Where will Peyton play next year?

[Romo 2 Austin]

Well unless Andrew Luck decides to start walking around like a dictator and loses his mind he will be the #1 overall pick to Indy. So that leaves the huge question, where does the greatest QB of this era Peyton Manning go? I doubt they can keep him as a 2nd stringer, one its disrespectful two he would make like $25m to be a backup.


I believe he will be traded, but where?

[Dcowboy84]

if he's healthy he is a Colt and Luck is holding the clipboard

i don't see any way that they get the necessary value in a trade b/c of the uncertainty right now with his injury


that and if for some reason they let him go and just went with Luck, what happens if heaven forbid Luck gets hurt? they are in the same hole they got stuck in this year.

they have the chance to have a viable backup for the first time in Peyton's career, and Luck gets the chance to learn behind one of the best QBs in history. the CBA keeps the cost of the #1 pick from being as high as it's been in the past so financially they can afford it

i think it has to be a no-brainer for them that they make sure to have them both

[Cowboys&LakersFan]

Indy.

[SaltwaterServr]

N.f.l.

[cruz_aedo861]

peyton will never play another down in the NFL. just watch.

[Hailmary]

I wonder what the Colts can get for an older qb coming back from a massive injury, but has answered the longtime question of what he means to his team (a resounding "EVERYTHING").

[csirl]

peyton will never play another down in the NFL. just watch.

+1 Cant see him ever getting on the field again.

[landroverking]

I would love to see him with the Jets just to see the train wreck known as Rex Ryan.

[Sarge]

I doubt he plays again.

[Fmart322]

Washington. Dan Snyder will do whatever he can to get him.

[batman36]

In this order: Miami, N.Y. Jets, or Washington.

[batman36]

And I think each of those teams become legitimate playoff contenders with Peyton. Of course, the qualifier is that he remains healthy, as does his new team mates, for most of the season.

[burmafrd]

IF he plays it will be for the Colts. If he plays.

[pancakeman]

He's done playing.

[Yeagermeister]

Where ever he wants to play

[ufcrules1]

+1 Cant see him ever getting on the field again.

Yeah right. Want to bet on that?

[Cowboys22]

It will be Indy or retirement. You can't trade a player with that contract coming off that injury and actually get anything for him and you will never live it down if you cut him or trade him for peanuts and he takes another team to the superbowl. Luck appears to be a very good QB but he is not guaranteed to be a superstar and win superbowls. Did he lead his team to a national title? No, so he is beatable. You simply cannot take the chance that you ship Manning off to another team where he win a superbowl while you're finishing 7-9 every year with a young inexperienced QB. If I'm Indy, I keep Manning and draft Luck. If Manning can play, then he is the starter and Luck sits and watches. At some point next year, after I've seen Luck in practice and preseason, I might make a move if Manning is healthy and I can get full value in a trade and Luck looks like the real deal. If Manning can't play this year, I keep him around for the year to teach Luck.

[jnday]

Irsay is quoted as saying no release , no trade .

[fairviewfarmer]

He's done playing.
+1 . He's done.

[ufcrules1]

It will be Indy or retirement. You can't trade a player with that contract coming off that injury and actually get anything for him and you will never live it down if you cut him or trade him for peanuts and he takes another team to the superbowl. Luck appears to be a very good QB but he is not guaranteed to be a superstar and win superbowls. Did he lead his team to a national title? No, so he is beatable. You simply cannot take the chance that you ship Manning off to another team where he win a superbowl while you're finishing 7-9 every year with a young inexperienced QB. If I'm Indy, I keep Manning and draft Luck. If Manning can play, then he is the starter and Luck sits and watches. At some point next year, after I've seen Luck in practice and preseason, I might make a move if Manning is healthy and I can get full value in a trade and Luck looks like the real deal. If Manning can't play this year, I keep him around for the year to teach Luck.

I disagree with you. Right now Manning is a question mark. If they play Manning and he looks terrible in games or injures his neck... then no team out there would want to roll the dice on a 36 year old QB with neck problems. Currently, there are about 4 or 5 teams in the league that would give a TON to get him. Luck looks like the best thing since sliced bread and can come into this league and do well right from the start. They should trade Manning and get a lot for him right now while they still can. They have a team full of holes that they have to fill..so the timing is perfect to trade him. Having 2 starting QB'S is not the way to go for the Colts.

[SDCowboy85]

Question...it there some league rule saying that the Colts and Peyton can't screw some team over? Could Peyton tell the Colts he's done so he can be traded, Colts get the picks/players, then Peyton immediately retires? What happens in that scenario (not that it would happen)?

[ufcrules1]

Question...it there some league rule saying that the Colts and Peyton can't screw some team over? Could Peyton tell the Colts he's done so he can be traded, Colts get the picks/players, then Peyton immediately retires? What happens in that scenario (not that it would happen)?

