The countdown begins now...
Sometime between now and March 8th, we'll learn the fate of one of the greatest, if not the greatest, quarterback to every play in the NFL. That's the date that Peyton Manning is set to receive a $28 Million roster bonus from the Colts, and the overwhelming sentiment is that Manning will be let go by Jim Irsay and the Colts. It's clearly the biggest decision Irsay has ever had to make, and quite possibly one of the most difficult decisions in NFL history.
There aren't many other players the caliber of Manning in the history of the NFL that hit the free market, especially after being let go. Reggie White did not go back to the Eagles while in his prime, but he was a free agent, and the franchise tag didn't exist at the time, so White was free to sign with anyone, and he signed with the Packers.
Speaking of the Packers, remember what happened with Brett Favre? The Packers had just gone to Overtime in the NFC Championship game before losing to the Giants with Favre at QB, and they decided to part ways with Favre in favor of Aaron Rodgers. Favre still had a couple years left in him, as he again got a team to Overtime of the NFC Championship before losing once again.
This situation is eerily similar to the one the Colts are facing. A beloved figure that the team would probably keep around if not for a legitimate QB-in-waiting, but turning the page is the correct decision for the franchise, as tough as it may be at the time. A big difference here is that we don't know if Manning has a couple years left in him like Favre did. If he gets his throwing strength back, there's no doubt that he does.
That's a gigantic "if" though.
All along, people have said that they cannot move back the March 8th date, or that Manning won't move the contract back. We've also heard that Manning can delay the date, and Mike Chappell of the Indy Star said this today on the Dan Dakich show:
Our guy @mchappell51 just said the Manning date can be moved back as far as they want..March 8th means nothing according to Chappell
— Dan Dakich (@dandakich) February 7, 2012
The only thing that is clear is that nothing is clear. My guess is that both sides (Colts, Manning) will continue to report contradicting stories about this up until a decision has been made. Honestly, I have no idea which side is true.
But let's try not to speculate on whether they can move the date or not, and focus on what the benefits are for both sides if it can be moved. Clearly it's in the best interest of the Colts to get this date moved back until after the new league year starts on March 13. In that case, they can trade Manning and probably get some pretty good pieces back for a most-likely 50% or so Manning, with no guarantee he'll ever be able to play again. I'm not sure in this scenario Manning would still get his bonus, as I've not seen the exact wording of the contract, but I guess it's possible that Manning still gets the $28 Million from his new team. My guess, however, is that any team he goes to will want to re-do his deal to be very incentive-laden one.
If we continue with this scenario of moving the bonus date back, I see really only one reason why Manning would do this, and it would be a return "thank you" to the Colts for the $26 Million he made last year, as this would really not be in his best interest to basically give up the $28 Million in his contract. Would Manning do this to help the franchise he's led for 14 years? It's possible, but I wouldn't guarantee he'd do that. If he would absolutely do it, the date would be moved back already. I'd like to think he'd do it, but I'm not sure I would turn away $28 Million that easily either.
I'm also sure that if the date gets moved back, Manning would get to pick which team he is traded to. In no way will Manning move the date back and then let the Colts auction him off to the highest bidder, team be damned. If done correctly, the prospective new teams won't know Manning's intentions and the Colts will get fair market value. If it comes out that Manning wants to play in Arizona, for example, then the Cardinals could low-ball their offer. For the Colts in this situation though, getting something is better than getting nothing.
So what happens if the two sides can't, or won't, move the date back from March 8th? First off there won't be a trade after giving Manning the bonus, as Manning would count $44 Million against the cap, which is over 1/3 the entire cap on a player not even on the roster. Impossible to do. The second option would be to keep him on the roster and gamble that he'll get his strength back and play again in the NFL. His cap hit if he is released after subsequent seasons? If he makes it just one season, it would be $33 Million, and lose $11 Million each year he stays on the roster, with his contract ending in 2015. The Colts would be mortgaging their next four years on something no doctor in the world can assure.
This is why the only realistic option, if the date cannot be moved, is for Manning to be released before March 8, only causing a $16 Million cap hit, which isn't small, but is helped mightily by the rookie wage scale. We learned this week that Manning would be OK with an incentive-laden deal, so presumably that extends to the Colts as well, after he was released.
I don't think it's going to happen though, and I don't think it'll be Manning's decision whether he can or not. Adam Schefter reiterated this fact again this morning on Mike and Mike, basically saying they can both work financially, but in order for a young quarterback to grow, he needs reps. We know that a healthy Manning equals no reps for anyone else.
