Quarterback George, Colts Close to Pact

Colts owner Robert Irsay said today that he is close to an agreement with Illinois quarterback Jeff George.

“We’re very close, but we’re not there yet,” Irsay said as he arrived at the Colts headquarters for the resumption of negotiations this morning. “We’re close in dollars and the years of the contract, but we’re not there yet.”

Negotiators for the Colts and George met until after midnight Thursday, attempting to work out details of an elaborate trade that featured the quarterback as the top prize.

Under a possible plan announced Thursday, Indianapolis will get Atlanta’s No. 1 pick in Sunday’s NFL draft and use that choice to select George. But Colts general manager Jim Irsay said the entire deal is contingent on signing George by today.

“We want Jeff, and Jeff wants to be here,” Irsay said. “We’re willing to pay a pretty penny, but obviously there’s a limit. It has to be something the franchise can live with.”

George, an Indianapolis native, played one year at Purdue, then transferred to Illinois and elected to pass up his senior year to enter the draft.

He completed 262 of 423 passes for 2,932 yards and 22 touchdowns at Illinois last season.

Some scouts question whether he’s tough enough, but few question his arm.

“I don’t see how anyone can’t like him,” said Dick Steinberg, the general manager of the New York Jets. “He’s got a very strong arm and a quick release. He’s an excellent prospect.”