Quiet offseason favors Colts

The same holds true for Wayne and Mathis. Colts President Bill Polian says it's hard to negotiate new deals this offseason because the collective bargaining agreement between owners and players runs out after this year and no one is sure of the salary cap rules going forward.

Regarding Manning, Polian thinks a deal will get done.

"But there's a lot of work that we can do between then and now to lay groundwork and cover areas that we need to cover and talk about various different structures, and we'll do that," he said.

The AFC South saw little free-agency movement this year, which leaves AFC champion Indianapolis as the favorite once again.

Indianapolis Colts

Key gains: DE Jerry Hughes (TCU), LB Pat Angerer (Iowa), G Andy Alleman (Chiefs).

Key losses: G Ryan Lilja (cut).

Breakdown: The outlook is bright because Manning is 34 and shows no signs of slowing down. The Indianapolis Colts were fortunate to get Hughes at No. 31 in the draft. He's an edge rusher who fits the system. Ditto for mobile but undersized Angerer. He's the heir to MLB Gary Brackett, who signed a new contract.

Key questions: Can star Adam Vinatieri , out 37 games the past four years, stay on the field? Tony Ugoh or Mike Pollack must take over at guard for Lilja. Can K Adam Vinatieri, 37, come back from injuries? Can the O-line provide more push for the run game without major reinforcements?

Houston Texans

Key gains: CB Kareem Jackson (Alabama), RB Ben Tate (Auburn), K Neil Rackers (Cardinals), G Wade Smith (Chiefs).

Key losses: CB Dunta Robinson (Falcons), RB Ryan Moats (Vikings).

Breakdown: The Texans had one of the quieter offseasons in the league, aside from the fact defensive rookie of the year Brian Cushing got busted four games for violating the performance-enhancing drugs policy. The big need was running back, and San Diego beat the Texans to the punch in drafting Ryan Mathews. So Houston settled for Tate. He isn't overly elusive but should fit the system. Rackers takes over for Kris Brown, who cost the Texans two games with misses in the final seconds. Houston locked up MLB DeMeco Ryans for $21 million guaranteed and WR Kevin Walter for $8 million guaranteed.

Questions: Can star TE Owen Daniels come back from a knee injury? Can injury-prone S Eugene Wilson bounce back? Can Amobi Okoye and the other DTs develop? Can journeyman Smith help the run blocking in the middle? Is Jacoby Jones the No. 2 WR? Will Dan Orlovsky or John David Booty back up QB Matt Schaub? Is there quality CB depth?