[vincesanity82]

John Clayton of ESPN.com reports that the Indianapolis Colts have signed defensive end Dwight Freeney to a six-year, $72 million contract, which includes a $30 million signing bonus.

The deal makes the Colts the first team in NFL history with two players who received signing bonuses of $30 million or more. The other Colt who broke the bank is quarterback Peyton Manning.

Freeney previously was designated as the team's franchise player, and the Colts had used the "exclusive" version of the tag, which prevented him from negotiating with other teams. The deadline for franchise players to sign a multi-year deal is July 16.

Freeney's deal arguably sets the floor for Panthers defensive end Julius Peppers, the next high-profile lineman who in due course will be getting a new deal, either from his current team or from a new team.

ProFootballTalk.com -- The Best Pro Football Scoop on the Internet

[azrael492]

That was an important signing. He will anchor that defense for another run.

[Lefty Noob]

Yeah, no doubt. They couldn't afford to lose him and Cato June in the same year.