everything to do with the feeding frenzy, which takes on a life of its own: the so-called second season.

“This is an area we choose not compete in. We don’t think there’s value in it. We think it’s fantasy football. It’s simply names and people reacting to names. I realize that I’m probably going to be the most unpopular guy on every website, but in the end, we’re firmly convinced the off-season standings mean absolutely nothing. It’s the regular-season standings that really count.

“You have to use your dollars judiciously and you have to make judicious and wise decisions.”

Polian said that doesn’t necessarily mean the Colts won’t sign any players in the coming weeks.

“That’s not to say if the right free agent is there we won’t go after him hammer and tongs,” he said. “We’re not going to go after them just so people can feel good about the fact that we’re out there now throwing money around.

“We are not playing now. No one’s playing now. The agents are reaping the value of making people think competition is going on now. It’s amazing. People forget just two months ago who won the Super Bowl and how they did it.”

------
So, do we go after this guy? How well does he block. It would be hard for a defense to watch after Pollard and Cooley in the redzone.

[bubba9497]

somebody Radio Redskin One

[Fifty Gut]

By John Oehser - Colts.com

Colts Parting with Veteran Tight End Pollard . . . For Now
INDANAPOLIS – The Colts’ message to Marcus Pollard Wednesday was clear:

You’re always a Colt.

And always will be.

Pollard, a veteran tight end and the longest tenured player on the Colts’ roster this past season, was informed by Colts President Bill Polian and Head Coach Tony Dungy Wednesday morning he will not be retained under his present contract.

The NFL’s free agency period began at 12:01 Wednesday morning, and as of Wednesday afternoon, Polian said the paperwork for Pollard’s release had not been completed.

“This is not a good day from the standpoint of (Colts Owner and Chief Executive Officer) Jim Irsay, Bill Polian and Tony Dungy,” Polian said late Wednesday afternoon.

“We wish Marcus nothing but the best.”

Pollard, who joined the Colts as an undrafted free agent in 1995, caught 263 passes for 3,391 yards and 35 touchdowns in 10 seasons, and long had been one of the team’s most popular players inside and outside the locker room.

He is the only player to have played in both of the team’s AFC Championship Game appearances during the Indianapolis era, having played in the title games following the 1995 and 2003 seasons.

“We’ll replace him at tight end,” Polian said. “I don’t know that we’ll replace Marcus Pollard – in the locker room, on the field, around the building or in the community, but he’s only going someplace else for a brief time.

“He’s going to finish as a Colt. He’ll always be a Colt.”

Polian and Dungy told Pollard to test the free-agent market, but if he does not receive an offer better than the Colts could give, he would be welcome in Indianapolis next season.

“We sat down and met this morning,” Polian said. “We explained that Marcus’ dollar figure, given the way we have to structure with the cap, and the budgets – it didn’t look as if that figure was going to work. We have such affection for Marcus and his whole family that we thought it was best to say, ‘Look, go out on the market. See what you can get. If it’s as good or better than what you had here, then by all means take it for your family’s sake.

“ ‘If nothing is out there that looks terrific for you, the door is not only open, it’s wide open and the Welcome Mat is out for you here whenever you want to come back.’’’

Polian said he hopes Pollard eventually will again play for the Colts.

“We said the following with respect to the end of his career, whenever that may be: he’s going to retire a Colt as long as he wants to,” Polian said. “As long as Jim Irsay is here, and as long as I’m here, he’s going to retire a Colt.

“I wouldn’t be a bit surprised if he wears the blue and white again before his career is over other than ceremonially.”

Polian said Pollard’s situation, with the Colts releasing a player because of cap reasons they very much would liked to have retained, illustrates the downside of NFL free agency and the salary cap.

“The salary cap works two ways,” Polian said. “It benefits players, because it allows them to seek top dollar. It penalizes good teams, because you can’t keep all your good players. When you look at it from a business standpoint, it works, theoretically.

“When you put faces names and emotions on it, it’s a very, very difficult thing to do.”

Several Colts players became free agents Wednesday, including four starters: guard Rick DeMulling, safety Idrees Bashir, cornerback Nick Harper and middle linebacker Rob Morris.

Polian said the Colts, as has been the case throughout his tenure, will not be a major player in high-profile names in free agency.

“I think it’s important for our fans to understand what the dynamic is that’s out there at this time of year, for the next month or so,” Polian said. “This is the feeding frenzy of free agency driven by the media as orchestrated by the agents. It has nothing to do with value. It has nothing to do with competence. It has everything to do with the feeding frenzy, which takes on a life of its own: the so-called second season.

“This is an area we choose not compete in. We don’t think there’s value in it. We think it’s fantasy football. It’s simply names and people reacting to names. I realize that I’m probably going to be the most unpopular guy on every website, but in the end, we’re firmly convinced the off-season standings mean absolutely nothing. It’s the regular-season standings that really count.

“You have to use your dollars judiciously and you have to make judicious and wise decisions.”

Polian said that doesn’t necessarily mean the Colts won’t sign any players in the coming weeks.

“That’s not to say if the right free agent is there we won’t go after him hammer and tongs,” he said. “We’re not going to go after them just so people can feel good about the fact that we’re out there now throwing money around.

“We are not playing now. No one’s playing now. The agents are reaping the value of making people think competition is going on now. It’s amazing. People forget just two months ago who won the Super Bowl and how they did it.”

[FLSKINSFAN]

Originally posted by bubba9497
somebody Radio Redskin One

Well, Pollard lives in Dallas...