That is all taken care of in the contracts. If Peyton were just to retire, he would lose all money and would more than likely be sued etc.

[GloryDaysRBack]

Local station in MD (DC 101-Elliot in the morning) this morning said it is very likely that Manning and Saturday both go to Washington in packaged deal

[casmith07]

One of my bold predictions in the beginning of the year was that Peyton Manning would not play another snap in the NFL.

I'm sticking by that.

[CowboyWay]

The Jets or San Fran.

I don't believe he will be a Colt. The money just doesn't work. This isn't madden, its the real world. They will cut him (they can't trade him, nobody wants to pay the 28 million in bonus).
Peyton will only go to a team that has a good team, but desperately needs a QB. The jets could do wonders with him, as could the niners.

The skins with or without Peyton are not going on a SB run, so Peyton won't look at them seriously.

I truly believe he is done as a colt though.

[Hoofbite]

Question...it there some league rule saying that the Colts and Peyton can't screw some team over? Could Peyton tell the Colts he's done so he can be traded, Colts get the picks/players, then Peyton immediately retires? What happens in that scenario (not that it would happen)?

Pretty sure the league would cancel the whole thing.

[Hoofbite]

peyton will never play another down in the NFL. just watch.

+1 Cant see him ever getting on the field again.

I doubt he plays again.

He's done playing.

One of my bold predictions in the beginning of the year was that Peyton Manning would not play another snap in the NFL.

I'm sticking by that.

Why are you guys thinking he won't play again?

[Beast_from_East]

The Jets or San Fran.

I don't believe he will be a Colt. The money just doesn't work. This isn't madden, its the real world. They will cut him (they can't trade him, nobody wants to pay the 28 million in bonus).
Peyton will only go to a team that has a good team, but desperately needs a QB. The jets could do wonders with him, as could the niners.

The skins with or without Peyton are not going on a SB run, so Peyton won't look at them seriously.

I truly believe he is done as a colt though.

Is there some rule that says Luck cant guard the waterbucket his first year?

Seriously, why the hell do the Colts have to make a decision between the 2 of them? Why cant they just draft Luck and have him be the backup to Manning. If the injury is significant and Manning is done, Luck takes over. If Manning can play and plays well then it is good for everybody around. The Colts have a good season, Manning proves he is healthy, Luck learns from the best QB in the history of the game.

Where is the downside here?

[SDCowboy85]

Why are you guys thinking he won't play again?
Probably because he has a fused neck (which people seem to be forgetting). Even at the end of the season, he still wasn't turning his head and looked like he was wearing an invisible neck-brace.

[jazzcat22]

if he's healthy he is a Colt and Luck is holding the clipboard

i don't see any way that they get the necessary value in a trade b/c of the uncertainty right now with his injury


that and if for some reason they let him go and just went with Luck, what happens if heaven forbid Luck gets hurt? they are in the same hole they got stuck in this year.

they have the chance to have a viable backup for the first time in Peyton's career, and Luck gets the chance to learn behind one of the best QBs in history. the CBA keeps the cost of the #1 pick from being as high as it's been in the past so financially they can afford it

i think it has to be a no-brainer for them that they make sure to have them both


Good post. This is my opinion also.

[Hoofbite]

Probably because he has a fused neck (which people seem to be forgetting). Even at the end of the season, he still wasn't turning his head and looked like he was wearing an invisible neck-brace.

But players have come back from that before.

[SDCowboy85]

But players have come back from that before.
QB's though? Regardless, if he can't turn his head, he's not going to be able to play. It's also not worth pushing your luck and injuring it worse when you've already accomplished everything.

[BraveHeartFan]

I actually don't think he'll play again. That's just my hunch due to the wear and tear of the years.

Now if he does comeback and play then I still just think he's going to be in Indy and Luck will sit behind him for a year, 2 max, and get to learn from one of the greatest QBs to ever play the game.

[SDCowboy85]

I actually don't think he'll play again. That's just my hunch due to the wear and tear of the years.

Now if he does comeback and play then I still just think he's going to be in Indy and Luck will sit behind him for a year, 2 max, and get to learn from one of the greatest QBs to ever play the game.
Word seems to have it the Luck camp will want to know if Peyton is going to be there or not and Luck won't go there if he is.

[Hoofbite]

Is there some rule that says Luck cant guard the waterbucket his first year?

Seriously, why the hell do the Colts have to make a decision between the 2 of them? Why cant they just draft Luck and have him be the backup to Manning. If the injury is significant and Manning is done, Luck takes over. If Manning can play and plays well then it is good for everybody around. The Colts have a good season, Manning proves he is healthy, Luck learns from the best QB in the history of the game.

Where is the downside here?

Yeah, I dunno why this can't happen.

