Robert Mathis
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Indianapolis Colts defensive end Robert Mathis earned $3.41 million in 2011 but is basically underpaid for what he does.
There is just no way for me to separate the Mathis situation without discussing
Peyton Manning and his deal. If Manning turns out to be unable to practice or the Colts don't think he can come back, they draft Andrew Luck and then signing a player like Robert Mathis becomes a major priority.
If Manning returns, he still has that massive contract, and as a result, the Colts hands are tied and will have a very hard time offering him enough money to stay with the team. I have no insight into Manning and his neck, so for the sake of this presentation, we will make the assumption that Manning returns and that Mathis will leave the team to take the highest contract offer out there.
My prediction: Mathis should be earning something closer to the $7 million area, and I think somebody will go higher than that to sign him. He's still only 30 years old.