Where's he going? * I don't like "leading" polls, so I'll save my two cents for the moment. ** - should have also included the 49ers in the poll, sorry.
http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/7656028/indianapolis-colts-peyton-manning-part-ways-14-seasons Cardinals defense tackle Darnell Dockett tweeted "Peyton to AZ!!!!!" on Tuesday night and then expounded on his hopes his team would sign Manning in an interview with the NFL Network. "I don't have anything against our quarterback (Kevin Kolb) we have now," Dockett said. "I feel confident in him. Who wouldn't want to play with Peyton Manning? "We are a team that is a few pieces away from getting back to the big game. We got a perfect fit for him in Arizona. He can get his number and I'll get him parking passes, free doughnuts on Saturdays. I'll make sure my guys clean his cleats up real well. I'll give him all my connections, even my barber."
I think the Jets are the best place for him if he wants to have a chance to win. It would certainly be the least amount of pressure on him in terms of having to put up a ton of points to be competitive. But, i don't think they would bench/cut Sanchez...even though it's probably time they cut bait anyways.
The Chiefs make a lot of sense. They have some really good offensive weapons and a good defense with Berry coming back next year.
My two cents: I make the following assumptions: 1) Manning wants to be reasonably sure he'll win 2) Manning will want a team that has most of the pieces together already 3) Manning will want considerable control of how the offense works 4) Manning will want to be paid...but I don't think that is an overwhelming concern Based off of (1), I think he may shy away from the AFC-E, AFC-N, NFC-E, and NFC-N. Eliminating the obvious: NYG, GB, NO, DET, NE, PIT, IND, CAR, SD, CHI Eliminating the 1% chance they could be interested: PHI, DAL, ATL, CIN Eliminated because he wouldn't even return the call: Buf, Cle Leaves us with: Washington - makes perfect EA Sports sense...but this is a dubious franchise to pair up with if you want to be a winner. Plus, you've got Philly, Dallas, and the Giants to deal with for 6 games. Finally, Shannahan is an authoritative control freak and Manning likes to call his own play at the line. Minnesota - there are pieces there, but again, I don't know if I want to face the Packers, Bears, and Lions 6 times if the playoffs are important to me. Tampa Bay - it's not a premier franchise, but they've got an ocean of cap space and could immediately build around Manning (and Wayne). I doubt they hold onto Freeman with white knuckles after last year's horror show. The NFC South may not be too daunting, especially if the Saints are slapped hard by the NFL. San Francisco - very similar situation to Houston. Pre-built contender, already division favorites. Questions would be their willingness to ditch Smith after a head-turning season, their weak WR corps, and Peyton's feelings about the notorious winds at their stadium (RIP Candlestick). Arizona - a popular favorite, especially with Fitzgerald and Doucet. The franchise would happily cede full control to Manning, and the division is normally easy to roll through. Only question marks is if Manning sees them as being close enough to contender status and if the team can do anything about Kolb's contract. Seattle - another favorite. Iffy receivers, but otherwise solid. And the idea that Wayne and Manning want to sign as a combo somewhat mitigates that issue. St Louis - I don't think Fisher wants to start his tenure by letting Manning come in and call all the shots. I expect them to keep rolling with Bradford. Jets - they would throw Sanchez under the bus and not think twice, but I keep hearing that the locker room atmosphere is toxic at this point and that Manning is not keen to the idea of being under the NY media microscope. Miami - another big favorite....but the Marino legacy is a decent point, and again, why play in the Patriots' division if you want to win big? Baltimore - I find it odd that they aren't talked about much at all. When your stars are calling out your QB publicly, there's an issue. They've got receivers, a stud back, great lines, and a stout defense. Plus, you'd have a neat payback situation, given that Baltimore is still a little sour about the Colts bolting in the night. The big downside is fighting through Pittsburgh (Harrison would love headhunting) and the up and coming Bengals. Houston - the team makes all the sense for him - with the added bonus that he knows the division inside and out. But the Texans and Kubiak chucking Schaub to take a flier on Manning when they already feel they're knocking on the door? It would be a big surprise. Tennessee - a Houston-lite situation. Division, RB, WR, and defense are all big pluses. But they've already expressed a lack of interest. Jacksonville - they would love it, but there are just too many suitors that are more attractive. Denver - Elway would love to get out of the Tebow craze, but it won't be that easy. And I doubt Manning would want to come to town with the fanbase already fuming at him for chasing away their god. Oakland - it's an easy division to cut through for a playoff seed, but the years of dysfunction will hurt the curbside appeal. There are pieces, though. Kansas - last but not least. They're an intriguing pick. Wide open division, good pieces but desperate enough for success that they would put Peyton in the driver's seat. They've got cap space to play with, and a Bowe-Wayne-Breaston grouping would be very nice. Personally, if I'm Manning, I'm calling the Ravens, 49ers, and Texans first (no order). If the interest isn't mutual (or mutual enough), I look hardest at KC and Seattle, with Miami and Arizona as a third tier.
KC or SF is the place if he wants to really be a contender next year. Both of those teams have the pieces to win their divisions. KC with Crennel taking over might be very apt to switching up the offense for him. Everyone is saying Miami and Arizona a lot but I don't think he could do a lot with those teams his first year. I think he'll want to go somewhere to compete immediately.
I need more time to think about it, but ain't no way he goes to the Jets with Eli on the Giants. The NY media would drive both of them crazy and Peyton knows that. "Who's the better Manning?" each and every week.
I chose Miami as where I think he will end up, however the best fit is Houston. I just can't see the Texans who are loyal to a fault just kicking Schaub to the curb like that though.
Our first big hints! Scratch Washington! https://twitter.com/#!/SI_JimTrotter/statuses/177458251904978945 http://www.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/6264363/35140974 Don't scratch Washington?
I think he'll go with Arizona... but Seattle also has a good chance. I would love to see him on Baltimore, though!
Denver does actually seem like a good destination. They have some weapons and a up and coming defense. Granted, he probably wouldn't like playing in that weather
Tebow-mania a problem for Peyton-to-Broncos http://nfl.si.com/2012/03/08/tim-tebows-presence-hinders-broncos-chances-at-peyton-manning/ also How Peyton's preference to run the offense affects suitors http://espn.go.com/blog/afcsouth/post/_/id/34838/on-control-and-flexibility-for-manning Niners not expected to be in the mix http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Football/NFL/2012/03/08/19476936.html (Also: Dallas, Philly, and Browns have expressed no intent to pursue) Peyton showing interest in the Cards, would like to bring along Wayne http://www.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/22475988/35143352 Peyton is in Miami, but may or may not be sitting down with Dolphins (yet) http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-400_162-57392968/peyton-manning-visits-miami-after-release/ Chiefs in hot pursuit http://aol.sportingnews.com/nfl/story/2012-03-08/peyton-manning-nfl-free-agent-chiefs-browns
