The Baltimore Sun reports that Ravens coach John Harbaugh plans to talk with veteran WR Derrick Mason, who announced his intention to retire earlier this week.

If he holds to the decision that was reported Monday, Derrick Mason’s retirement comes at a very bad time for the Ravens. In many ways, Mason holds all the cards, and the Ravens now have a much different set of issues to address.

A lot of big-name free agents are still out there, and some will find work at some point this summer.

Panthers DE Julius Peppers has been unhappy for most of the offseason and demanded a trade. But after months of rumors and no movement, Peppers signed his one-year franchise tender on Wednesday worth $16.7 million. Now, he’s apparently open to signing a long-term extension with the team.

Despite published reports to the contrary, veteran WR Marvin Harrison doesn’t plan to retire, according to his agent. In fact, Tom Condon said Harrison wants to play in 2009 and that the former Colt’s knee is OK.

Marvin Harrison’s agent said Monday that the Colts had agreed to release the veteran wide receiver. Not so fast, Colts owner Jim Irsay told the Indianapolis Star.

The 13-year marriage between Marvin Harrison and the Indianapolis Colts is over.

Colts owner Jim Irsay announced Tuesday that the team has granted Harrison’s request to be released, a move that will have implications in fantasy football.

After the two sides couldn’t agree on a restructured contract, WR Marvin Harrison asked the Colts to release him, a league source said Sunday night.

As much as the team would rather not — and Colts president Bill Polian acknowledged Sunday that it’s a tricky situation — Harrison is a luxury that Indianapolis can no longer afford.

CB Kelvin Hayden, who helped the Indianapolis Colts win Super Bowl XLI three years ago, reached an agreement with the team on a five-year, $43 million contract that includes $22.5 million in guaranteed money.

It’s no longer a question of if WR Marvin Harrison will be let go by the Colts. It has become a question of when. It will happen in the coming days, certainly before the new league year starts a week from Friday, but few are sure exactly when.

When all is said and done, Marvin Harrison will go down as one of the greatest receivers in NFL history. But he did not make his mark in the posteason.

While awaiting a decision from head coach Tony Dungy on his future, the Indianapolis Colts could be losing another franchise legend. Unless wide receiver Marvin Harrison is willing to significantly restructure his contract, it’s possible he has played his last game for the Colts.

Colts WR Marvin Harrison has seven receptions for 31 yards against the Titans, moving him past Cris Carter into sole possession of second place on the NFL’s all-time receptions list. Harrison (1,102) now trails only Jerry Rice (1,549).

Indianapolis wide receiver Marvin Harrison, who did not make the trip to Jacksonville for tonight’s game against the Jaguars due to a knee injury, could well be playing his final season with the Colts.

The top of the NFL’s all-time receptions list now reads Jerry Rice, Cris Carter and Marvin Harrison.