Remember when the news broke that the Colts had made the decision to cut Manning weeks ago? Here's the relevant text again from NFL Network's Jason LaCanfora:
"According to sources who were involved in the Colts’ GM search, the organization was planning to move on from Manning weeks ago, well before this public squabble between the quarterback and his owner," NFL Network insider Jason La Canfora said Friday on "NFL Total Access.""So Friday’s joint statement won’t be changing a thing."
La Canfora reported the Colts will make a move on Manning "almost certainly" before the start of the 2012 NFL Scouting Combine.
Now maybe the fact that Manning is now willing to sign on to play somewhere strictly on incentives has changed the mind of the Colts brass, but I wouldn't get your hopes up too much. Yes it's possible that Manning would come back to the Colts after being released, but I'm having a hard time remembering a player that was released from a team, had multiple offers from other teams (which he will surely get), and still went back to the original team. If someone could find such a person, I'd be more inclined to believe it can happen. For now, I'm not going to consider it better than an extreme longshot.
We're all fans of Peyton Manning and want him to finish his career as an Indianapolis Colt, and that includes Colts Owner Jim Irsay. Nobody could have expected the events of the past five months, least of which the two guys at the center of it all. Hell, just a year ago I was talking to my wife about getting on the waiting list for season tickets so I assured myself a seat at the last game of Peyton Manning's career. Little did I know that opportunity seemingly has already passed.
The comparison to the Aaron Rodgers/Brett Favre situation has come up a lot with regards to what the Colts are facing, but most of the attention has been on the first couple of years in Green Bay, which I think is slightly off. The situations are very close because of what happened at the end, which was the Packers deciding that it was best for the franchise to go with a young QB (who had not started a game in three years mind you) rather than the face of their franchise for over a decade.
The folks in Wisconsin were not happy when Favre was forced out, but they've gotten over it, thanks in large part to Rodgers being awesome. All signs point to Jim Irsay and the Colts making the same decision.
Here's hoping Andrew Luck (or Robert Griffin III) turns out to be awesome too. It'll help soothe the pain I'm feeling right now.
0 recs | 99 comments
"Win Win"
This Manning situation is a classic win win. Colts win by releasing Manning, it will free up cap room build a balanced team around Luck. Peyton wins because he will be able to go to a team of his choice and have a shot at winning a second ring. There is no reason to try to fit a square peg into a round hole by moving the date, renegotiating, etc. Best decision for both parties is to split. It’s too bad 18 is my hero but that’s how it is.
coltsgolfbeer - February 8, 2012
harmony
Also, I think “harmony” is likely, I think both sides have come to terms with the reality of the situation and will handle this with class.
coltsgolfbeer - February 8, 2012
whatever
the fact that you have two mannings on the roster of other teams added that big ben, brady, brees, all who have superbowl rings are still going to be around for 4-5years on the schedule.
having said that means that success of the colts may never occur, success is derived from superbowls. As long as these guys are around Colts will not win another one not even with LUCK. because he will always be years behind in experience. Coming in as rookie starter replacing a great puts that much more pressure. Like it or not he will forever be compared to Manning and I know fans will most likely treat him like any other QB to play as colt other than Manning and that is give him crap for not performing or winning like Manning.
kbreboot - February 8, 2012
huh?
Ben Roethlisberger won Superbowls in his second and fifth seasons in the NFL.
Flacco has made the playoffs in every season of his career and was a Lee Evans dropped pass away from advancing to the Superbowl in his 4th year.
Rodgers won a Superbowl in his 3rd season as a starter.
Your assertion that Luck cannot win in his first 4-5 years because there are other good QBs in the league is absurd and ridiculous. Luck can win if the Colts place the right players around him like with Rodgers, Roethlisberger, Flacco, Stafford, or any other good young QB.
Furthermore, Luck is a better prospect than Roethlisberger, Flacco, Rodgers, or Stafford were and has the potential to be even better than any one of those players. Flacco and Roethlisberger aren’t even in the same class as Rodgers/Peyton/Brady/Brees and both have had immense success early in their careers. They have been successful because of their teams.
If anything is going to hold the Colts back it is the relative lack of talent that exists in most of the other positions on the roster, not the fact that other teams have good QBs.
LeftNutForAStarCenter - February 8, 2012
sorry, but that makes no sense at all...
