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By Mike Chappell
February 21, 2008
Dallas Clark might have the distinction of being a "franchise player" for the shortest time in NFL history.
The veteran tight end, who was "tagged'' by the Indianapolis Colts on Tuesday, agreed Wednesday to a six-year contract with the team.
Financial details were not immediately available, but it's believed the deal makes Clark the NFL's highest-paid tight end. It most certainly provides him a more favorable salary-cap number. The one-year franchise designation carried a $4.522 million price.
"We've been working on this deal since the fall,'' said Neil Cornrich of NC Sports, Clark's agent. "Dallas had indicated to me and to the Colts a strong desire to remain a Colt for his entire career, if that was possible."
The Colts clearly agreed and, according to Cornrich, "we were able to get this done.''
Clark, 28, is coming off the most productive season of his five-year career: 58 receptions, 616 yards, 11 touchdowns. The receptions and TDs broke the single-season club records of Hall of Famer John Mackey.
Clark is the latest Colt to move to the top or near the top of his position leaguewide in terms of financial compensation. He joins quarterback Peyton Manning, wide receivers Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne, defensive end Dwight Freeney, safety Bob Sanders and place-kicker Adam Vinatieri.
