Super Bowl XLVI has past and now we can look towards the NFL Draft and the Colts pick. The talk has been all about the Indianapolis Colts starting quarterback for 2012.
A Guarantee or fishing for offers and draft picks?The Colts have stated that with their 1st overall selection in the NFL Draft they're choosing Stanford Cardinal standout quarterback
Andrew Luck. Most likely this is true or we wouldn't be hearing all of the commotion going on between Mr. Irsay and Peyton Manning. By making this statement, could this be a ploy by the Colts to see what they can get out of other teams in return for the first overall pick?
The guaranteed bonusThe Colts owe Peyton Manning a $28 million dollar bonus/guaranteed money and the deadline is March 8th. Don't you think that if the Colts really wanted to keep Peyton they could attach some incentives to his contract (and possibly delay thee deadline) in relation to his play for the season? It appears that they don't want to pay him,
release him, and look towards the future (Andrew Luck). In signing Peyton Manning, the Colts would be taking a big risk due to the two neck surgeries, past injuries and his age. There's a dilemma, in that Manning has been cleared to play and Andrew Luck has stated that he wants to play immediately upon being drafted. Look for Peyton Manning to take his services elsewhere.
Peyton Manning's futureManning is dying to get back on the field. So eager, in fact, that he was considering playing for the Colts late last season. In my opinion the Colts are mistreating Manning after all of the double digit win seasons, the Super Bowl Championship, the 4 MVP awards that he's earned, the squeaky clean image and dirty uniform that Peyton's provided. He's taken plenty of punishment, putting his health on the line and this is how he's repaid for his effort.
Super Bowl XLVI had to be a bittersweet event for Manning as it was played on Lucas Oil Field but a different Manning was named MVP of the game. Although I'm sure he's happy for Eli; younger brother has now passed Peyton in the amount of Super Bowls that he's won. Eli has mastered beating the Patriots, a team that Peyton has had a tough time beating.
All about winningDon't look for Peyton to choose the highest bidder; he's set for life financially a hundred times over. Peyton will be looking for a team with the best chance to win. There have been rumors about the Arizona Cardinals and Washington Redskins.
I don't think Redskins owner Daniel Snyder's pockets are deep enough as the Skins wont be winning anytime soon and although Larry Fitzgerald is a great target, the Cardinals are also a long way away from winning.
The Miami Dolphins, the warm weather and their ability to spend money on other players were mentioned. This is a definite possibility as the warm weather would suit Manning's health and preserve his career. The Fins also have some talent in running back Reggie Bush and wide receiver Brandon Marshall. It's far away from certain but it's a possibility.
49'ers are the perfect fitWith the best defense in the league and a receiver like Michael Crabtree and tight end Vernon Davis, the 49'ers would be the
odds on favorite to win the
Super Bowl in 2013 if they landed Peyton Manning. They also have one of the best coaches in the league (not that Peyton need's a coach) in Jim Harbaugh. The problem is that after several years, quarterback Alex Smith has finally come into his own. He'll never be Peyton Manning but this would be a difficult move to make. Nevertheless, don't rule it out.
Neighbors and brothers?Is it possible that Peyton Manning could join the New York Jets and play in MetLife Stadium along with his brother? Not likely, but with Jets head coach Rex Ryan attached to the conversation never rule it out. The Jets have a great defense and a decent offense that could improve with some money.
The Luck PerspectiveIndianapolis has already declared that they're taking the young man and there's not much to say. The Colts will have to endure a rough season as a franchise in Andrew Luck's rookie season, as do most franchises with new starting quarterbacks with a lot of promise.
Remember Troy Aikman? He went 1-15 in his first season with the Cowboys but eventually won three Super Bowls.
The only problem that I see for Luck is that the Colts are getting older and will need to surround him with more talent than they currently have. As of now, he looks like a "Peyton Manning type of QB" with a good head on his shoulders and not a Ryan Leaf type of quarterback headed for doom. We wish him luck, even though I wish it on Peyton Manning more.
When Luck joins the Colts, don't bet the future Super Bowl prop for the Colts to win the Super Bowl in 2012-2013.
Conclusion: Ultimately, look for both quarterbacks to land on their feet. It would be nice for Peyton Manning to win a second Super Bowl and there would never be a question about him again. It all depends on what winning team he chooses.