Gary Brackett wanted to finish his NFL career where it all started -- in Indianapolis.
He's receiving his wish.
"Obviously, this is a great place to play, and when you get a chance to stay a Colt for life, you usually jump at it," Brackett said during a news conference at the team's complex. "That's why I wanted to do everything within my power to make this my home."
A league source told NFL Network's Jason La Canfora that Brackett will receive $33 million, including a $12 million signing bonus, which would easily make him the Colts' highest-paid linebacker in a decade.
The defending AFC champions have rarely rewarded linebackers with big contracts. Since the end of the 2002 season, the Colts have allowed Mike Peterson, Marcus Washington, Cato June and David Thornton -- all starters -- to leave as unrestricted free agents.
Another starter, Tyjuan Hagler, could be moving on soon, too. The four-year veteran, who finished last season on injured reserve with a ruptured biceps, wasn't offered a contract tender. He becomes an unrestricted free agent and can sign with any team without the Colts receiving compensation. Hagler's agent, Mitch Frankel, confirmed the decision Friday, just before the Colts announced Brackett's signing.
But Brackett was the lucky one.
"Throughout the whole process, it was very clear to us in our conversations with Gary and his representatives that Gary's real intent and his true hope was to stay as a Colt," general manager Chris Polian said. "Both parties were able to work toward that end and get that done, and we're very thankful to Gary and his desire to be a Colt."
The two sides worked earnestly over the past week to reach a deal. The Colts decided not to use their franchise or transition on tags on Brackett because those numbers were deemed too expensive.
Brackett's agent, Brian Mackler, and the team continued to discuss terms over the next week, and negotiations continued as the midnight deadline loomed Thursday.
With over two hours to go, Mackler wrote that the Colts were still working on a contract. Shortly after midnight, Mackler again wrote that there was nothing new to report. A few hours later, the deal was done.
"I actually was up, took a couple of calls," Brackett said. "I knew deep down where I wanted to be and I knew we were close to getting something done; it took a little bit after that (midnight) to secure a deal, but we got something done and we're both happy."
Brackett's signing marked the end of a wild 24-hour period for the Colts, who scrambled to make decisions about what deals -- if any -- to offer their long list of restricted free agents.
The team made second-round tenders to safety Melvin Bullitt and left tackle Charlie Johnson and a first-round tender to two-time Pro Bowl safety Antoine Bethea. It declined to offer tenders to Hagler; defensive back Marlin Jackson, a former first-round draft pick; cornerback Tim Jennings; safety Aaron Francisco and offensive lineman Dan Federkeil. Those players now can sign with other teams without the Colts receiving compensation.
The Colts also released backup quarterback Jim Sorgi on Friday. Sorgi's agent, Matt Brei, said the move was a surprise because the team had given his client no indication that it was making a move. That leaves Curtis Painter and Drew Willy, both rookies last season, as the only quarterbacks behind Peyton Manning.
Willy was on Indianapolis' practice squad last season, and the team announced Friday that it had re-signed him.
Aside from extending quarterback Peyton Manning's contract, Brackett was the Colts' No. 1 offseason priority. He started the past five seasons, making more than 100 tackles in all five seasons. He has 627 tackles, 11 interceptions, five forced fumbles and three recovered fumbles in his career.
Brackett made the team as an undrafted rookie out of Rutgers in 2003 and has emerged as a fan favorite, as much for his ability to overcome adversity and his work in the community as his play on the field -- something that made Brackett even more eager to stay in Indianapolis.
"How you're viewed outside of this building, nationally, in the community, that to me is doing it the right way. That means a lot to me," Brackett said. "Guys really take that personal, what we mean, what impact we have in our community, and guys are doing a great job. It means a lot to me to be a part of something I think is going to be long-lasting."
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
