Peyton Manning: Predictions

[Kiwon]

One week to go before the March 8 deadline.

So what happens to a QB that has thrown for 54,828 yards and 399 TDs?

[Pugger]

He is cut before his roster bonus because he still can't throw the ball with decent velocity?

[Fosco33]

I'd have to guess one of two scenarios:
1. He restructures the deal with heavily weighted performance options for 1 year and Luck gets some learning time
2. 'Cut' or 'asks for release' and another team does #1 above

[Tony Oday]

Gets cut, goes to Vikings, trash talks old team, sends d*ck pics to a hottie, has best year of career.

[MadScientist]

First ballot HOF in 5 years.

[ND72]

1. is cut but resigns with colts
2. is cut signs elsewhere
3. stays
4. retires

What should happen, and this is just me, but he should retire. Is your life worth it? I don't know, I was never a pro football player, so I can't answer that. What I'm guessing will happen though is he will be cut...what happens after that I have no idea. I'm just sick of hearing Irsay tweets.

[sheepshead]

I actually think he's forth behind Luck, RG and Flynn. Once the top three get sorted out then Payton falls in.

[Upnorth]

ND ill take a 4 with a small side of 2.

[packrulz]

Some think the Colts will release him and Shanahan is interested in bringing him to the 'Skins.

[MJZiggy]

Some think the Colts will release him and Shanahan is interested in bringing him to the 'Skins.Of course he is, so I can spend another football season surrounded by pissed off football fans. Ok, it's kind of fun, but you see my point.

[gbgary]

rob lowe had it right all along.

[mraynrand]

Regardless of what happens to his career, I can guarantee he will make the Manningface:

http://cinesnark.files.wordpress.com/2010/02/manning-face.jpg

[packrulz]

Of course he is, so I can spend another football season surrounded by pissed off football fans. Ok, it's kind of fun, but you see my point.
I kind of think it's a smart move, it would only cost cash, no draft picks, and if Peyton is back to his old self the 'Skins would be playoff bound. But, they need to draft some good wide receivers though.

[MJZiggy]

If he's not back to his old self, then they're screwed yet again. And I have to put up with the possibility of running into him at the Home Depot.

[woodbuck27]

If he's not back to his old self, then they're screwed yet again. And I have to put up with the possibility of running into him at the Home Depot.

Big brother Peyton not Eli MJ.

The bottom line. Can Peyton Manning get his throwing veloscity back? Without that how much are the Colts willing to shell out of a QB Coach?

Peyton Manning's arm 100% and...in a Skins uniform? He's NOT that dumb.

[smuggler]

He's going to get cut and sign elsewhere

[King Friday]

The guy is not retiring...I don't think the Colts mind having him back (at a reduced salary) but will he want to return to Indy with Luck waiting in the wings? I can't see the two being on the same team. It is a different scenario than Rodgers sitting behind Favre, who wasn't coming off injury and when Rodgers wasn't the #1 overall selection. I'm guessing Manning may want to go elsewhere, which is why his group has already floated that he'd be OK with a more incentive laden contract structure.

I think Manning will move on to another team...KC seems like the best fit to me. Easy division, plenty of offensive weapons in place, and defensive minded HC that will allow Manning to do his own thing.

[Kiwon]

More food for thought...


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GOVAiFAmLc4&feature=player_embedded

[pbmax]

Why Duke? The family is from Mississippi and Duke plays football like I play soccer (horribly and as if I had never witnessed the game before). Is it a subliminal message to expect terrible play and then be pleasantly surprised?

Or was he treated at the Medical Center there?

[KYPack]

Option 2. Can't begin to guess where he signs.

Miami
Seattle
DC
Cleve

Who knows?

[Harlan Huckleby]

I don't think it is that mysterious. He's done with the Colts, and from comments he's made, ready & wanting to continue career. Question is where.

[King Friday]

Why Duke?

His QB coach or OC coach (can't remember which) from Tennessee is now coaching at Duke...which is why he's down there working out.

[Kiwon]

Report: Colts to release Peyton Manning Wednesday

The Peyton Manning Era in Indianapolis will end Wednesday, according to a report.

The Colts will release the four-time NFL MVP, opting not to pick up his $28 million roster bonus and leaving him free to sign with any team, reports ESPN's Chris Mortensen. The team will announce the move Wednesday in a press conference attended by team owner Jim Irsay and Manning, according to Mortensen.

Manning, 35, still wants to play football after sitting out the 2011 season following multiple neck surgeries. He watched from the sidelines as the Colts finished 2-14, securing the No. 1 pick, which they are likely to use on former Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck.

The team fired the personnel management team of Bill and Chris Polian, installing Ryan Grigson as the team's new general manager.

Manning, who led the Colts to a Super Bowl victory following the 2006 season, played 14 seasons and did not miss a start before 2011. He has been medically cleared to resume playing football, and has worked out in North Carolina and Florida this offseason. He can sign with any team immediately following his release.

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/thehuddle/post/2012/03/report-colts-to-release-peyton-manning-wednesday/1

[Freak Out]

This is going to get interesting.

[Kiwon]

This is going to get interesting.

So GM Freak Out, what contract would you give him? How long? How much coin?

[packrulz]

I would think he'd have to pass a physical before any team would sign him.

[Freak Out]

So GM Freak Out, what contract would you give him? How long? How much coin?

Haven't followed his recovery but if he was healthy I'd go two years...maybe 12-13 million a year. Who is a QB like him away? SF?