I've argued with the skins fan in the draft forum quite a bit about it. He seems to think there would be some big controversy or that Luck will get impatient and not want to sit.

[Hoofbite]

QB's though? Regardless, if he can't turn his head, he's not going to be able to play. It's also not worth pushing your luck and injuring it worse when you've already accomplished everything.

RBs have.

There's a long period between the end of the season and the start of camp.

If he wasn't going to be able to turn his head at all, he'd likely know by now.

[Hoofbite]

Word seems to have it the Luck camp will want to know if Peyton is going to be there or not and Luck won't go there if he is.

And miss out on 1 year of 5M pay?

I'll believe that when I see it.

[Cowboys22]

I disagree with you. Right now Manning is a question mark. If they play Manning and he looks terrible in games or injures his neck... then no team out there would want to roll the dice on a 36 year old QB with neck problems. Currently, there are about 4 or 5 teams in the league that would give a TON to get him. Luck looks like the best thing since sliced bread and can come into this league and do well right from the start. They should trade Manning and get a lot for him right now while they still can. They have a team full of holes that they have to fill..so the timing is perfect to trade him. Having 2 starting QB'S is not the way to go for the Colts.

Nothing you posted is true. There is no team that would give a "ton" to get Manning right now. Have you seen his contract? Has anyone announced he can even play football anymore? No one is trading anything of great value for him and taking on that contract for a player who might not even be able to play. You yourself mention the possibility that Manning looks terrible or reinjures the neck. Why would a team take on that risk? Then you go on about Luck being able to do well right from the start. How do you know? Do we really have to go over all of the great college QBs that got drafted very high and were thought to be sure fire great NFL QBs only to totally bust within a few years? No one can tell how good Luck will be at this point, not even you! Timing perfect to trade Manning? On the contrary, having a $28 million bonus due in March and not being able to play a single down in 2011 due to a neck injury that still has not been thoroughly explained, and the uncertainty of his playing future make this the absolute worse timing possible to trade him. If they want to trade him, they have to get him back on the field and show other teams that he is healthy. That is the only way a team is going to give anything of value for him. The problem is that if you do that and he plays well, the fans will demand that he stay in place as the starter.

[BraveHeartFan]

Word seems to have it the Luck camp will want to know if Peyton is going to be there or not and Luck won't go there if he is.


I hadn't heard that. Interesting.

[SDCowboy85]

I hadn't heard that. Interesting.
They've been talking about it on ESPN lately. I guess the dad doesn't want him waiting behind Peyton and I'm sure Andrew feels the same way.

[Cowboys22]

Word seems to have it the Luck camp will want to know if Peyton is going to be there or not and Luck won't go there if he is.

If thats even true, it's pure predraft banter. The Luck camp has no leverage. I'd tell him he can either report or sit out the season, miss out on his salary, and not accrue a league year towards free agency and his pension.

[SDCowboy85]

If thats even true, it's pure predraft banter. The Luck camp has no leverage. I'd tell him he can either report or sit out the season, miss out on his salary, and not accrue a league year towards free agency and his pension.
If it is true, I highly doubt the Colts want to risk completely blowing the most valuable 1st pick in ages if he was threatening sitting.

[iceberg]

Well unless Andrew Luck decides to start walking around like a dictator and loses his mind he will be the #1 overall pick to Indy. So that leaves the huge question, where does the greatest QB of this era Peyton Manning go? I doubt they can keep him as a 2nd stringer, one its disrespectful two he would make like $25m to be a backup.

I believe he will be traded, but where?

why? why would you put a rookie into the mix right off the bat when if the possibility is there for payton to play, let payton coach also.

luck will carry a clipboard for a few years under payton and be a better qb for it.

sometimes i feel like i'm watching "click" where people want to fast forward to the parts the like and ignore the pain of getting there.

[The Quest for Six]

Well unless Andrew Luck decides to start walking around like a dictator and loses his mind he will be the #1 overall pick to Indy. So that leaves the huge question, where does the greatest QB of this era Peyton Manning go? I doubt they can keep him as a 2nd stringer, one its disrespectful two he would make like $25m to be a backup.


I believe he will be traded, but where?


With his injury and unsure if he'll ever play again, probably wont be traded, more than likely with the regime change there, he'll be cut giving him the option to go sign anywhere he wants...

[iceberg]

Irsay is quoted as saying no release , no trade .

facts never stopped the madden parade.

[Cowboys22]

Yeah, I dunno why this can't happen.

I've argued with the skins fan in the draft forum quite a bit about it. He seems to think there would be some big controversy or that Luck will get impatient and not want to sit.

Sure it can happen and if I was a betting man, I would put my money on this being what will happen. I'm sure Luck wants to play as a rookie but he really has no choice. His camp may be afraid that he will be stuck behind Manning for 3 years like Rodgers was behind Favre. Still, they have no say in the matter if Indy takes him and keeps Manning. They could refuse to report or try and sue the league saying the draft violates some law or something but neither option is nearly as good as making millions while learning behind Manning and being ready to play when he is done which may be sooner rather than later.

