NY Daily News: Colts Quarterback Peyton Manning to the Jets Could Happen in 2011
Since they failed to reach an agreement on a long-term deal, the Indianapolis Colts placed the franchise tag on quarterback Peyton Manning as a safety precaution that the four-time MVP would still be with the team in 2011. Unfortunately, the franchise tag may be eliminated once a new Collective Bargaining Agreement is in place–which could make Manning the greatest unrestricted free agent in NFL history.
The only question–should Indianapolis be nervous?
Colts owner Jim Irsay has already indicated his plans to give Manning a higher deal than the four-year, $72 million deal New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady signed last season. Manning received the $23 million franchise tag for 2011 with the intention of the two sides coming to an agreement on a long-term deal, but that option may be eliminated if the tags are voided and he becomes an unrestricted free agent.
It’s hard to imagine a veteran quarterback like Manning–who has taken the Colts to the postseason in 11 of 13 seasons–with a different team next season. However, Brett Favre is the perfect example that a beloved franchise quarterback can easily begin a new chapter of their career by playing with a different organization. If Manning does end up becoming one of the most targeted unrestricted free agents next season, one writer strongly believes he could end up with a team whose head coach absolutely hates the Colts–the New York Jets.
Gary Myers of the New York Daily News believes the Jets could make a run for Manning if he becomes an unrestricted free agent–mainly because they are a “win-now” type of team. New York showed last season they were willing to add just about any veteran that gave them a shot at reaching the Super Bowl–so it wouldn’t be a surprise if they at least made an attempt to sign Manning if given the opportunity.
As Myers indicates, it would seem a bit ridiculous for the Jets to bring Manning on board considering Mark Sanchez is due $14.75 million in base salary in 2011. Add that to Manning’s salary–which is expected to be more than $23 million if the franchise tags are voided–and the Jets would be looking at a ton of money spent at the quarterback position.
Then again, if it helped the Jets get over the hump and reach their first Super Bowl since 1969–the acquisition of Manning would be worth it. Manning over Sanchez would be a no-brainer for not only the Jets, but any team looking to win a Super Bowl. So if the Jets find themselves in the situation to make a run at the future Hall of Fame quarterback–why wouldn’t they go for it?
Dan Parzych is the Lead NFL Content Editor for RantSports.com/NFL, where he writes and edits NFL content for RantSports.com.
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That’s the dumbest sh**t I’ve ever read.
Sometimes our beat writers are as idiotic as our drunken fans. From all of us in Jets land, I apologize for this supposed journalist Gary Myers writing this dribble. It’s embarrassing that this “story” has gotten so much attention!
I have been a Colts fan for 45 years, started with them in Baltimore and then followed them to Indy. I am in total disgust as to what is happening with the NFL. If the season does not start on time because of this labor agreement, I will stop following football and the Colts.
I stopped watching baseball when they had their labor dispute and lockout and I have not gone back. There is two days a week that my wife and I look forward to and that’s Sunday and Monday. But, I guess we can find other things to do.
You guys with your fatcat salaries better remember who pays your salaries and that goes for the owner too!!!
Give him the money…………..
And let him mentor a younger QB at the same time. You get a 2 for one deal. The greatest QB of all time and a coach.
Peyton play for the JETS – geeesh, slow news day or what… Peyton has said publicly if he isn’t playing for the Colts, he’s not playing in the NFL. He’ll retire a Colt then on to coaching – hopefully here in Indy.
The Indianapolis Colts would lose much more in revenue than they would save in salary by not signing Manning. Jim Irsay will make sure Manning stays an Indianapolis Colt.
If the Jets can get Peyton they should. Let Sanchez sit on the bench for 2 years or so and let him learn from the master.