Ministry of Pain
Footballguy
You are voting for the team Manning will sign with, NOT the team that is in your opinion the best fit. This is just where you feel Manning is likely to sign.
I think Houston makes the most sense, and may be where he should go, but Peter King seems to think it is unlikely.Houston
@SI_PeterKing
You can eliminate Houston for Peyton.
Read on twitter that ESPN reported the Titans were one of the teams that did make contact with him.Would be a huge splash for Bud to try making...I know they drafted Locker...but healthy Manning gives you 3 years of likely playoff chances and a possible SB. That and for TN...he sets the all time record for most jerseys sold in a day. Those things will go quick down here.How about Tennessee?Old college stomping grounds and gets to put it to Indy a couple of times. Also an almost guarantee playoff visit in that division.
Interesting. Maybe he doesn't want to play his old team twice a year? Of course there are those who say he doesn't want the NFC either playing Eli. That leaves 3 AFC divisions.I think Houston makes the most sense, and may be where he should go, but Peter King seems to think it is unlikely.Houston@SI_PeterKing
You can eliminate Houston for Peyton.
My assumption was that this is coming from Houston, I think he would love to play in the AFC South. In fact, I'm bumping up the Titans a bit for that very reason.Interesting. Maybe he doesn't want to play his old team twice a year? Of course there are those who say he doesn't want the NFC either playing Eli. That leaves 3 AFC divisions.I think Houston makes the most sense, and may be where he should go, but Peter King seems to think it is unlikely.Houston@SI_PeterKing
You can eliminate Houston for Peyton.
Dang, I forgot where he played college ball.My assumption was that this is coming from Houston, I think he would love to play in the AFC South. In fact, I'm bumping up the Titans a bit for that very reason.Interesting. Maybe he doesn't want to play his old team twice a year? Of course there are those who say he doesn't want the NFC either playing Eli. That leaves 3 AFC divisions.I think Houston makes the most sense, and may be where he should go, but Peter King seems to think it is unlikely.Houston@SI_PeterKing
You can eliminate Houston for Peyton.
Adam Schein was on the Kolb story pretty early last year. I don't know if this blurb is truly sourced or mere speculation, but there are some encouraging "buying words" in there for Cardinal fans.The marriage with Peyton Manning and the Colts had to end. Indy has the No. 1 overall pick and will draft the next Peyton Manning in Andrew Luck. Indy has a new coach, a new general manager, and it is a new day. Manning didn’t play a down last year. He’s coming off of four reported neck surgeries. The next hit could be his last.
So which NFL team could truly afford the risk/reward with Manning’s health? Who needs star power and a culture shock? What team could also sign Reggie Wayne to play with Manning? What team has a backup who has won games for the club whose ego wouldn’t be bruised by Manning’s presence? Good weather? Dome stadium? Who has a playoff-caliber defense? A head coach and play caller whom Manning liked when they were together in the Pro Bowl?
Try this on for size.
Meet Peyton Manning, starting quarterback for the Arizona Cardinals.
It just makes too much sense.
Sources tell us the Arizona Cardinals want to sign Manning. They would eradicate Kevin Kolb from the roster. John Skelton, a quarterback whom Ken Whisenhunt likes a lot and won with in the second half last year, would be the backup and insurance in case Manning got hurt. Manning, according to different sources, has put out feelers about the Cardinals. He is very intrigued by playing with Larry Fitzgerald and bringing Wayne along as his wingman.
Make no mistake; part of the Cardinals' plan would be to sign Wayne if they brought Manning on board. It has been discussed at length internally. Manning is said to respect and like Whisenhunt and has reached out via intermediaries to learn more about him. Sources say Manning also likes Arizona’s young, talented defense.
There is legit mutual interest in a Manning-Cardinals marriage. Arizona will be in play.
