Peyton Manning is now a free agent. This is a statement NFL fans and an Indianapolis Colts fans never thought they would hear in their lifetime. Well, the day and age of professional football has changed and Peyton Manning is now a free agent. The Colts released Manning last week just a day before he was due his $28 million roster bonus and due to his neck injury and complications that went with it. The Colts had to pay this roster bonus in order to keep him in Indianapolis. If the roster bonus wasn't paid to Manning, he would become an unrestricted free agent. Jim Irsay and the Colts decided to take the business route and release Peyton Manning and start a new era by drafting Andrew Luck as their new franchise quarterback. You gotta feel for the guy. The year Manning was drafted #1 overall by the Colts in '98, they went 3-13. The next year, the Colts went 13-3 and made the playoffs. Peyton went on to make 11 pro bowls, 6 AFC player of the year awards, 4 NFL MVP awards, one Super Bowl championship (XLI), and one Super Bowl MVP (XLI). There is no doubting what he is capable of. Even with the recent neck injury and the results of being released, he will still go down as one of the greatest QB's of all time. Even if he isn't fully healthy by the start of the 2012 season, an 80% Peyton Manning is better than most NFL quarterbacks these days.
Since Manning's release, there have been many speculations as to where he will play next. It has been reported that 16 teams have contacted Manning to acquire his services. Over the past couple of days, the list of teams has narrowed down. Me personally, I would love to have see both Manning brother in New York City. Peyton would have been a great fit with the Jets market wise and talent wise, but Mike Tannenbaum probably pulled the most ridiculous GM move in NFL history by extending the contract of Mark Sanchez for 4 years. The Giants will always be the kings of New York, and this move proves that it will be true for the next 4 years. Anyway, I will now list the top 5 destinations for Peyton Manning in my opinion.
5. Washington Redskins
The Redskins were one of the top destinations for Manning as soon as he was kicked out of the door in Indy, but the Redskins pulled a franchise changing move by trading up for the number 2 pick in the NFL draft. By making this move, it is all but certain that the 'Skins will draft Robert Griffin III as their new franchise quarterback. This still won't stop the 'Skins from trying to persuade Manning to come to the nations capital. The Redskins have so much cap space that they can surround either Manning or RG3 with great talent. Mike Shanahan would love to have 18 under center, but its all but certain the Redskins will go with RG3 as their quarterback. With an improving defense and cap room to fill out the offense, the 'Skins are still a possible destination for Manning.
4. Houston Texans
Yeah yeah yeah I know, the Texans already have Matt Schaub as their QB, but its Peyton Manning were talking about. You at least got to consider the idea. Plus, Schaub is coming off a major ACL injury. Imagine Peyton on the Texans for a second. Manning, Arian Foster, Andre Johnson. Thats an offensive juggernaut in the making. Every texan fan should be dreaming of the thought. Plus with the defense they have now, this team would be one of the best in the NFL. Plus, Manning would face his former team twice a year. It's highly unlikely this would actually happen, but it would be a great spot for Manning.
3. Denver Broncos
This would be the best destination for all of America (and for Manning I guess). This would give a reasonable excuse for Tim Tebow not to be a starting quarterback in the 2012 season. Tebowmania just annoyed me. Tebow is great guy and human being, don't get me wrong. He's just not a great quarterback that wins games in the most miraculous ways. Even bronco fans can't explain how they made the playoffs and beat the Steelers. John Fox dreams of the day where he can have a true pocket passer that has the capability of winning a Super Bowl (also anyone besides Tebow). Both Fox and John Elway would kill to bring Peyton Manning to Denver. Like he did in Indy, Peyton makes his receivers look good. The same thing can happen in Denver with the young receivers that they have. Young receivers and a young improving defense will definitely make Denver an attractive spot for Manning.
2. Arizona Cardinals.
A gigantic stadium, a solid defense, and a head coach that will allow Manning to control the offense makes the Cardinals my #2 destination. If a teams signs Manning, the coaching staff has to allow him to control the offense and be the veteran leader of the team. Thats what Peyton Manning will bring to a football team. He will be your offensive coordinator, your assistant head coach, your franchise quarterback, the cornerstone of your franchise, and your playoff performer. The Arizona Cardinals will gladly hand the keys of the offense to Manning. The Cardinals have experience with this certain situation with Kurt Warner. He became everything I stated above for the Cardinals in 2008 and led them to Super Bowl XLIII, where they lost to the Steelers. The same will happen with Manning if he goes to the desert. Plus, the Cardinals have this guy named Larry Fitzgerald. From what I heard, he's pretty good. Arguably the best receiver in the NFL. The combination of him and Manning would be unstoppable.
1. Tennessee Titans
The Titans have become a late bloomer in the Manning sweepstakes. Ever since the Titans have expressed strong interest in Manning's services, I was fully convinced this is the top destination for Manning. First of all, he played his college ball at the University of Tennessee. Peyton would be welcomed back as a king and the southerners in Tennessee would bow down to him and kiss his feet. It would almost be a homecoming for him. Second, second year head coach Mike Munchak would gladly give Manning full control of the offense. Manning has the ability to make others around him on offense look way better than they actually are. Munchak realizes that and Peyton would be in full command. Finally, the talent on offense is undeniably there. Chris Johnson as your running back, Kenny Brit and Nate Washington as your receivers, and lots of cap space to bring in offensive line improvements makes the offense look extremely attractive. With the cap space the Titans have, they could bring in Manning's long time center Jeff Saturday to make him feel comfortable under center. The defense is losing all pro cornerback Cortland Finnegan, but still solid enough to win a championship, especially with Manning as their Quarterback.
That is all for now.
PS. As of this moment, my bracket is perfect. *fingers crossed*
- Padre Bama
Follow me on twitter. @PadreBama
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