[Cowboys22]

If it is true, I highly doubt the Colts want to risk completely blowing the most valuable 1st pick in ages if he was threatening sitting.

So you think they will just cowtow to the Luck camp and do what? Dump Manning? Pass on drafting Luck? Neither makes any sense and is unlikely. I take him and make him sit. Do you really think he will sit out and lose all that money, not to mention a year towards free agency and the real big money? If he does sit, you still have Manning and could command a king's ransom for Luck in a trade at some later point if you decide to go that way.

[iceberg]

So you think they will just cowtow to the Luck camp and do what? Dump Manning? Pass on drafting Luck? Neither makes any sense and is unlikely. I take him and make him sit. Do you really think he will sit out and lose all that money, not to mention a year towards free agency and the real big money? If he does sit, you still have Manning and could command a king's ransom for Luck in a trade at some later point if you decide to go that way.

i think a lot of the talk is premature until we know more of what manning can come back and do. if he can come back and play, he plays. indy will not change that for a rookie unproven player who may or may not stomp his cleats and get emotional. if luck is really smart, a year or two under payton would do him a world of good.

if payton is going to retire, non-issue.

but no one would ever take on paytons contract if there's a chance he won't play so all this trade talk needs to be moved to madden 2012.

[aikemirv]

Is there some rule that says Luck cant guard the waterbucket his first year?

Seriously, why the hell do the Colts have to make a decision between the 2 of them? Why cant they just draft Luck and have him be the backup to Manning. If the injury is significant and Manning is done, Luck takes over. If Manning can play and plays well then it is good for everybody around. The Colts have a good season, Manning proves he is healthy, Luck learns from the best QB in the history of the game.

Where is the downside here?

Doesn't Peyton have a roster bonus of like 25 million this spring. I thought that was what I heard and I think that could be the driver here.

[SDCowboy85]

So you think they will just cowtow to the Luck camp and do what? Dump Manning? Pass on drafting Luck? Neither makes any sense and is unlikely. I take him and make him sit. Do you really think he will sit out and lose all that money, not to mention a year towards free agency and the real big money? If he does sit, you still have Manning and could command a king's ransom for Luck in a trade at some later point if you decide to go that way.
Yes I think they will cut Peyton. 15 years of Luck is much more valuable than another 1-2 years of a wildly overpriced and questionable Manning.

[iceberg]

Yes I think they will cut Peyton. 15 years of Luck is much more valuable than another 1-2 years of a wildly overpriced and questionable Manning.

so we know 2 things then.

payton is done
luck will go 15 years and have a great career.

maybe it's just me, but i'll wait for life to unfold before i get that bold with my statements.

[SDCowboy85]

so we know 2 things then.

payton is done
luck will go 15 years and have a great career.

maybe it's just me, but i'll wait for life to unfold before i get that bold with my statements.
We don't know anything. But it's all a gamble and Luck is likely the safer bet.

[iceberg]

We don't know anything. But it's all a gamble and Luck is likely the safer bet.

and until i make that bet, i wait a few months and see how payton is doing and gather more information.

simply too early to even try to make this call in reality. speculate sure - but that's all it is. nothing will be known done or decided for months.

at least in the real world.

[jnday]

facts never stopped the madden parade.

You have a point . Nothing like speculating about a situation that will never happen .

[SDCowboy85]

and until i make that bet, i wait a few months and see how payton is doing and gather more information.

simply too early to even try to make this call in reality. speculate sure - but that's all it is. nothing will be known done or decided for months.

at least in the real world.
Fair enough.

[iceberg]

Fair enough.

still fun to wonder though. : )

[Cowboys22]

Yes I think they will cut Peyton. 15 years of Luck is much more valuable than another 1-2 years of a wildly overpriced and questionable Manning.

Why, when you can have both? Do you think Luck is going to forego his NFL career because he is picked by the Colts? The Colts are not going to miss out on Luck's career because they hold on to Manning for a few more years.

[Randy White]

Well unless Andrew Luck decides to start walking around like a dictator and loses his mind he will be the #1 overall pick to Indy. So that leaves the huge question, where does the greatest QB of this era Peyton Manning go? I doubt they can keep him as a 2nd stringer, one its disrespectful two he would make like $25m to be a backup.

I believe he will be traded, but where?

Well, in order to be traded, his option would have to be picked up. If that happens and then traded I don't see a way where the Colts can absorb the cap hit that comes with it ( no team can, that I know of ). More than likely he'll leave as a free agent after the Colts do not pick up his option. They're going to suffer a big enough cap hit as it is even when they don't pick it up.

The question, then, becomes: where does he end up ?

