Locking Down a Vet

This offseason middle linebacker Gary Brackett will become a free agent, and it may be in the Colts best interest to bring him back. A leader on and off the field, Brackett has established himself as a steadfast member of this organization. Brackett has spent his entire career with the Colts, tallying 466 solo tackles in 103 games. Although he is not flashy and doesn’t bring the big “game changing” plays, he does offer consistency and effort. However, Brackett will likely be receiving the last “major” contract of his career, and he will be looking to cash in. Colts President Bill Polian has stated the Colts’ desire to bring back the linebacker, but will only do so at a reasonable rate. 

With the future of Bob Sanders’ time on this team in question, Brackett’s contract discussions with the team could mark the end of two key players tenure here in Indy. The Colts have not been afraid to let defensive players walk in the past, David Thornton, Cato June, and Nick Harper have all walked to other teams who have offered more money then the Colts. None of whom have had nearly as much success as they did with the Colts. Indianapolis tends to know their players better than other teams around the league, and rightly so. I am not saying that the Colts produce players based on their schemes and their system, however, if the Colts are willing to let someone walk, they are usually doing the right thing. 

It would be a shame to let someone with the tenure and ability of Gary Brackett walk away in free agency. However, not overpaying for a player, especially with the league salary cap and CBA in complete shambles, is the absolute key to these negotiations. It will be interesting to see what the Colts end up doing, and whether or not Brackett is more interested in chasing the money or another shot at a ring.