This past Wednesday at 4:00 p.m., Peyton Manning became a free agent. Holding on to the first overall pick this year after going 2-14 last season, the Colts would be crazy to pass up Andrew Luck, the star quarterback from Stanford, who has led the Cardinal to a 23-3 record over the past two years. I’ve watched Luck over the past few years, and without going into too much detail, he’s good. So good in fact that in 2010 I unknowingly aptly referred to him as “the next Peyton Manning” and I wasn’t alone.
The problem with Manning is that his injury is not one the Colts can afford to risk losing possibly the next great NFL quarterback for. At age 35, Manning has played his entire professional career in Indianapolis and is one of the most beloved Colts of all time, but the neck injury he is battling (now having completed four surgeries) might not go away, and Indy has to take a chance on Luck.
Last month, Don Banks from Sports Illustrated provided a great overview of why Manning is such a risk. Basically, the right side of his neck has had multiple issues since suffering the original injury. After four surgeries Peyton looks totally capable of playing, but with the threat of chronic neck problems. In the NFL, though, there are currently several teams willing to take a risk due to their current quarterback situation. Where will he end up? I’m not sure, but there are a few choices I like more than others.
- Miami Dolphins
No Disrespect to Chad Henne, but the Fins need a new QB to compete in the AFC East. The Dolphins finished 28th in attendance in 2011, averaging just under 61,000 fans per game, filling only 81% of their seats (2nd last in the league); with their celebrity ownership (if you’re unaware or confused, look here, what you’ve got is a bunch of people who crave attention not getting attention. Miami should be willing to take a chance on Peyton and they have the money, I still see them as first in the running.
- Arizona Cardinals
After a mediocre 2011 season, the Cards are still looking for someone to replace Kurt Warner and lead their team back to the Super Bowl. Putting Manning at the helm with Fitzgerald and Andre Roberts on the wings, Arizona could become a valid contender for the NFC West title, usurping the surprise 49ers of last year, or at least make a run at the Wild Card spot.
- Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs finished one game out of the playoffs last year despite finishing fourth in their division. Such is the AFC West. There are reports that the Denver Broncos are meeting with Manning this week in an attempt to rid themselves of the handcuff Tebowmania has latched on their wrists, but I really don’t see that happening. If anyone from the AFC West nabs Peyton, it should be KC.
- Seattle Seahawks
With how weak the western division teams have been in the QB department over the past few years, it’s no surprise that there are three of them in this list. Seattle had Tavaris Jackson behind center last year, that’s how bad their situation was. I don’t really see Peyton playing in a Seahawks uniform next year, but they will most likely reach out to him.
- New York Jets
Both Mannings in New York? As a Pats fan I could imagine a more nightmare of a situation. These two brothers have managed to destroy my fun several times the past few years, but Peyton heading to the Jets does make a lot of sense. They’ve pretty much been counted out by most people, but so were the Tigers in the Prince Fielder sweepstakes. Opinions can change but I really think Sanchez will be the go-to guy in New York next year.
There are a handful of other teams that could land Peyton, but with Washington trading for the number two pick to draft Robert Griffin III, I don’t see any other legitimate contenders other than the aforementioned Denver Broncos and possibly the Tennessee Titans. With Peyton though, I believe he is more of a short-term solution with his nagging neck injury; It will come down to whom is willing to take the risk and I feel that Miami, Arizona, and KC have the most to gain from signing him. I hope it works out for whomever lands him, but it may be a short season for Peyton Manning and a lot of hopeful fans could end up disappointed.
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Nick McIsaac is Toronto Standard’s sports writer. Follow him on Twitter (for everything sports related) at @nickclass.
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