100% agree FC...if he really wants to win another Super bowl he will sign in SF and probably win one in the next 2 years, retire, then Eli can have his quest for ring #3 after Peyton retires. I truly think he would be en fuego in SF if he signed there and if he can still throw the football. That said, he was in Miami before and after the press conference. He has a home down here, warm weather, he probably believes most teams where he signs will instantly be a Super Bowl contender because he covers up a lot of holes on teams. My brain says Miami...and he will push the Heat and marlins to the back page. You think Miami celebrated Lebron, just wait until Peyton signs, they might have a ticker tape parade at the contract signing. This community is so starved for quality NFL football, the season ticket holders will probably piss themselves running to grab season tickets. I'm tempted to grab some now, could always sell them off if they go a different direction. I would bet season ticket prices would be raised overnight.Without knowing the 12 teams interested I go with Miami. If SF is in the hunt, that would be the likely spot. They are Manning away from the SB.
AZ spent $15m-$20m for Kolb? Whisenhunt put his job on the line IMO signing him...the owner there was all too happy to let just about every free agent they had after the Super bowl to walk, several of them were originally drafted by AZ which makes them look even worse IMO. It's hard for me to buy AZ as a place for Manning...if he really wants to challenge and play in another Super Bowl, I would have to put AZ down a few spots on the list...that said i am not sure Miami is really much better but the press and media seem to think Miami is an instant contender...I'm not exactly sure why. Miami has a new coach, likely was thinking Flynn, IMO Stephen Ross is pushing for Manning above and beyond the GM or coaches who probably would be more comfortable with Flynn because if they sign Manning then they have to go right into win now mode and when you do that you start grabbing guys with a 1-2 year plan...that can lead to a lot of misery in years 3, 4, and 5.2 horse race between Miami and Az.
The final cost on Kolb will be $12M, a 2nd rd pick, and DRC if he is released prior to March 17th. That is a lot for his minimal production. His real value is derived from the Cardinals ability to resign Larry Fitzgerald for the remainder of his career and preventing #11 from hitting the open market on Tuesday as a UFA. Cards GM Rod Graves has already intimated he's willing to restructure current contracts in order to clear even more cap space for 2012 Free Agent signings. If they have a legitimate shot at Manning, they will not hesitate to cut ties with the disappointing Kolb. The only two arguments against the Cardinals I find compelling are their Conference designation (assuming Marshall Faulk is correct) and their deficiency of quality Offensive Tackles. There are reports out today that indicate NFC teams have not been ruled out (could be used as mere leverage though). Manning's quick release, an open FA check book, and remaining draft picks go a long way towards mitigating the lack of strong protection on the edge. Beyond that, the Cardinals fit the bill for nearly every Peyton-Required check list that has been contrived. With that said, I speculate Peytons desire to stay in the AFC is strong, he would have to feel very comfortable with Whiz and his staff (the Frank Reich hire helps) if he were to make the jump over to the NFC.AZ spent $15m-$20m for Kolb? Whisenhunt put his job on the line IMO signing him...the owner there was all too happy to let just about every free agent they had after the Super bowl to walk, several of them were originally drafted by AZ which makes them look even worse IMO. It's hard for me to buy AZ as a place for Manning...if he really wants to challenge and play in another Super Bowl, I would have to put AZ down a few spots on the list...that said i am not sure Miami is really much better but the press and media seem to think Miami is an instant contender...I'm not exactly sure why. Miami has a new coach, likely was thinking Flynn, IMO Stephen Ross is pushing for Manning above and beyond the GM or coaches who probably would be more comfortable with Flynn because if they sign Manning then they have to go right into win now mode and when you do that you start grabbing guys with a 1-2 year plan...that can lead to a lot of misery in years 3, 4, and 5.2 horse race between Miami and Az.
I think Miami is the frontrunner (w/ AZ close 2nd). Others are far behind (and irrelevant IMO).Kolb was signed to keep Fitz long term. Nothing more. Fitz hand picked Kolb last offseason. I think he, and everyone else, saw that Kolb isn't a franchise QB.AZ spent $15m-$20m for Kolb? Whisenhunt put his job on the line IMO signing him...the owner there was all too happy to let just about every free agent they had after the Super bowl to walk, several of them were originally drafted by AZ which makes them look even worse IMO.2 horse race between Miami and Az.
