Losing Harper Hurts Colts

Will Be Hard to Replace Most Reliable Cornerback

Considering they entered free agency with very little money available under the salary cap, it was a given that the Indianapolis Colts would lose some key starters from last season's Super Bowl team. Losing Nick Harper this week to the Tennessee Titans hurts them most.

Harper, who signed a 3-year deal with the Titans on March 13, was the Colts best cornerback last season, recording 58 tackles and 3 interceptions. While the Colts have an in-house replacement in 2005 first round draft pick Marlin Jackson, they don't have anyone who will replace Harper's experience. The 32-year-old Harper, is entering his 7^th season in the league. With his departure, 4th year pro Jason David is the only cornerback on the roster with more than two years of playing time.

Also hurting the Colts is the fact Harper signed with their division rivals. He will most likely replace Titans cornerback Adam "Pacman" Jones, who is currently facing legal trouble and most likely won't be with the team next season. The Titans finished 8-8 last season and believed to be in a position to contend in the playoffs next year.

The Colts entered free agency with less than $6 million in cap space to work with. When you factor in the money needed to sign their draft picks in April, that leaves them with very little money to replace Harper.

Even if they did have the money, their selection is very limited. Former Buffalo Bills starter Nate Clements was considered to be the best free agent cornerback available and he signed a contract with the San Francisco 49ers the first weekend of free agency and most other free agents are already signed.

David Macklin, who spent four years with the Colts before signing with the Arizona Cardinals in 2004 recently became available but has seen his production drop since joining the Cardinals and, with the number of teams still looking for a cornerback, might receive more money than he's worth.