The Indianapolis Colts made tight end Dallas Clark their franchise player, tendering him the requisite one-year offer worth the average of the top five highest-paid tight ends.

The deal would equal $4.5 million if Clark signed for 2008. By franchising him, the Colts retain the right to match any offer made by another team or receive two first-round picks from that team.

The Colts also reportedly re-signed guard Ryan Lilja to a five-year deal Tuesday.

Commentary: The Colts weren't about to let one of their top offensive weapons get away, especially with Marvin Harrison's career close to an end. Reggie Wayne and Clark were Peyton Manning's top receivers last season and, if Harrison can't come back from his knee problem, they will stay that way.

Fantasy Football Impact: This assures that Clark will remain a top-flight tight end in an offense that uses him and that Manning will remain one of the top two or three fantasy QBs because he has all of his weapons returning.

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