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INDIANAPOLIS - Peyton Manning has been the Colts' franchise player for six years. Now he officially wears the title.
The Colts gave Manning their franchise tag Monday, a move that will pay him $18.4-million this year unless he agrees to a long-term deal. "We'll continue to negotiate until March 1," team president Bill Polian said after filing paperwork with the league office. "It's going exactly as I anticipated it would."
Polian said he hoped to meet with Manning's agent, Tom Condon, this week to work out a multiyear deal that could lower his salary-cap number for the 2004 season.
But the move, which came one day before the NFL deadline for designating franchise players, prevents Manning from hitting the open market March 3. The date also is the deadline for teams to be under the league's $80.5-million salary cap.
PLANT HIGH STAR UNDECIDED: Southern Cal sophomore receiver Mike Williams, a former Plant High standout, said he's trying to decide whether to take advantage of his opportunity to enter the draft. Williams met with coach Pete Carroll to discuss whether he should return to school or turn professional, though no decision was reached. ESPN reported last week that Williams would enter the draft. Williams is 21/2 months younger than former Ohio State running back Maurice Clarett, who won a court ruling this month to enter the draft.
'SKINS PURSUE PORTIS: The Broncos are discussing a trade that would send running back Clinton Portis to Washington for cornerback Champ Bailey, a swap of Pro Bowl players upset with their contracts, the Associated Press reported. Denver also would receive Washington's second-round selection in the April draft, AP reported.
BROWNS: Running back William Green began serving a three-day jail sentence in Westlake, Ohio, after reaching a plea agreement on drunken driving charges.
49ERS: All-Pro linebacker Julian Peterson was named franchise player, practically guaranteeing receiver Terrell Owens' departure. San Francisco also agreed to terms with running back Kevan Barlow on a five-year extension.
PACKERS: A contract being discussed could net left tackle Chad Clifton the highest bonus in team history. Quarterback Brett Favre got $12-million in 1997.
SAINTS: Defensive end Darren Howard, a former Boca Ciega standout, was designated franchise player, guaranteeing him $6.5-million next year in a one-year deal.