Colts to Part Ways With Manning

[Leftwich]

Peyton Manning's 14-year career as a member of the Indianapolis Colts is coming to an end.

Sources close to the team told ESPN's Chris Mortensen that the announcement will come at a press conference in Indianapolis on Wednesday.

The decision to pass on the $28 million bonus owed Manning and not to pick up the four remaining years on his contract means Manning will become a free agent, and sources say that he intends to continue to play.

The Colts decided not to pick up Manning's option because of concerns they had over his readiness to play in the NFL again.

The four-time league MVP missed the entire 2011 season after having his third neck surgery in 19 months, a fusion of two vertebrae. His doctors have medically cleared him to resume his career.

Manning has broken all of Indianapolis' career records for quarterbacks and had never missed a start before last season. He's taken the Colts to the playoffs 11 times, captured seven AFC South titles in eight years, won two AFC championships, one Super Bowl title and a Super Bowl MVP Award.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/7653897/sources-indianapolis-colts-part-peyton-manning-wednesday

 

[Houston]

:fuckyeah:

 

[MrBill]

Begun, the bidding wars have.

 

[Senser81]

Begun, the bidding wars have.

Lame, that post was.

 

[Bigpapa42]

Seemed likely. They owed him toom much to take a risk on him being able to come back close to 100%.

If someone can get him to sign a 2-3 year deal heavily based on incentives, could be a steal.

 

[EmpireWF]

Taking His Talents to South Beach for $1,000, Alex.

 

[Hasselbeck]

Next stop: Seattle

 

[BigBucs]

Back to mediocrity they go.

 

[jaxjaggywires]

So, taking bets...who's the favorite to start? Miami, I'm assuming?

How about a dark horse? Tampa (if they can be called a dark horse...)?

 

[Point Blank]

It's gonna be weird as hell seeing him play for another squad.

 

[Ironworker808]

I'm gonna go with ARZ.

Manning to Fitz for the next four or so years = scary.

 

[Derrville]

Here comes the Manning Curse

 

[Lanteri]

http://www.comehomepeyton.com/

 

[Hasselbeck]

So, taking bets...who's the favorite to start? Miami, I'm assuming?

How about a dark horse? Tampa (if they can be called a dark horse...)?

Favorites for him:
- Miami
- Seattle
- Washington (if they fail to land the 2nd pick)

Dark Horse:
- San Francisco .. they have cap room and may decide he is the last piece to get over the hump.

 

[dave]

If Dallas had half a brain, they'd sign Manning and trade Romo.

 

[Hasselbeck]

If Dallas had half a brain, they'd sign Manning and trade Romo.

Because it's so easy to move a player with a $67.5M contract.

 

[Tailback U]

I love it. Just made the NFL 100x more interesting.

 

[jaxjaggywires]

Favorites for him:
- Miami
- Seattle
- Washington (if they fail to land the 2nd pick)

Dark Horse:
- San Francisco .. they have cap room and may decide he is the last piece to get over the hump.

Manning will want to stay far away from Washington, unless he wants to get hurt again. Horrible line.

San Fran would be interesting...Harbaugh coaching the guy who replaced him in Indy.

 

[Hasselbeck]

I love it. Just made the NFL 100x more interesting.

Seriously.

How often will we see players like Peyton Manning AND Mario Williams as free agents?

This reminds me of Montana and Reggie White leaving in the same year.

 

[Hasselbeck]

Manning will want to stay far away from Washington, unless he wants to get hurt again. Horrible line.

San Fran would be interesting...Harbaugh coaching the guy who replaced him in Indy.

I think Peyton avoids Washington more because of having to play Eli's team twice than anything else.

I really think it's between Miami and Seattle.. but we'll see I guess.