Colts Could Jettison Marvin Harrison After 2008 Season

Nobody would argue that the Colts offense looks like a shell of its former, high-powered self. Indy started the season with a loss to the Bears, barely squeaked by the Vikings, Jags and Texans, finally showed up against the Ravens, and were manhandled by the Packers last week.

And while much of the blame lies with the Colts' young offensive line -- Ron Jaworksi pointed out during NFL Matchup that having two rookie guards makes it nearly impossible for Peyton Manning to do what he does: play-action setting up down-the-field pass plays -- there's also the little issue of the team getting up there in years.

Manning had his knee twice-repaired this offseason, and his favorite target, Marvin Harrison, also spent the spring and summer rehabbing a knee injury. And according to ProFootballWeekly.com, the organization could part ways with the sure-to-be Hall of Fame wideout when the season ends.

There's a growing sentiment around Indianapolis that WR Marvin Harrison will be given his walking papers in the offseason. ...

[A]nd we hear the club will be reluctant to shell out the more than $13 million he's due in 2009. Also, the pending litigation over his alleged involvement in an April shooting in his hometown of Philadelphia could prove embarrassing to the organization. The problem with cutting him is the Colts' lack of an established third receiver who could be plugged into coordinator Tom Moore's spread offense.

I'm not so sure the legal issues and finding Harrison's replacement are reasons he may not be around; the money and the drop in productivity have everything to do with his future in Indianapolis. Plus, president Bill Polian has an amazing knack for finding players that fit Moore's scheme. If Harrison is let go, I feel confident the Colts will manage, particularly if they shore up the offensive line.

In the meantime, Indy faces undefeated division rival Tennessee tomorrow night, and if they drop that game, the AFC South is lost, and the chance for the postseason might be too.