Marvin Harrison May Part Ways with Indianapolis Colts

Ever since draft day in April of 1996, Marvin Harrison has been an essential component of the Indianapolis Colts offensive game plan. He and quarterback Peyton Manning emerged as one of the NFL's most prolific quarterback to receiver duos of this generation. They won numerous football games together. They celebrated a Super Bowl triumph just two short years ago.

However, Harrison is now on the descending end of his NFL playing career, which always creates a difficult and sometimes awkward decision by team executives regarding the future of one of their most productive players. We saw it with the San Francisco 49ers and Jerry Rice several years ago. Rice spent the latter stages of his illustrious career with the Oakland Raiders before ending his career with the Seattle Seahawks. That just never felt right.

Harrison is now 36 years old, and his on-field production has waned over the last two years, mainly due to nagging injuries. Meanwhile, Reggie Wayne is Peyton Manning's go-to-guy, and Anthony Gonzalez continues to develop as a solid target. Harrison is one of the Colts highest paid players, and the team would save roughly 6 million dollars if they released him. Thus far, Harrison has not accepted a reduction in salary.

The potential parting of ways is agonizing for Colts management. In fact, Colts President Bill Polian told ESPN's Chris Mortensen, "There was no hardball with this (contract negotiations), just heartache."

Harrison is one of Indianapolis' most recognizable figures, and is popular within the locker room as well. Even though he is not the same receiver he was several years ago, his presence will be sorely missed. He is second in the NFL with 1,102 career receptions. Any time Harrison was on the field, the Colts were perhaps the most dangerous offensive unit in the NFL.

Hopefully, the Colts and the future Hall of Fame receiver can come to some kind of consensus. It is rare that a player spends an entire career with one team. It would be fitting for Harrison to end his playing career in Indianapolis Colts blue.