Four-time NFL MVP Peyton Manning talked to our colleague Mike Chappell at The Indianapolis Star and shed some light on his (potential) earning power.

Apparently Manning isn't looking to maximize it.

He's currently saddled with an unsigned $23 million exclusive franchise tag, though Colts owner Jim Irsay has repeatedly stated his desire to make his quarterback the game's best-compensated player as the team tries to sign him to a long-term deal.

Manning's reaction?

"While I appreciate Jim Irsay offering to make me the highest-paid player,'' said Manning, "I told him I'd rather he save that money and keep whoever it is ... (free agent RB) Joe Addai, (free agent OL) Charlie Johnson, whoever that may be.

"I'm willing to take less than they've offered if they are going to take that money to keep players we need to keep and go get other players. All I want is for them to have the cap and the cash to keep the players they want to keep and to sign other players.''

He's also anxious to reach an accord, hoping it's done, "Today, tomorrow, definitely by Sunday.''

The Colts have agreed to deals with K Adam Vinatieri and S Melvin Bullitt. They will lose OLB Clint Session to the Jaguars. Pro Bowl WR Reggie Wayne and Pro Bowl DE Robert Mathis will soon be up for new contracts, too.

Manning would rather keep his teammates than surpass the four-year, $72 million deal Patriots QB Tom Brady received a year ago; his $18 million average take puts him atop the NFL heap in terms of average salary on a multiyear deal.

"The numbers that are being floated out there, the rumors of what I'm asking for ... that's not from me,'' said Manning.

"I've never said one word about the contract. I told (the Colts) my cap numbers can be as low as they want them to be in being creative with the salary cap.''

Manning is expected to miss a chunk of training camp while recovering from recent surgery on his neck.

"I've told him to be as cautious as he needs to be because the last time I checked, we don't count preseason games," C Jeff Saturday said. "I can tell you this, there's not a player that works harder than he does."