12over18 - February 8, 2012
that was a response to kbreboot.....
12over18 - February 8, 2012
great comment
Finally someone see the light
18 is my guy but bill Polian created this mess…it is the only thing that makes sense to do
sundaywager - February 8, 2012 via mobile
Good write up.
It’s been interesting to watch the progression of the Manning contract story and how certain thoughts and gut feelings have grown into hard fact and inevitability. Manning himself laughed out loud when asked about the story that sources had reported his willingness to take a heavily incentive based contract; saying that he’s always wanted to meet these sources who are often incorrect. Doesn’t automatically make those sources wrong, but certainly degrades their credibility.
Another part of this story has been the comparisons to Green Bay’s situation. Some say it’s no comparison at all because Aaron Rodgers wasn’t the first overall pick and was never expected to play right away, while others make the comparison of having a veteran HOF-bound QB taking reps with the heir apparent holding a clipboard. I personally think that the Green Bay comparison is the only comparison that makes sense because 99% of the time, the team picking a QB first overall is in a situation where their current QB sucks and the new guy HAS to play. Green Bay is the only recent example of that not being the case.
In the end, I trust Jim Irsay and Peyton Manning to do what they said they would do: work together to carry the team forward. All the noise in the media about how Peyton (or any player on any team, for that matter) being fired is a foregone conclusion because of a coaching change is counter-intuitive and doesn’t make sense. I’m still not sold that Peyton’s automatically gone, but no matter what happens – I’m a Colts fan and always will be. Bleed blue baby.
NFLFan83 - February 8, 2012
I agree and hope you are right.
Either way, at least all of this speculation will be over in 1 month and we can celebrate, move on, start the grieving process.
JCub3d - February 8, 2012
I still think that it's difficult to say exactly what will happen with Manning
But certainly appears as if the he will not be a Colt next year.
The simplest scenario (and perhaps the most likely) would be for Irsay to release Manning from his contract. Manning will continue to rehab on his own – which won’t be easy at all for him, especially since he would not have access to his team doctors, trainers and facilities with the Colts any longer. He was specifically upset with the lockout because it prevented him from rehabbing with his medical and training staff. I’m sure Peyton values that particular personnel greatly.
Ideally, I would like to see Manning and the Colts come back to the negotiating table and re-work his contract in a fashion that would allow the Colts to trade him without the enormous cap hits that the team would otherwise incur. It would be, more or less, like a sign-and-trade deal with another team.
But the main reason I do not think that this will happen is because wherever Manning ends up, he is going to be competing for a Championship. Would he really want to re-negotiate his deal to ultimately help a team that he’d be competing against?
I love Peyton, and I love the Colts. If he leaves and goes on to dominate for another 3-4 more years somewhere else, I’d hate if the Colts got absolutely nothing in return. Yeah, yeah, we got Andrew Luck – but we were going to get him anyways thanks to our 2-14 season, whether Peyton stayed or not.
BoilerUp1982 - February 8, 2012
your ideal situation is impossible
ideally manning would play for the colts for free and get back to his 04 form and stay there forever
your “ideal” situation is as likely as mine
omahacolt - February 8, 2012
Pretty sure boiler already said his ideal situation wasn't going to happen
Your comment is just an attempt to get under this dudes skin. Grow up you little child.
TheWeasley - February 8, 2012 via Android app
nope
omahacolt - February 8, 2012
I don't want Manning in his 2004 form.
He’s been better 2006-2009, imo. In 2004 defenses were still letting him get stuff deep.
James Broschat - February 8, 2012
I don't see Manning restructuring his contract.
His current contract is pretty cap friendly for his caliber of play (assuming of course that he can play). With the new rookie wage-scale the cap hit for having Manning and Luck isn’t as apocalyptic as many make it out to be.
NFLFan83 - February 9, 2012
To be more accurate,
the only way I see Manning restructuring his contract is if he and his doctors are unsure of his eventual recovery. Judging from what they’ve said so far, it looks like he’s recovered completely from the surgery and his rehab is progressing according to schedule. That’s why I say I don’t see Manning restructuring his contract.
NFLFan83 - February 9, 2012
manning ant restructure his contract
we either sign the option or we give him a complete new deal
omahacolt - February 9, 2012
cant
omahacolt - February 9, 2012
Sure they can.
If they wanted to, both sides could sit down and restructure Peyton’s contract. I just don’t think that will happen.
