Post by scorpion42 on Feb 19, 2009 10:08:04 GMT -7
Colts sign CB Hayden to $43 million deal
INDIANAPOLIS (TICKER) —The Indianapolis Colts made a long-term commitment to Kelvin Hayden on Thursday, signing the cornerback to a five-year contract worth $43 million.
The deal, which was agreed to in principle late Wednesday night, includes $22.5 million in guaranteed money and will pay Hayden approximately $29 million over the first three years.
The Colts reportedly had been considering placing their franchise tag on Hayden, thereby preventing the four-year veteran from testing free agency. But Hayden, who has spent his entire career with the Colts, evidently had no intention of leaving Indianapolis.
“I did not want to go anywhere else, and I am excited it has ended this way,” Hayden said. “I started my career here, and, hopefully, I can finish here. It is going down that path right now. I want to finish where I started.”
Hayden, 25, has emerged as Indianapolis’ top cover cornerback in recent years and is coming off a 2008 campaign in which he recorded three interceptions and a team-leading 12 pass deflections.
The 6-foot Hayden joined teammates Dwight Freeney ($72 million) and Bob Sanders ($37.5 million) as defensive players that have signed lucrative deals over the last two years to remain with the Colts.
“I am excited and want to be around the guys I have played with here,” Hayden said. “I have grown a bond, a four-year bond, and I am happy this will continue. I think I still have room for improvement, and I could not be with a better organization.
“The organization is committed to winning, and it shows on the field. That’s why I want to be a part of it.”
A 2005 second-round draft selection, Hayden has recorded 187 tackles and six interceptions in 57 career games with Indianapolis. He also had an interception against the Chicago Bears in Super Bowl XLI, returning it 56 yards for a touchdown to secure Indianapolis’ 29-17 victory.
INDIANAPOLIS (TICKER) —The Indianapolis Colts made a long-term commitment to Kelvin Hayden on Thursday, signing the cornerback to a five-year contract worth $43 million.
The deal, which was agreed to in principle late Wednesday night, includes $22.5 million in guaranteed money and will pay Hayden approximately $29 million over the first three years.
The Colts reportedly had been considering placing their franchise tag on Hayden, thereby preventing the four-year veteran from testing free agency. But Hayden, who has spent his entire career with the Colts, evidently had no intention of leaving Indianapolis.
“I did not want to go anywhere else, and I am excited it has ended this way,” Hayden said. “I started my career here, and, hopefully, I can finish here. It is going down that path right now. I want to finish where I started.”
Hayden, 25, has emerged as Indianapolis’ top cover cornerback in recent years and is coming off a 2008 campaign in which he recorded three interceptions and a team-leading 12 pass deflections.
The 6-foot Hayden joined teammates Dwight Freeney ($72 million) and Bob Sanders ($37.5 million) as defensive players that have signed lucrative deals over the last two years to remain with the Colts.
“I am excited and want to be around the guys I have played with here,” Hayden said. “I have grown a bond, a four-year bond, and I am happy this will continue. I think I still have room for improvement, and I could not be with a better organization.
“The organization is committed to winning, and it shows on the field. That’s why I want to be a part of it.”
A 2005 second-round draft selection, Hayden has recorded 187 tackles and six interceptions in 57 career games with Indianapolis. He also had an interception against the Chicago Bears in Super Bowl XLI, returning it 56 yards for a touchdown to secure Indianapolis’ 29-17 victory.