An educated guesstimate answer to that question would be based on 3 premises:


1) warm weather team and/or dome ( dome would be the ideal situation ).
2) Close enough to be a playoff contender, personnel wise.
3) Confident enough coaching staff to allow Peyton to do his thing.


Based on those specifics, I've come up with a few options ( not necessarily in the order listed ):

Washington Redskins

Offensive line is coming along. There's talent at the skill positions. The defense is getting better. Shannahan loves vet QBs.

They currently hold the 6th pick of the draft but unless the Cleveland Browns are brain dead and pass on RGIII, that means the Deadskins are not going to be in position to get either of the top QBs. However, they'll be in position to draft somebody like a Nick Foles early in the 2nd round or simply wait until next year's draft to select their QB of the future who'll then sit and learn behind Peyton. Even if the Browns do become braindead and pass on RGIII, the Deadskins would have the best of both worlds: a top of the line QB ( if healthy ) with a top of the line prospect learning behind him.

Kansas City Chiefs

The O-line is young, but getting better. The skill positions talent is very high. The defense will be very solid. Cromell would gladly give up control of the offense to Peyton, and whomever coach he brings along. Not a warm wether team or dome, but plays in a pretty easy division and the Chiefs would be the prohibited favorites entering next season. They currently hold the 11th or 12th pick of the draft. That means they're in the same situation as Washington when it comes to the draft and their future.

Miami Dolphins

If Fisher is hired, this could absolutely be an almost perfect fit. They're going to need to bring in a couple of linemen and another receiver, maybe even let Marshall go and bring Reggie Wayne ( free agent ) along with Manning, for the short term, but the organization is starving for a quick fix. The owner would do backflips from Miramar to New York, and back again, if it meant making a scenario like this a reality. The defense is pretty much set, needs tweeking here and there. They currently hold the 8th/9th pick of the draft which means they're going to get one of the best OTs in the draft, and play him opposite of Jake Long. With Incognito and Pouncy firmly set at C and G, and John Jerry showing potential ( maybe even re-signing Carey if they play nice in case Jerry shows up out of shape again ), the O-line would be all but set.

Fisher would be wise enough to realize that he needs to come in with guns blazings and he is not going to be around long term, so he'll be willing to give up some control. And it is Peyton Manning after all, who knows more about offenses than Fisher would even dream of. They too would eventually draft their QB of the future either this year or next and sit him behind Manning.


Other possible, but longer, shots:

Seattle
Minnesota
Arizona

[Cowboys&LakersFan]

QB's though? Regardless, if he can't turn his head, he's not going to be able to play. It's also not worth pushing your luck and injuring it worse when you've already accomplished everything.

Had no idea you were a doctor.

[casmith07]

They've been talking about it on ESPN lately. I guess the dad doesn't want him waiting behind Peyton and I'm sure Andrew feels the same way.

His interview after the bowl game was telling.

[BHendri5]

I don't care

[CCBoy]

Well, in order to be traded, his option would have to be picked up. If that happens and then traded I don't see a way where the Colts can absorb the cap hit that comes with it ( no team can, that I know of ). More than likely he'll leave as a free agent after the Colts do not pick up his option. They're going to suffer a big enough cap hit as it is even when they don't pick it up.

The question, then, becomes: where does he end up ?

An educated guesstimate answer to that question would be based on 3 premises:


1) warm weather team and/or dome ( dome would be the ideal situation ).
2) Close enough to be a playoff contender, personnel wise.
3) Confident enough coaching staff to allow Peyton to do his thing.


Based on those specifics, I've come up with a few options ( not necessarily in the order listed ):

Washington Redskins

Offensive line is coming along. There's talent at the skill positions. The defense is getting better. Shannahan loves vet QBs.

They currently hold the 6th pick of the draft but unless the Cleveland Browns are brain dead and pass on RGIII, that means the Deadskins are not going to be in position to get either of the top QBs. However, they'll be in position to draft somebody like a Nick Foles early in the 2nd round or simply wait until next year's draft to select their QB of the future who'll then sit and learn behind Peyton. Even if the Browns do become braindead and pass on RGIII, the Deadskins would have the best of both worlds: a top of the line QB ( if healthy ) with a top of the line prospect learning behind him.

Kansas City Chiefs

The O-line is young, but getting better. The skill positions talent is very high. The defense will be very solid. Cromell would gladly give up control of the offense to Peyton, and whomever coach he brings along. Not a warm wether team or dome, but plays in a pretty easy division and the Chiefs would be the prohibited favorites entering next season. They currently hold the 11th or 12th pick of the draft. That means they're in the same situation as Washington when it comes to the draft and their future.