NFLFan83 - February 10, 2012
unless they are able to push the deadline back
they cant restructure
omahacolt - February 10, 2012
I don't think he will either
I’d like him to, but I don’t think he will.
BoilerUp1982 - February 9, 2012
Salary Question
Does anyone have a good source explaining the way the new salary cap works?
In the past, bonuses (like Manning’s roster bonus) were paid up front, but the cost against the cap was prorated over the remainder of the contract. For example, a $10M bonus for a 5 year contract, would count $2M against the cap each year (in addition to the player’s base salary). The entire bonus wouldn’t count against the cap unless a player was released early. Using my example, if that player was released in year 2 of that contract, the remaining $8M would count against the cap that year.
I don’t know if the cap structure changed with the new CBA or not, but if someone has a good place that I can go and read about the new structure, I’d appreciate it. Thanks all!
NFLFan83 - February 8, 2012
That is true of signing bonuses and option bonuses but not roster bonuses.
The $28 is an option bonus (with a corresponding non-exercise fee). It prorates through all five years, actually, as it is exercised in the 2011 league year.
But something like Nnamdi Asomugha’s situation is different. They gave him a giant Roster bonus in lieu of signing bonus. That stuffed his money into the 2011 cap and avoided the proration.
willyduer - February 8, 2012
Salary Cap
yes that sounds correct. I am a numbers guy and I think the CAP works this way. Peyton was paid a $20mm signing bonus, $3mm roster bonus and $3.4mm salary in 2011. The signing bonus is pro-rated for 2011 so a $4mm hit, plus the roster bonus $3mm and salary $3.4mm plus the option bonus is pro-rated also at $5.6mm for a total of a $16mm cap hit in 2011. I believe if he is cut on 3/8 then the hit would be $10.4mm which is the $16mm remainder from the $20mm signing bonus less the $5.6mm from the option bonus used in 2011.
pwbbny - February 8, 2012
Thanks guys.
NFLFan83 - February 8, 2012
Money question
What would Manning have been paid, had he been put on IR last season?
shoospa - February 9, 2012
Can't compare
Comparing Manning to Farve is rediculas. The Packers didn’t force him out. He held the team hostage with indecision about retirement and then stuck it in there face when they couldn’t wait any longer and moved on. They also had an NFL ready QB in waiting. NOT a Collage prospect who has not even been drafted yet. Manning has done nothing to hold the Colts back. In fact IMO he will try to do everything he can to help them as always. Everyone is so convinced he is gone. Sorry, until I hear officially he is released, I will consider him still on the team. That’s not Hero worship, It’s reality!
shoospa - February 8, 2012
I've been on the internet for a long time, and this is the first time I've ever seen that particular spelling of the word "ridiculous"
/slowclap
BoilerUp1982 - February 8, 2012
hahhahaha
coltsgolfbeer - February 8, 2012
I was so focused on the version of college...
that he used – “Collage” – that I missed “rediculas” – must be the rare German-American version of ridiculous.
Yougotme - February 8, 2012
The German version is different...
I have heard ridikuel and the more common laecherlich as in “Das war doch laecherlich!” “That was ridiculous.”
Antillar - February 8, 2012
True.
I think the better comparison isn’t Farve to Manning, but GB’s situation to the Colts.
It worked out pretty well for GB to have Farve play ahead of Rodgers for a few years. It seems to me like having Manning play in front of Luck would actually help Luck by letting him learn the system before being thrown to the wolves.
NFLFan83 - February 8, 2012
Sorry I DONT HAVE SPELL CHECK
You knew what I meant. Is that really all you have to do is correct my poor spellig?
shoospa - February 8, 2012
*spelling
lol
NFLFan83 - February 8, 2012
come on guys, leeve him aloone
coltsgolfbeer - February 8, 2012
I was only kidding.
Shoospa made a good point.
NFLFan83 - February 8, 2012
foor reaale drude...
…just messing with ya buddy… :)
Antillar - February 8, 2012
You are correct - I know exactly what you meant.
I only meant to commend your lexical creativity.
BoilerUp1982 - February 8, 2012
yes people are a little too critical of spelling
when some of us don’t have spell check on this blog ,, and most likely 99% of the time you are smarter and have a better job than the person who is upset with a mis- spelled word
OBGYNOSUPREME - February 8, 2012
sounds like this grammatical discussion has touched a nerve
muncie_in_this - February 8, 2012
No nerve damage here
All healed.
shoospa - February 8, 2012
then lets get you 28 million dollars
and deal like luck kid for the moon!
muncie_in_this - February 9, 2012
Works for me
shoospa - February 9, 2012
Nah...
