Today, The Indianapolis Colts made the 2nd biggest decision in their NFL history, behind drafting Peyton Manning, cutting Peyton Manning. Even though we knew this day was coming, it was just hard to see it happen, especially for a guy who has done so much for the City of Indianapolis and the State of Indiana. Jim Irsay only wrong decision throughout this entire process was giving Peyton that massive contract in July knowing that neck surgery was in Peyton's future. This move had to be made. The Colts are starting a new regime. $28 Million roster bonus including his salary was too high to commit to without certain he would be healthy or even return to elite form. Alot of old faces won't be returning. Coaches were fired, GM's were fired and players were released or wont be resigned. Andrew Luck has some major shoes to fill. Who better than the guy who is constantly compared to Peyton. Peyton is going to be able to take his time and make the best decision for him and his family as to who he would like to play for next year. Theres team who want him, teams the NFL need him to play for, and teams who need him.
WANT:
Chiefs:
The Chiefs are a team who not dumb and want to make every position as good as possible. They have Matt Cassell at QB. Hes not a bad player but they know an upgrade can possibly take them to another level. In a division with alot of uncertainty with teams year in and year out, this move could make them an instant playoff team. The problem, they were exactly that 2 season ago with Cassell. Does a signing of Peyton make them a instant super bowl contender. I don't think so.
49ers:
The most intriguing team in this sweepstakes. NFC West champs and 1 play away from playing in the super bowl. The 49ers was 0-11 on 3rd down vs the Giants in that game. That falls on the shoulders of your QB. Alex Smith played his best season as a pro and the organization coming out in the media saying his is our guy and avoiding all Peyton question will only increase his confidence. The 49ers should look at this long and hard. The o-line is in play, the running game is in place, and will be the best defense Peyton has ever had. The thing that could keep this move from happening, Peyton and Alex Smith share the same agent.
Who the NFL wants to Have Peyton:
Redskins:
The Washington Redskins have lacked stability at the QB position and coaching position for years. The are in the running for trading up in the draft to Robert Griffin III and that make sense for the team and the future but not for the NFL. If you look around the NFL, no division gets more prime time games than the NFC East. The addition of Peyton would put them as a playoff contender. The Eagles, Cowboys and Giants are all playoff contenders. This move would give Redskins 3-4 more prime time football games and the only division with 4 teams that could all make the playoffs. A team with great history and great fan base that the NFL would love to see back in top. This move would also give 2 prime time games with Peyton vs. Eli. I believe this is the last move on Peyton's list but a high priority for the NFL.
NEED:
Arizona Cardinals:
The Cardinals are a team on the rise and possibly a team on the verge on the run for something bigger. They have players on the team who are already speaking out on trying to get Peyton. Larry Fitzgerald reportedly was seen having dinner with Peyton during super bowl week. Larry signed his extension last season only with the hope of the team finding a QB of the future. He signed his extension when the team was able to come to terms with Kevin Kolb for good money. Do the Cardinals reach out to Peyton, hindering the growth and confidence of Kevin Kolb? The Team was also 2nd in the league in most sacks allowed. Larry Fitzgerald is nice, but a terrible O-line, half existent of a run game is hardly would Peyton need with his neck condition.
Seattle Seahawks:
This is the team who possibly need Peyton more than most. They have weapons at the WR position, they have a beast at the running back position and a solid defense backing him. Another team also removed from the Playoffs just 2 season ago. They share some of the same problems with Arizona, they were 4th in the league in sacks allowed. They also have trouble with bring top notch names to play in Seattle. I think they make a run but settle for a QB in the draft this season or next.
New Jets:
Jets have to make sense in my opinion. Mark Sanchez has playoff wins under his belt but his progression has been moving too slowly as a Jet. They missed the playoffs this season and he played poorly. Combining the offensive mind of Peyton, with the defensive mind of Rex, this SHOULD be match made in heaven. The Jets to critical spots needed for Peyton, Left Tackle and Center. D'Brickashaw is one of the top LT in the game and top 3 Center in Nick Mangold. A great route runner and Santanio Holmes. Give this team a pass rusher with another weapon on the outside and they instantly become a sure fire super bowl contender. Rumors have surfaced that Peyton wants to stay in the AFC for the hope of an Manning Super Bowl. What better place than the Jets vs. Giants next season with the super bowl played in their stadium.
Miami Dolphins:
The Dolphins are the lead frontrunner in landing Peyton Manning. They have no QB, New coach, but have weapons at the skill position. The defense have been a top 10 defense back to back years even with a losing record. Their hold back is also their offensive line. They were 4th last season in most sacks allowed. The addition of adding a Reggie Wayne to this equation would make it as Peyton likely choice. The only problem: Joe Philbin was hired to become the Dolphins. Matt Flynn has become a Free agent. Philbin has coached and molded Flynn into a good QB. Knows him better than anyone of the league and if he passes on Flynn it speaks volumes. They would get Peyton, aging star with a bad injury for a few years, or have your future QB for a lot less cheaper who you are familiar with in Flynn.
Winner:
I believe the Jets end up with Peyton. Their is no risk with signing him. If he cant go, then they fall back to Mark Sanchez. Their o-line is the best in the business and they can run the football. Rex will try his best to give his the best defensive gameplan every week and has that same fiery competitive mindset. Playing in the same area brings their family closer to Eli and his family. Parents would be able to catch more of both game with Peyton winding down to the end his career. I believe this is the move.
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