Miami Dolphins

If Fisher is hired, this could absolutely be an almost perfect fit. They're going to need to bring in a couple of linemen and another receiver, maybe even let Marshall go and bring Reggie Wayne ( free agent ) along with Manning, for the short term, but the organization is starving for a quick fix. The owner would do backflips from Miramar to New York, and back again, if it meant making a scenario like this a reality. The defense is pretty much set, needs tweeking here and there. They currently hold the 8th/9th pick of the draft which means they're going to get one of the best OTs in the draft, and play him opposite of Jake Long. With Incognito and Pouncy firmly set at C and G, and John Jerry showing potential ( maybe even re-signing Carey if they play nice in case Jerry shows up out of shape again ), the O-line would be all but set.

Fisher would be wise enough to realize that he needs to come in with guns blazings and he is not going to be around long term, so he'll be willing to give up some control. And it is Peyton Manning after all, who knows more about offenses than Fisher would even dream of. They too would eventually draft their QB of the future either this year or next and sit him behind Manning.


Other possible, but longer, shots:

Seattle
Minnesota
Arizona

On the Washington scenario, I would think that Shannahan is salivating more towards the Green Bay backup. And Snyder doesn't mind at all, giving up draft choices.

[ZeroClub]

Irsay is quoted as saying no release , no trade .

Was Irsay quoting Mike Brown?

[Cowboys22]

His interview after the bowl game was telling.

What they want right now and what they will have to accept once the commissioner calls his name to the Colts on draft day are two entirely different things. Of course everyone in Luck's camp wants him to be declared the starter 1 second after being drafted but everyone doesn't always get what they want. If I'm calling the shots for the Colts, I don't let what they say they want influence me one bit. There is a reason no rookie has ever sat out his entire rookie year because he didn't like who drafted him.

[Kangaroo]

They can not keep Manning at 28million and draft Luck. It is suicide for the franchise hell it is stupid to keep him at that cost even if he was healthy. That team has slowly lost good players due to his contract and if they give him 28Million they set back the franchise another 3-4 years.

If Isray keeps manning at 28 million then he will just kill his chance at having a winning football team and any hopes of winning again in the near future. It showed with Manning out and is not going to be fixed this offseason giving out a bonus that will kill cap room and not allow you to build around a rookie QB that is consider a Franchise QB.

[burmafrd]

one fact that has to be taken into consideration is the new CBA which limits the length of contracts to first rd picks. They cannot afford to have him sit more than two years; they need at least one full season watching him to decide if he is worth re signing. And any coach or GM should want two years to make a decision; one year wonders are well known.

Now in that scenario, he watches Peyton for two years then steps in. Which might be the best thing for both the colts and Luck.

BUT the real question is the salary cap; the colts have a lot of holes and releasing Manning might be the smarter long term solution as regards freeing up Cap space to rebuild

[BraveHeartFan]

But players have come back from that before.


Yes and if this was one surgery on the neck I'd feel a lot safer about saying Manning will return.

It's not.


It's multiple surgeries. That just smells like a serious amount of trouble for Manning and seems like it's a lot more likely that playing will wind up out of the book of options.


I could be wrong. He might wind up 100% ready to go and be just fine but it just doesn't seem like it to me from what I've seen and read about how it's progressing to this point.

[jnday]

Had no idea you were a doctor.

He may not be a doctor , but he is right .

[CowboyWay]

Is there some rule that says Luck cant guard the waterbucket his first year?

Seriously, why the hell do the Colts have to make a decision between the 2 of them? Why cant they just draft Luck and have him be the backup to Manning. If the injury is significant and Manning is done, Luck takes over. If Manning can play and plays well then it is good for everybody around. The Colts have a good season, Manning proves he is healthy, Luck learns from the best QB in the history of the game.

Where is the downside here?

The downside is that Peyton is due a $28 million dollar bonus if he is on the roster on March 1st (I believe that is the date). And that doesn't take into account his salary, which I'm sure is at least 12 million, if not more. That is a minimum of 40 million dollars for one guy....ONE GUY, who may, or may not play much longer because of injury, or just old age.

Now......lets say they draft luck.....he is the #1 pick in the draft. What is he going to make? 10 million? Now you are up to 50 MILLION DOLLARS for ONE position...QB.

Let that sink in....50 million dollars. The salary cap for 2011 was 120 million. Do the math....2 players, only one of which can be on the football field at the same time taking up close to 50% of your cap space??? Ain't going to happen, no matter how many people say "they can both co exist on the same team"...

This is real life, and real money...not madden. One of them simply won't be there, and that one will be Peyton.

[Hoofbite]

The downside is that Peyton is due a $28 million dollar bonus if he is on the roster on March 1st (I believe that is the date). And that doesn't take into account his salary, which I'm sure is at least 12 million, if not more. That is a minimum of 40 million dollars for one guy....ONE GUY, who may, or may not play much longer because of injury, or just old age.

Now......lets say they draft luck.....he is the #1 pick in the draft. What is he going to make? 10 million? Now you are up to 50 MILLION DOLLARS for ONE position...QB.

