Professor

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slu...v=ap&type=lgns


Colts make offers to two defensive leaders

By MICHAEL MAROT, AP Sports Writer
March 2, 2006

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) -- The Indianapolis Colts offered Pro Bowl linebacker Cato June and sack leader Robert Mathis one-year tenders Thursday in an effort to keep the core of their improved defense intact next season.

June's agent confirmed that his client was given a tender worth $1.55 million. Agent Hadley Engelhard said Mathis was offered $2.069 million.

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Both were set to become restricted free agents when the market opens Monday.

Colts spokesman Craig Kelley said he could not confirm the offers.

Mathis led the Colts with 11 1/2 sacks last season, his second straight season with a double-digit sacks total.

June blossomed in his second season as a starter. The converted safety recorded 109 tackles, third most on the team, and intercepted a team-high five passes, which helped him earn his first Pro Bowl selection.

June and Mathis can still negotiate with other teams, but the Colts can match any deal they sign. If the Colts choose not to match the deal, they would receive a draft choice as compensation from the other team.

The two moves Thursday were the latest intended to shore up the Colts defense, which was faster and better last season.

On Wednesday, the Colts agreed to a multiyear deal leading tackler Gary Brackett, leaving David Thornton as the only starting linebacker still set to become an unrestricted free agent Monday.

The Colts also signed defensive lineman Raheem Brock to a five-year deal Saturday.

The Colts, who are $6 million to $10 million over the NFL's salary cap of $94.5 million, also reportedly lost an arbitration ruling that would have helped them get underneath the cap.

The Indianapolis Star reported Thursday that the ruling prevents the Colts from converting roster bonuses totaling about $19 million into signing bonuses for Peyton Manning and Marvin Harrison.

Now team president Bill Polian faces some tough decisions. Agents for defensive tackles Corey Simon and Montae Reagor and receiver Brandon Stokley, who all have base salaries of at least $1.5 million next year, said the Colts had given them no indication whether their players might be cut.



Updated on Thursday, Mar 2, 2006 9:06 pm EST

MickeyG

They need June, but i think they could afford to lose Mathis.

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bigboy

I think they could lose Mathis too, he's not an every down player for them and he's small. June on the other hand took tremendous strides since being moved to LBer and has to be kept by them.

PoppaPoe33

June's a definete keep if the Colts want to keep any chance of breaking their playoff curse. He's step up his game last season getting a well deserved Pro Bowl spot. Mathis can be replaced.

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Professor

cato must be kept. nufced