Misspellings on the internet are more like Rorschach tests. Then there is the whole “people who appear stupid on the internet are actually smart” psychoanalysis – that adds a new twist. Kudos.
Yougotme - February 8, 2012
There are spelling mistakes
Then there are failed attempts at the king’s English that suggest that a person isn’t very well read or educated. I think it’s low brow to joke about ignorance at such supreme levels however if you use words to make your point and can’t spell them…
Yous gonna git whut yous dizerve win peepule mayke fawn ov Yous..
(206)NightRidah - February 9, 2012
should announce sooner and move on
will always appreciate Peyton for what he has done and root for him like everyone else on this blog , but time to move on,, the money always ruins everything !!!!! and did everyone see the video of GRONK partying after the SB loss like it was 1999 and dancing up a storm on that bad ankle ,, not too smart in my opinion he looked so drunk who knows how much more he tore up that ankle ,, and he is a horrendous dancer like they said on Sports Nation
OBGYNOSUPREME - February 8, 2012
THE FACT
that Manning is willing to sign a contract solely based on incentives is an indication that his arm is not yet healthy and he does not know if, or when, it will be healthy.
javen - February 8, 2012
So...
when (or if, if you’re an optimist) the Colts cut Manning, how long until they have a team solid enough to make the playoffs?
(Maybe a question for its own post, but i think its relevant to this discussion)
CoolJohnnieBNasty - February 8, 2012
has anyone seen the report from dan graham @ coltsinsider
that peyton irsay meeting tonight? thoughts?
coltsgolfbeer - February 8, 2012
my body quivers with anticipation
muncie_in_this - February 8, 2012
He is reporting that his sources say that Irsay is offering Manning an "all or nothing" proposition
meaning that Irsay will retain Manning on this Colts team for the remainder of his contract if Peyton will allow he and the Colts to omit the $28 million bonus.
I think it’s a fair offer (if sources are accurate) to make.
BoilerUp1982 - February 8, 2012
peyton doesn't need any more money
and he is humble, i think he will do away with the bonus in order to stay here
Keysta101 - February 8, 2012
This is what I hope
But you have to wonder – what’s more important to Manning: finishing his career as a Colt, or chasing titles?
Let’s just assume he stays here in Indy for a second. Irsay and Grigson are forced really to re-sign Mathis, Wayne, Garcon, Clark and Saturday. Probably need to extend Freeney’s contract so that his $19 million cap hit gets chopped down and turned into bonus money of some sort.
The problem would be, that even with this core returning – we still have huge problems on defense. Hopefully our new coaching staff will be able to fix most of problems and fill the holes, but there’s no guarantee that we’ll be automatically back in contention – which is ultimately where Manning wants to be.
BoilerUp1982 - February 8, 2012
yea true
our defense is all kinds of messed up
Keysta101 - February 8, 2012
yeah no
clark is under contract
wayne wont be back and saturday might retire. manning wont force them to do anything.
the problem with your posts are, you have zero idea how the salary cap works
omahacolt - February 8, 2012
The problem with your posts is that you're a freaking moron
Clearly reading comprehension isn’t part of the Omaha school system’s curriculum. All you’re good at is hating on people, and you suck at that. Get a job bro.
TheWeasley - February 8, 2012 via Android app
nope
1) i went to school in indiana
2) i dont hate anyone here.
3) my post was accurate
omahacolt - February 8, 2012
The reading comprehension dig was aimed at the earlier post you had.
mine was accurate too: you are a moron. And a child.
TheWeasley - February 8, 2012 via Android app
i disagree
omahacolt - February 8, 2012
It is in Peyton's best interest to sign a new contract here
Most of the analysis has looked at this as though Peyton would be shopping for a team who he could lead to the Super Bowl in the near future, but I’d suggest that probably is not a foremost consideration. Even if he can come back and play this year, it is unlikely that he will have a particularly good year. He will at least be rusty after missing a year, and will likely have some temporary reduction in arm strength. If he changes teams, he will also have to learn a whole new system and an entirely new receiving core. His chance to win a Super Bowl really resumes in 2013 – and by then the Colts might be able to re-load, and any team that looks like they just need a QB today may be declining. And depending on how the new contract is structured, he and the Colts can decide next year whether to go on. By then his health will be a known factor, and the Colts will also have had a year of practices to evaluate whether Andrew Luck is the next Peyton Manning or just the next Alex Smith or even Ryan Leaf.