Let that sink in....50 million dollars. The salary cap for 2011 was 120 million. Do the math....2 players, only one of which can be on the football field at the same time taking up close to 50% of your cap space??? Ain't going to happen, no matter how many people say "they can both co exist on the same team"...

This is real life, and real money...not madden. One of them simply won't be there, and that one will be Peyton.

I don't think your correct regarding the numbers.

The bonus gets spread out across the contract.

His cap number for 2012 is going to be 17M according to,

http://18to88.com/2011-archives/august/manning-contract-details-emerge.html

Cam Newton go something like 5.5M per year or close to that. Luck isn't going to get anywhere near 10M per year.

Manning at 17M and Luck probably close to 6M.

23M against the cap for the two of them.

Really the situation comes down to this. They committed to Manning and were happy paying him what they did. Had he been able to play this year, he's still making what he schedule to make.

So the decision basically becomes, do you sit 6M on the bench for a year or two to ensure that you have an elite prospect and potentially elite QB for the next 12-15 years.

Do you use 5% of your cap space for 2 or even 3 years to ensure (as much as anyone could ensure) a decade plus of great QB play?

I'm not sure there's a single team that wouldn't do that. That's a small price to pay for a decade of being able to compete.

As fans of the Cowboys, if someone offered the Cowboys the best QB prospect to come out in however many years but the team only gets him if they forfeit 5% of their cap space for next three years, what are we gonna say?

Cap numbers are malleable. How much money did Dallas free up last offseason with Romo, Ware and Austin (or whoever it was?).

[rooler]

peyton will never play another down in the NFL. just watch.

agreed how much money does he have already

the fire may be there

but to risk not walking again

I'd say bye bye to football

he be a great tutor for Luck which I hope he plans on doing

[Hoofbite]

agreed how much money does he have already

the fire may be there

but to risk not walking again

I'd say bye bye to football

he be a great tutor for Luck which I hope he plans on doing

Is the risk greater than the average player?

If he gets back to 100%, I doubt that it is.

[rooler]

Is the risk greater than the average player?

If he gets back to 100%, I doubt that it is.

aw well thats your idea

for me I don't even dress for the team again

and you would ? I suppose

so do you think having 3 neck surgeries is back to normal sorry dude

a normal life but no were near normal foot ball condition

IMO

[Hoofbite]

aw well thats your idea

for me I don't even dress for the team again

and you would ?

If the risk is no greater than someone who didn't have the surgery, why not?

Other players have come back from it so I don't think it's all that easy to say the risk is so great.

[Hoofbite]

aw well thats your idea

for me I don't even dress for the team again

and you would ? I suppose

so do you think having 3 neck surgeries is back to normal sorry dude

a normal life but no were near normal foot ball condition

IMO

I don't think anything because I don't know enough about the subject to say that three is abnormal or not.

If his condition were so poor, he'd have already retired.

Last month his doctor said his fusion was firmly healed.

"X-ray and CT examination of the surgical area shows that the fusion performed in September has achieved firm fixation," Watkins said. "Peyton will now be allowed to increase the intensity and breadth of his workouts as tolerated. There remains every indication that his recovery will continue.

[Cowboys22]

They can not keep Manning at 28million and draft Luck. It is suicide for the franchise hell it is stupid to keep him at that cost even if he was healthy. That team has slowly lost good players due to his contract and if they give him 28Million they set back the franchise another 3-4 years.

If Isray keeps manning at 28 million then he will just kill his chance at having a winning football team and any hopes of winning again in the near future. It showed with Manning out and is not going to be fixed this offseason giving out a bonus that will kill cap room and not allow you to build around a rookie QB that is consider a Franchise QB.

I don't understand this thinking. The #1 pick in the draft is going to cost the same amount of cap space whether it's Luck or someone else so if they are going to have to pay the #1 pick and Manning anyway, then why can't it be Luck? If Manning can continue his career then my money is on both Manning and Luck being Colts next year.

[rooler]

I don't think anything because I don't know enough about the subject to say that three is abnormal or not.

If his condition were so poor, he'd have already retired.

Last month his doctor said his fusion was firmly healed.


IMO I think the 3rd surgery was his last shot at back to normal

well I really don't care because its not me

I am saying what I would do

[Hoofbite]

I don't understand this thinking. The #1 pick in the draft is going to cost the same amount of cap space whether it's Luck or someone else so if they are going to have to pay the #1 pick and Manning anyway, then why can't it be Luck? If Manning can continue his career then my money is on both Manning and Luck being Colts next year.

Saying they can't keep Luck might as well say they can't afford the #1 pick AT ALL.

Good post.

Not to mention, his cap number will not be what his actual pay is.

[IAMKING]

Arizona Cardinals.
Manning to Fitz

[Mansta54]

Washington. Dan Snyder will do whatever he can to get him.

