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The Indianapolis Colts released veteran tight end Marcus Pollard on Wednesday, saving the team an immediate $2.65 million against the NFL salary cap.
Colts President Bill Polian said the team hoped eventually to get Pollard back under a new contract and would welcome him next season if he does not sign with another team in the meantime. Other Colts starters who became free agents Wednesday included guard Rick DeMulling, safety Idrees Bashir, cornerback Nick Harper and middle linebacker Rob Morris.
Pollard, the only player to have played in both of the Colts' AFC Championship Game appearances in 1996 and 2004, said he had been expecting the move. Polian and Coach Tony Dungy told Pollard about their decision in person Wednesday.
"I've always dreaded this day because I didn't know how it would happen and how I would deal with it emotionally," Pollard said. "But as far as how Bill and Tony handled it, I got cut, but I don't feel like I got cut, if that makes any sense."
Pollard joined the Colts as an undrafted free agent in 1995 and became one of the most productive tight ends in franchise history. He is second to Hall of Famer John Mackey with 263 receptions and ranks third all-time in two other categories, with 3,391 yards and 35 touchdowns in his 10 seasons. The Colts had already strengthened the tight end position the past two years by acquiring Dallas Clark, Ben Hartsock and Ben Utecht.
Glenn Schwartzman, Pollard's agent, said he had tried unsuccessfully to negotiate a contract extension with the Colts. Pollard's salary counts for $4.85 million against the $85.5 million cap.
Source: AP
Colts President Bill Polian said the team hoped eventually to get Pollard back under a new contract and would welcome him next season if he does not sign with another team in the meantime. Other Colts starters who became free agents Wednesday included guard Rick DeMulling, safety Idrees Bashir, cornerback Nick Harper and middle linebacker Rob Morris.
Pollard, the only player to have played in both of the Colts' AFC Championship Game appearances in 1996 and 2004, said he had been expecting the move. Polian and Coach Tony Dungy told Pollard about their decision in person Wednesday.
"I've always dreaded this day because I didn't know how it would happen and how I would deal with it emotionally," Pollard said. "But as far as how Bill and Tony handled it, I got cut, but I don't feel like I got cut, if that makes any sense."
Pollard joined the Colts as an undrafted free agent in 1995 and became one of the most productive tight ends in franchise history. He is second to Hall of Famer John Mackey with 263 receptions and ranks third all-time in two other categories, with 3,391 yards and 35 touchdowns in his 10 seasons. The Colts had already strengthened the tight end position the past two years by acquiring Dallas Clark, Ben Hartsock and Ben Utecht.
Glenn Schwartzman, Pollard's agent, said he had tried unsuccessfully to negotiate a contract extension with the Colts. Pollard's salary counts for $4.85 million against the $85.5 million cap.
Source: AP