But consider what happens if Peyton doesn’t come back all the way. Suppose he announces in August that he’s retiring, or maybe struggles through a season with a noticeably weaker arm. He’d look pretty bad if he’d just signed a big new contract with a new team. Think of Brett Favre’s year with the Jets. Here, he goes out a hero regardless – so long as he is a Colt when he goes out. It is in his interest to stick around at least another year.
ex-Viking fan - February 8, 2012
Right a guy near the end of his career isn’t thinking of another SB especially considering his younger brother has more than he does.
If Manning doesn’t come back all the way he’ll retire because no team will take a chance on a QB without seeing if he can pass an NFL physical. So your point of him retiring before taking a snap on another NFL team is moot because he wouldn’t be able to sign with another team.
CF4L - February 8, 2012
What the fuck is going on?
first i hear that peyton and irsay are meeting tonight from colts insider, then i see on sportscenter at the gym that peyton and irsay are meeting tonight, then they immediately remove that headline…..
coltsgolfbeer - February 8, 2012
Sportcenter is probably just covering their ass - they've been wrong on some Colts stories as of late
but Coltsinsider is generally a good source of inside information. I trust that the meeting is still going to happen.
BoilerUp1982 - February 8, 2012
that's what i figured
i still remember clayton being all embarrassed after he announced caldwell was staying
coltsgolfbeer - February 8, 2012
yes exactly
that is why it is called speculation and rumors
OBGYNOSUPREME - February 8, 2012
it's odd to me
that kravitz has been so heavily involved in reporting what’s going on at the colts and then we have a major day in our history and he’s silent….i am thinking he is waiting to do a full write up tomorrow morning
coltsgolfbeer - February 8, 2012
Yeah, I expect an article from him soon.
It also could be that he’s heard some information contradicting his current prediction and/or opinion on the Manning/Colts saga, and is keeping quiet so as to not stick his foot any further into his mouth. Kinda like ESPN retracting their headline.
Nothing but pure speculation with that on my part though, take it with a tiny grain of salt.
BoilerUp1982 - February 8, 2012
Speculation patrol!
“they can trade Manning and probably get some pretty good pieces back for a most-likely 50% or so Manning, with no guarantee he’ll ever be able to play again”.
While Peyton’s nerve regeneration in his throwing arm is still an issue, there is no way we can possibly know Peyton will “most likely” be at or around 50%. What does that even mean? He may be at 10%. He may be at 75%. We don’t know.
I do know THIS; Peyton said he wants to retire a Colt. Irsay said it is up to Peyton. There is room to make this work without the remainder of Peyton’s money getting paid.
Makes me wonder; what is more important to Peyton – earning more money and possibly another SB with a new team, or mentoring Luck for the next couple years, for little money and progressively less playing time, and retiring a Colt. Knowing what I think I know about Peyton Manning, I hope for the latter. For all of us.
Coop122 - February 8, 2012
Really? Read what you just wrote in the last paragraph
Earn more money, play for a better team, and possibly win another SB
OR
Suffer through a re-building phase all while mentoring Andrew Luck (something he doesn’t want to do; nor does he think Luck should be mentored) just so he can retire a Colt and have a story-book ending.
It’s a pretty easy call when you actually think about it.
kmbryant09 - February 8, 2012
I'm too sentimental I guess...
My opinion is that Peyton would rather finish out at Indy on his own terms, with Colts fans waiving him off the field as he hands the reigns over to a well prepared Luck. Peyton may think he can still lead the Colts to another playoff run or two, so why not?
Peyton has roots here in the community and has said he doesn’t want to leave. He also has new twins (so do I, by the way…) and I think some of his priorities may have changed a bit. I think maybe he is content to finish out here and try to restore the ‘Shoe to greatness. What would it say about his legacy if he takes the Colts to the playoffs the year after 2-12. Many of you think that is impossible given all the facts. Not me, but maybe I’m hopelessly hoping. Cheers.
Coop122 - February 8, 2012
I understand the sentiment...
And I agree 100% that Peyton Manning would like to retire a Colt, on his own terms. But I find it hard to believe that “his own terms” involved QB’ing a re-building team…with his successor looking over his shoulder…with a new GM…with a new Head Coach…with a new Offensive Coordinator…not to mention that the team is in Salary Cap Hell with or without Manning on the team.
