Published: February 26, 2007 11:36 pm            

Colts focusing on free agents June, Rhodes and Harper

INDIANAPOLIS — With the National Football League’s veteran free agent signing period commencing at 12:01 a.m. Friday, there appears to be considerable interest from several of the other 31 league teams in what the Indianapolis Colts may have to offer.

Now that defensive end Dwight Freeney, who has been tagged as the Colts’ exclusive rights franchise player, is off-limits to everybody but Indianapolis, the NFL's wish list figures to be topped by outside linebacker Cato June, running back Dominic Rhodes and cornerback Nick Harper.

All three are unrestricted free agents and the chances appear to be pretty good that two and possibly all three could be wearing different uniforms in 2007. June may have the best opportunity to remain in Indianapolis, but that eventuality will all depend on what kind of interest he receives from other teams and how much money is being discussed.

At least one team, the Pittsburgh Steelers, reportedly has a need for a playmaking outside linebacker. The Steelers may also have interest in both Rhodes and Harper, although a recent arrest for speeding and drunk driving is expected to drive some teams away from the Colts’ veteran running back.

“Whether or not it eliminates him, I don't know if that's the case,” New York Giants coach Tom Coughlin said late last week. “But it certainly doesn't help.”

The Giants have room to add a running back with the recent retirement of Tiki Barber. New York officials have discussed the possibility of trading for a a runner — such as Buffalo’s Willis McGahee, Chicago’s Thomas Jones, Green Bay’s Ahman Green or Denver's Tatum Bell.

But barring a trade or the decision to go ahead and try to pick someone up in the draft, adding a free agent like Rhodes, Philadelphia’s Correll Buckhalter and San Diego's Michael Turner may also be in the cards at some point down the road.

Doss back in 2007? — Another potential Colts unrestricted free agent, safety Mike Doss, is expected to be gone before the start of next season. But Indianapolis coach Tony Dungy doesn’t appear ready to close the door completely on a possible return.

Doss — who has struggled in pass coverage since coming to the Colts as a second-round draft pick in 2003 — missed most of the 2006 season with a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee and was replaced in the lineup by rookie safety Antoine Bethea. Heading into 2007, Bethea and veteran Bob Sanders figure to be the starters with Matt Giordano the top backup.

“(Doss leaving) is not a foregone conclusion to me,” Dungy said at the National Football Combine last week. “We’d love to have him back.”

Freeney money — According to a recent report by NFL Network reporter Adam Schefter, Freeney’s wish list for a new contract is a $30 million signing bonus and $9 million a year.

The highest paid defensive ends last season were Tampa Bay’s Simeon Rice at $7.25 million, followed by Miami's Jason Taylor ($7 million) and Carolina's Julius Peppers ($5.5 million).

Lions to part ways with Pollard — The Detroit News reported Monday that the Detroit Lions will attempt to trade or release former Indianapolis tight end Marcus Pollard.

Pollard has spent most of his NFL with the Colts but signed a free agent contract with Detroit prior to the 2005 season. He caught 49 passes his first year with the team but his production slipped to just 12 receptions in 2006.

The Lions may also decide to part ways with another ex-Colts player, offensive guard Rick DeMulling. DeMulling also signed with Detroit prior to the 2005 season but has seen limited playing time the last two seasons.

Mikell up for free agency — Quintin Mikell, the son of former Indiana State inside linebacker Quintin Mikell, is an unrestricted free agent for the

Philadelphia Eagles.

A safety who has specialized as a special teams player for the Eagles, Mikell has reportedly said that he would like to remain in Philadelphia if at all possible.

McGinnis happy for now — Former ISU assistant coach Dave McGinnis is happy in his role as the linebackers coach for the Tennessee Titans.

McGinnis’ name continues to come up for vacant head coaching jobs, both in the NFL and on the collegiate level. But his brief stay as the head coach with the Arizona Cardinals appears to have soured his desire to jump back into the fray, at least for the time being.

“I’m happy (with the Titans). I’ve had calls about (head coaching) jobs, but I really enjoy working for (Tennessee coach) Jeff (Fisher),” he said Monday at the combine. “If something came up that I really had an interest in, I would sit down with Jeff and talk it over with him. But for right now, I’m very happy where I am.”

        

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