^^^This^^^

[Randy White]

On the Washington scenario, I would think that Shannahan is salivating more towards the Green Bay backup. And Snyder doesn't mind at all, giving up draft choices.

Well, yes, on paper it absolutely makes sense. Younger, healthier, somewhat proven, and a plausible long term answer. If I were a GM, there's very little doubt I'd go that route too.

Having said that, Matt Flynn does present a gamble too. Will he be the same player with a different system and supporting cast ? How much money will it take, initially, to get him ? I have a pretty good idea what I'm getting with Flynn, but I know what I'm getting with a healthy Peyton. Also there's the pressure of becoming a contender right away. I don't remember the last time the Redskins were in the playoffs ( off the top of my head without researching it, I really don't know ) and pressure to keep that stadium full, with those ticket prices, is tremendous.

I absolutely see your point, though.

By the way, unless the Packers franchise Lynn, there won't be any picks coming back to them and I don't think Green Bay is going to tie up the nearly 20 mills in cap space it would take to do that.

[DWhite Fan]

So you think they will just cowtow to the Luck camp and do what? Dump Manning? Pass on drafting Luck? Neither makes any sense and is unlikely. I take him and make him sit. Do you really think he will sit out and lose all that money, not to mention a year towards free agency and the real big money? If he does sit, you still have Manning and could command a king's ransom for Luck in a trade at some later point if you decide to go that way.
John Elway forced the Colts hand one time long ago...

[Dodger]

Peyton Manning is so 2010...

[Sarge]

Probably because he has a fused neck (which people seem to be forgetting). Even at the end of the season, he still wasn't turning his head and looked like he was wearing an invisible neck-brace.

Exactly - it was a fusion, which is a very serious surgery and forever takes away full range of motion. At his age, and with the money he has earned, he would be foolish to ever suit up again.

[CowboyWay]

I don't think your correct regarding the numbers.

The bonus gets spread out across the contract.

His cap number for 2012 is going to be 17M according to,

http://18to88.com/2011-archives/august/manning-contract-details-emerge.html

Cam Newton go something like 5.5M per year or close to that. Luck isn't going to get anywhere near 10M per year.

Manning at 17M and Luck probably close to 6M.

23M against the cap for the two of them.

Really the situation comes down to this. They committed to Manning and were happy paying him what they did. Had he been able to play this year, he's still making what he schedule to make.

So the decision basically becomes, do you sit 6M on the bench for a year or two to ensure that you have an elite prospect and potentially elite QB for the next 12-15 years.

Do you use 5% of your cap space for 2 or even 3 years to ensure (as much as anyone could ensure) a decade plus of great QB play?

I'm not sure there's a single team that wouldn't do that. That's a small price to pay for a decade of being able to compete.

As fans of the Cowboys, if someone offered the Cowboys the best QB prospect to come out in however many years but the team only gets him if they forfeit 5% of their cap space for next three years, what are we gonna say?

Cap numbers are malleable. How much money did Dallas free up last offseason with Romo, Ware and Austin (or whoever it was?).

Your numbers could be right, however, that is still a ton of money, and let's not forget, if Peyton isn't 100% and has to be cut or retire, that 28 million gets accelerated towards the cap.

[jterrell]

He probably opens the season as the Colts starter and allows Luck a couple games acclimation period while also showing he is healthy. Then he can be traded for a combination of future picks and players.

Luck under the new CBA won't kill the cap space.
Manning will probably be restructured once traded like he seemed to be every season.

[jobberone]

It will be Indy or retirement. You can't trade a player with that contract coming off that injury and actually get anything for him and you will never live it down if you cut him or trade him for peanuts and he takes another team to the superbowl. Luck appears to be a very good QB but he is not guaranteed to be a superstar and win superbowls. Did he lead his team to a national title? No, so he is beatable. You simply cannot take the chance that you ship Manning off to another team where he win a superbowl while you're finishing 7-9 every year with a young inexperienced QB. If I'm Indy, I keep Manning and draft Luck. If Manning can play, then he is the starter and Luck sits and watches. At some point next year, after I've seen Luck in practice and preseason, I might make a move if Manning is healthy and I can get full value in a trade and Luck looks like the real deal. If Manning can't play this year, I keep him around for the year to teach Luck.

This.

And Manning is not coming off a massive injury. He's had neck surgery and that's not a death sentence for playing in the NFL anymore. There could be reasons to tell him not to play again but that's not the case for him.

[Wood]

its just too much money tied to the unknown. Manning has very serious injury he would be coming back from and Luck hasn't thrown a single TD yet at NFL level. It will be painful for the team and their fan but Indy needs to move Manning for multiple 1st round picks.

[Clove]

I just pray he doesn't go to Washington. If this were to happen, call us the basement feeders.