If Andrew Luck wasn’t sitting on top of the draft board. If Peyton Manning was 100%. If the Polians had drafted better the past 5 seasons. If other vets’ contracts weren’t in question (or ending) – Wayne/Saturday/Mathis/Garcon/Clark/Freeney. If Irsay had kept continuity in the front office……THEN I’d be leading the charge to bring Manning back for another 3-year run at more championships. But that’s just not the case. Time to move on. Best for both parties.
kmbryant09 - February 8, 2012
If Manning is healthy he isn't leaving unless he wants to...
I’m sure Irsay is willing to trade the Luck pick to keep a healthy Manning. Maybe find a way to get RG3 who has stated that he has no issue learning being mentored.
I think it’s up to Manning if he will “rework” his deal meaning he gets cut and re signs immediately with the Colts…
All you whiners that think it’s a travesty to move on dont get that we ALL would rather keep Peyton if he can still play…No one wants to see Luck thrown to the wolves while a healthy Manning is 100% balling elsewhere. We just understand the salary cap implications are too serious to pay that 28mil. He is aging and they need a QB to be ready to takeover in case he doesn’t heal…
(206)NightRidah - February 8, 2012
Kravitz said...
That he is not throwing like an NFL QB and has “noodle arm”
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/02/08/kravitz-manning-not-throwing-like-an-nfl-quarterback-yet/related/
Coltsfan79 - February 8, 2012
No new information in that report - just Kravitz rehashing previous reports
Kravitz was using 2nd hand information when describing how Manning threw the ball; he has not himself seen Manning throw yet.
He may be correct, and although this is a new article, the news therein is not.
BoilerUp1982 - February 8, 2012
Kravitz sfhwafb
What an enormous douchebag, that homeless looking jerk.
I hope Peyton, one day will call out all these a$$…s in the media.
The f… media creates dozens of false rumors about Manning, and when he dares to talk and contradict those false rumors, he becomes the bad guy stealing the show and Kravitz deliberately stabbed Peyton with his “noodle arm” shit for it.
Ty46 - February 8, 2012
AGREED
Kravitz is the biggest asshole of all tehe reporters the rest are decent guys!!!! He has been wrong plenty of times and hates to admit when he messes up.
OBGYNOSUPREME - February 8, 2012
Does Manning even wanna be with the Colts anymore?
After your GM, all the coaches, and perhaps many of the players are all gone, and your owner not even wanting you, does anyone question if Manning even want to be with the Colts anymore? He won’t say that to the media for obvious reasons, but I’m gonna pull a Skip Bayless right now. Does Manning really want to be with the Colts? I can understand him not wanting to learn a new offense at this stage of his life, but c’mon man. I really wouldn’t be surprised if Manning asked for his release and went to the Jets or Miami. Irsay has been so disrespectful to Manning, if Manning had a bigger ego, he would’ve called out Irsay by now.
KBUnitz - February 8, 2012
I agree with about 99% of this...
But I don’t think Irsay has treated Manning like crap. Caldwell had to go. Polian had to go. Luck has to be the #1 overall selection. Peyton isn’t 100% yet, too big of a question mark.
It’s just a perfect storm of Manning’s questionable status, a March 8th deadline, and Andrew Luck ready to lead the re-building Colts back to prominence.
kmbryant09 - February 8, 2012
dumbest take a person could possibly have
please explain how irsay has been disrespectful to manning?
omahacolt - February 8, 2012
that's giving this guy a ton of credit, considering you've had some pretty dumb takes too
I agree though, Irsay hasn’t been disrespectful to Manning.
TheWeasley - February 8, 2012 via Android app
so you agree with me
yet take a shot at me as well. whats the point in that? its the internet, buddy. stop taking shit personal
omahacolt - February 8, 2012
Not taking anything personal
Just doing to you the same thing you do to everyone else. Problem?
TheWeasley - February 8, 2012 via Android app
you are much worse at it
i dont try to insult people. just ridicule their bad posts
omahacolt - February 8, 2012
You don't try to insult people, I get it
So you’re saying you do it accidentally, then?
TheWeasley - February 8, 2012 via Android app
Omaha is rude egocentric and sophomoric
But he knows his Colts football and understands the big picture. The stupidity and lack of understanding of fans here are frustrating to him. Most of his takes are correct just not polite…
Many people here dont understand the salary cap or the fact that aging players generally see a decline in production injuries of not or the fact that you dont need the best QB of an era to win a SB.