I keep refering to these cap numbers when anybody mentions Houston as a potential Manning team but teams have always found creative ways to structure contracts to avoid cap penalities. Despite the injury, Manning is not going to sign under market value. It wouldn't surprise me to see KC more of a contender as this goes on.This would eliminate most teams from this conversation...
Cap numbers
http://www.sun-senti...69798.htmlstory
Agreed 100%I doubt Arizona's fans would give a damn what they gave up for Kolb if they land Manning.For those saying Miami: Do any of you see the hiring of a rookie head coach as a deterrent for Manning? Will Manning want to deal with Philbin's NFL growing pains? Potentially brutal weather for divisional road games in NY, NE, and Buffalo. Much tougher road to the postseason division wise. Will Brandon Marshall be as willing as Larry Fitzgerald to put in the extra time to do what it takes to win? Peyton is going to factor these things into his decision.What is negative about Arizona? I'm having trouble finding much.
If this is about winning a ring, he should stay in the AFC so he doesn't have to contend with GB, NO and the Giants. Even if he went to SF he's still facing elite teams in the playoffs trying to get to a SB, I don't see the AFC quite as good up top.I'm thinking the 9ers. I think the AZ interest is a bargaining smoke screen against SF. He DOESN'T want to face the 9er D twice a year. I think the same could be said for the Redskins/Giants (+ little Manning). Bay area is cool and damp, but not freezing like the northeast. Also not so sure he'd like to have to beat the Pats for the divison if he went to Miami. If this is about winning a ring, and making competitive money, SF looks like the best destination.
To me I don't understand the thinking of playing in the AFC East. His entire objectiv eis to win another super bowl. Wouldn't ou want the path of least resistance to get there? Why would you want to face a Brady/Belichek 2x/year and the perennial diviision favorites and/or a Rex Ryan led defense 2x/year? Whereas the NFC West has been a joke for 3-4 seasons now. Going to AZ provides the best opportunity IMO.I voted Miami. He wants to stay in the AFC West for sure. Cross off the NFC as the path to the SB is easier in the AFC. From there, they have the resources, tax free state, and warm weather that suits his style of play. If I was to vote "best fit", I'd vote for the 49ers. Alex Smith is a FA anyway, and he's taken them about as far as he can. I'm really surprised that he got as far as he did. Peyton to the Niners would make them instant odds favorites for the SB with that defense.
I think they would. Manning has a lot of respect for Ryan defenses, and Rex has always spoken in highly deferential terms about Manning.If Saturday and Wayne are a package deal, though, then the Jets are out. The Jets are pretty tight up against the cap, and obviously Saturday wouldn't come in at center. Would he be willing to play LG? Could the Jets afford Holmes and Wayne with Manning's contract? My guess is no.Miami makes sense in that they would allow the trio to come. SF makes sense in that they could use all three and are closest.I really think that Peyton will listen long to queries by the Jets. I think that having both Mannings in New York would be awesome. The Jets definitely need a revitalization. The biggest question is whether he and Coach Ryan could get along.
Good point re: Fisher. Hadn't thought of that.I also voted Miami - it makes sense, almost too much sense that we'll be surprised when it's all said and done.I voted Miami.
Simply, I think Ross is desperate for a headline grabber and, after losing out to Jeff Fisher, will overpay Manning to the extent that he will sign with the Dolphins.
And it's not like Miami doesn't have a good team.
Lastly, they could easily (I think) bring in both Wayne and Saturday. For Saturday, they could slide Pouncey to guard (where, I believe, he played in college).
Fun times!
Manning is reported to be on the way to talk with Elway and the Broncos - though that may simply be leverage angle on Manning's part to drive up his value to Miami...LINKRumors and Twitter are pushing AZ...just hard to read the tea leaves.