INDIANAPOLIS - The Colts are expected to designate Pro Bowl quarterback Peyton Manning their franchise player today, a move that would cost a league-record $18.4-million.
Team president Bill Polian promised Sunday to tag Manning, the league's co-MVP, preventing him from hitting the free-agent market March 3.
"There is no question whatsoever," Polian said at the NFL combine. "The only question is what he'll be lined up with."
Manning's contract expired after the season.
NFL rules require teams to pay a franchise player the average of the top five players at the position, or 120 percent of the player's salary-cap number from the previous year, whichever is higher. Manning counted more than $15-million against the team's salary cap last year.
Teams still could sign Manning to an offer sheet, but the Colts would have an opportunity to match. If Indianapolis chose not to match, which would seem highly unlikely, it would receive two first-round draft picks as compensation.
Manning's agent, Tom Condon, said he expected the move.
"That's what Bill told me the last time we met," Condon said.
Condon would not discuss the negotiations, although Polian said he expected to meet with Manning's agent soon.
The move could force significant roster changes for the Colts, who reached the AFC Championship Game last season for the first time since 1995. Indianapolis lost to New England 24-14.
The Colts must be in compliance with next season's salary cap of $80.5-million by March 3.
PROSPECT ADMITS TO LOAFING: Those who were disappointed with Ohio State cornerback Chris Gamble's junior season might have had a right to be.
Gamble admitted at the NFL combine that he took it easy in the Fiesta Bowl against Kansas State in January because he didn't want to risk injury and hurt his professional chances. Gamble declared after the game that he was turning pro, much to the surprise of coach Jim Tressel.
"The last game I was thinking about it and thinking about not getting hurt," he said. "The fourth quarter, that's when I really started thinking about it."
Gamble also said he lost some of his enthusiasm because he no longer was playing both ways. As a sophomore, he received acclaim as a starter at flanker and cornerback.
JETS: By the end of the week, several players unsure of their future with the team will know exactly where they stand. Team officials plan to convene for marathon meetings Wednesday and Thursday to plot a course.
"We're going to huddle up and have some solutions and ideas for our guys," coach Herman Edwards. "Nothing is settled yet."
Starting linebackers Mo Lewis, Marvin Jones and Sam Cowart might be released. It's almost certain Lewis will be gone, although restructured contracts might allow Cowart and/or Jones to remain next season.