Not saying this applies you but many Colt fans can fathom that it’s suicide to keep him under the current contract structure
(206)NightRidah - February 8, 2012
Of all the commenters here, there are much less knowledgeable ones than that boiler guy, yet Omaha feels the need to pick a fight with him
Probably BC he got shown up by him, and Omaha still has his feelings hurt. it is amusing though, I’ll give him that.
And for a guy who knows so much about football, he contributes little outside of “dumbest thing I ever heard” and “stupidest idea in the world”.
TheWeasley - February 8, 2012 via Android app
i’m on omaha’s side as well. i think omaha and nightridah are 2 of the most knowledgable posters on here and i understand omaha’s frustration. i also agree that it goes a long way in discussion matters if you leave certain words like stupid, dumb or idiotic out of your argument even if that is what u want to scream from the top of your lungs……just my humble opinion.
12over18 - February 8, 2012
u know the old saying about honey and vinegar......
12over18 - February 8, 2012
Yeah....
You can make your points without insulting others. There are all kinds of fans who post here. Some are likely little kids with minimal understanding of FB. Some are Manning only fans…
(206)NightRidah - February 8, 2012
As soon as you make anything personal, it makes you (in general) look like a fool.
Any content is nullified for the poster’s idiocy and disrespect for anyone else disagreeing. There is no right or wrong when it comes to a blog, it’s all opinion. There is a reason why you don’t see Skip Bayless or Cris Carter or anyone professional personally attack someone and call them “dumb” or “oh you’re stupid”. The reason why I don’t answer to omaha anymore is because he’s a clown. Not that he’s funny, but he’s a joke, I don’t respond to anyone disrespectful like him. Especially when he seems to be illiterate most of the time and can’t understand the English language properly.
KBUnitz - February 9, 2012
I too, will no longer respond to his little cries for attention.
He has no interest in discussion, and hasn’t the capacity for debate without devolving into petty, schoolyard shouting matches. As I illustrated in an thread a few days ago – even when presented with irrefutable evidence of his error, he’ll offer nothing but denial simply because of an infantile “I can’t be wrong” mindset.
I have a son, I know the telltale signs.
BoilerUp1982 - February 9, 2012
I don't answer to you.
KBUnitz - February 9, 2012
How in the hell has Irsay been disrespectful ?
armycolts25 - February 8, 2012
Colts will be drafting Luck #1
no matter what happens with anything else
OBGYNOSUPREME - February 8, 2012
Jargon???
Can somebody please clarify/define the meaning of the terms: signing bonus, roster bonus, base (?)salary and pro-rated? I am a numbers guy but I am unfamiliar with the jargon in this context.
Antillar - February 8, 2012
Signing bonuses and roster bonuses where invented as ways to circumvent the salary cap, because players’ salaries have done nothing but increase in size. Signing bonuses and guaranteed money are typically prorated – or distributed evenly – against the salary cap throughout the length of the contract. There are exceptions, of course – especially with high profile players and contracts like that of Peyton Manning. Without seeing the exact language of the contract (a point I’ll repeat), you really can’t be certain.
Roster bonuses are a lot more complicated. They are very specific to the language of the contracts. Typicially, they are written into contracts to be “triggered” if that player is still on the roster at a given date (apparently, either March 1st or June 1st are typical cutoff dates). If that player is still on the team at the cut-off date, he will receive the roster bonus. From what I’ve read, Roster bonuses are popular because they can postpone the salary cap impact of a player. However, depending on the language of the contract, if a roster bonus’s trigger date is in the offseason, it is considered a signing bonus, and thus does may not impact the salary cap.
The NFL League year, as well as Free Agency, starts March 13 this year. If Manning’s March 8th deadline is pushed back past this date, I believe it will subject the salary cap to a potential hit of some sort. Without seeing the exact language of the contract, I cannot know for sure – really nobody can.
Clear as mud, right?
BoilerUp1982 - February 9, 2012
Follow up question:
Can Peyton re-structure his contract? If not, why?
Antillar - February 8, 2012
seems like a big contradiction from earlier
C.Settles - February 8, 2012
You're going to have to be a little more clear
I can’t see any contradiction, mainly because I don’t know where you are pulling those quotes from.
I know for a fact I’ve never once said that Manning is “gone no matter what”, so I can’t contradict myself. Somebody else might have, but I wouldn’t agree with that.
We writers do disagree on things at times.
mgrex03 - February 9, 2012
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