J/k :)

[Renegade7]

Come to daddy. :D

[martino]

This have anything to do with Mannings huge contract or is it just the fact that they need to pay James and Harrison huge contracts also as well.

[inmate running the asylum]

Pollard is 33 but thats younger then Kozlowski. And he's certainly better than Kozlowski too. :)

[RedskinLifer]

People say Royal came on at the end of the season, but he finished with eight total catches. Granted, four were for scores, but if eight catches is going to be acceptable, then maybe I could be the next TE.

[TODD]

Sign. Him. The man is a beast in the Red Zone and could be that big, physical, pass catching tight end we need. Go get him, Danny.

[NoCalMike]

Umm, no thanks. This is exactly the type of FA, WE don't need. Well I wouldn't go as far as to say we don't "need" him, but I am sure he will demand a hefty payday that we need for other things. Robert Royal emerged towards the end of last season, lets let him continue to grow in the system!!!

[inmate running the asylum]

http://www.nfl.com/players/playerpage/1335


Pollard's play slipped a little bit this past year, but he still averaged over 10 yards per reception. In fact every year of his career he has been over 10 yards per reception. Thats even better then L. Coles this past year. :laugh:

[End2round2sanders]

Blame Peyton, anyway i dont think we need him, we got cooley, the guy catches everything. Dump a gallon of water on him he'll catch it. If a chick falls to the ground cooley will come out of no where and catch her. When hes not doing anything hes volunteering with the fire department catching people.

The fire chief is like.

Fireman1: sir that lady is going to jump we have to get the net.
Firechief: No we dont we got chris cooley!!!!!!! He'll catch anything.

[Coach Williams]

merge...someone beacha by 2 minutes.....

[bubba9497]

plus Pollard can block

[TODD]

Originally posted by inmate running the asylum
http://www.nfl.com/players/playerpage/1335


Pollard's play slipped a little bit this past year, but he still averaged over 10 yards per reception. In fact every year of his career he has been over 10 yards per reception. Thats even better then L. Coles this past year. :laugh:

They kinda have this Dallas Clark guy who's been taking away some playing time. And he was hurt some this past season.

[jimster]

I'd rather have Mili from Seattle - 46 catches last year and a good blocker

Itula Mili #88
Position: TE
Height: 6'4"
Weight 260
Years Pro: 8
Draft Date: 1997
Draft Team: Seattle Seahawks
Born: 04/20/1973
Hometown: Kahuku, HI
College: Brigham Young

[TaylorPickSix]

Pollard is going to be pricey, and probably not worth it for a TE, unless ur getting a Gonzo, Gates, Crump, or Shockey.

[Mr. S]

Pollard or Mili, someone get them NOW!!!

[Hooper]

He's a nice name, but Gibbs never needed a name before at TE. And the price won't be right.

[VAsBeachBoy]

I don't know a whole lot 'but him I know he's solid pass catching threat, but is he really a good blocker?

[unsonny]

Cooley and Pollard

Warren and Walker....me likey

[BIGGS_DADDY]

Spark up the jet Danny, time is money.

[terpfan]

For a decent price he'd make a good pick up. Not saying he has to come dirt cheap, but we shouldn't have to compromise to much to sign him.

[FedUpField]

All y'all playin' fantasy football with our cap -- quit it.....YES, Pollard is a name, but he has peaked as a player, and he'll command unnecessary multiple millions per year for services we can acheive via a lesser heralded FA or even with the HOMEGROWN TALENT everyone is getting wet over lately.....that sounds like a Skins signee '00 - '03....NOT this year, babies.....

Yes we have a need for depth at the position, a multi-purpose TE who can block and catch and make a great omelet. But let's get serious -- everytime a FA becomes available Redskins One should not be automatically taxiing down the runway....have you not been reading what's being reported as our team's attitude about FA this year?

Peaceful, easy feelings.

- FUF

[chaz13]

I couldn't imagine that he would require a large contract at his age. If we could get him reasonably priced, he would be a great pickup. I liked the way they talked about his leadership. you can never have enough good locker room guys. Besides just because we aren't going to sign any big names doesn't mean we won't sign a few mid-level type FA. After the Samuels' deal we should have been over 10 million under the cap. What was the point if we're not going to use it. Unless we are going to try to have enough room to have the option of moving coles?:2cents:

[OWUeagleMD]

I didn't realize Mili went to BYU. That bodes well for the rumors I heard of the Eagles interest in him. Andy loves those mormon boys.

[Island Boy]

I would love for us to sign Pollard.

[miragv]

^^^

Except that go-ahead TD in the eagles game.

[NoCalMike]

I have nothing against Pollard as a player, but this is the exact type of situation as the past few years where we sign a big name at a position, expecting them to be all-world as a Redskin, and then they either turn out average, or less then stellar and we end up with a huge contract on our hands. I say, let Cooley and Royal grow and develop in Gibbs' system.

[jtyler42]

I actually think Pollard would be a good pick-up...He can be the starting TE and provide the presence of a blocking/receiving threat at the position and Royals can be the 2nd TE w/Cooley at H-back....

Pollard would also be good to mentor Royals and Cooley, he is a leader and a high character guy...W/his age he is on the decline but he may have about 2yrs left in the tank...He wont command a lucerative deal but around 2yr $3mil deal w/a $2mil SB...

[Coltsfan in VA]

Originally posted by martino
This have anything to do with Mannings huge contract or is it just the fact that they need to pay James and Harrison huge contracts also as well.

they have enough cap space(12 million). they just need to part ways.