[Kiwon]

Based on the short video of the workout at Duke, I'd say that he is healthy.

Personally, if I were the Irsay family, I would do my best to keep Manning at a cap-friendly price and draft Luck. I'd ask Manning directly to take less money now for guaranteed future employment with the team after he's retired. But given everything that has happened, my guess is that the dye has already been cast and Manning will be gone.

If I were Manning, I would leave money on the table to go to the team that has the most weapons and could be a Super Bowl contender the next two years. Winning probably means more to him than money at this stage of his HOF career. The other factor is that Manning obviously thrives when he is running the offense. I don't see him going to any team who will try to change that aspect of his game and not let him improvise.

[smuggler]

Why would Manning sign basically a 1 year deal for a team that's at least 2 years away from competing for a championship when he could go be a contender now for another team?

[woodbuck27]

Originally Published: March 6, 2012

Irsay better hope he's right on Manning

Colts' decision to cut QB makes sense now, but Peyton can still rewrite the ending

Comments (http://espn.go.com/nfl/conversations/_/id/7654150/indianapolis-colts-owner-jim-irsay-better-hope-made-right-call-peyton-manning)1453 (http://espn.go.com/nfl/conversations/_/id/7654150/indianapolis-colts-owner-jim-irsay-better-hope-made-right-call-peyton-manning)
http://a.espncdn.com/i/columnists/Fox_Ashley_35.jpg (http://search.espn.go.com/ashley-fox/) By Ashley Fox
ESPN.com
Archive (http://search.espn.go.com/ashley-fox/)


Sources: Colts, Peyton To Part Ways

Sources: Colts and Peyton Manning to part ways, announcement expected Wednesday.

Sources: Colts, Peyton To Part Ways (http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=7654030) VIDEO PLAYLIST http://a.espncdn.com/icons/video2.png


Sources: Colts, Peyton To Part Ways (http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=7654030) Sources: Colts, Peyton To Part Ways

Sources: Colts and Peyton Manning to part ways, announcement expected Wednesday.
Colts, Manning To Part Ways (http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=7654051) Colts, Manning To Part Ways

Sources: Colts, Peyton Manning to part ways. Announcement expected tomorrow.
Peyton Arrives In Indy (http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=7655028) Peyton Arrives In Indy

Peyton Manning and Jim Irsay briefly speak after Manning arrives in Indy.
Colts Fan React To Peyton Manning News (http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=7654492) Colts Fan React To Peyton Manning News

Sources: Colts and Peyton Manning to part ways, announcement expected Wednesday.

Peyton Manning (http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/1428/peyton-manning) is getting cut. Let that sink in.

One of the greatest quarterbacks of all time, some would say the most technically sound man to ever play the position, is getting cut. Peyton Manning. The assassin. The leader. The face of the Indianapolis Colts (http://espn.go.com/nfl/team/_/name/ind/indianapolis-colts)' franchise. A man so ruthless with the football that Bill Belichick, of all people, famously feared him.
Cut. Gone. Done. Thanks for playing. See you in Canton.

[+] Enlargehttp://a.espncdn.com/photo/2011/0311/nfl_g_manning11_200.jpg (http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/7654150/indianapolis-colts-owner-jim-irsay-better-hope-made-right-call-peyton-manning#)

Andy Lyons/Getty ImagesPeyton Manning won 141 games and eight division titles as the Colts' quarterback.


It is like the Chicago Bulls waving goodbye to Michael Jordan, or the Edmonton Oilers saying farewell to Wayne Gretzky. There are no fairytales, not in professional sports, only reminders of how harsh a business it is.

If Peyton Manning can get cut, no one in the NFL is safe.

This has been coming for weeks, since the two sides fired up their spin machines shortly before the NFL arrived in Indianapolis for Super Bowl XLVI. It had to end like this because of how Manning's contract was structured. But the news is jarring nonetheless, and it left me with this: Jim Irsay better be right.

For Irsay's tweeting sake, Manning better be done. He better not be able to throw the ball more than 20 yards downfield. He better not be able to win or to scare defenses so badly that they never blitz for fear of leaving a receiver open for Manning to hit.

Manning's win total better be stuck on 141, his passing touchdowns on 399, his regular-season starts at 208, his passing yards at a ridiculous 54,828, his NFL MVP honors at four, his division titles won on eight, his Super Bowl appearances at two and his Super Bowl MVP awards at one.

Manning at 36 years old -- his birthday is March 24 -- better not be Manning at 33, still able to lead a team, to direct a franchise, to win 10 games, to win the AFC South, to reach the playoffs. He better not join Washington or Miami or Kansas City or Arizona or the New York Jets or whichever team opens its doors to him and, off his fierce competitiveness, turn them into a winner as he did in Indianapolis. He better not be out there pointing and waving and calling plays and making adjustments as he did so masterfully for 13 seasons in Indianapolis.

Irsay better be right, or he will go down as the man who cut Peyton Manning, potentially the G.O.A.T., before it was time. In a Midwestern city that loves its quarterback's loyalty, his charity, his family and his professionalism, Irsay better be right or he will never be forgiven. That beautiful stadium downtown very well might go dark.

Every franchise quarterback wants to be John Elway (http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/6470/john-elway) or Dan Marino (http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/1/dan-marino), Troy Aikman (http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/53/troy-aikman) or Terry Bradshaw.

Joe Montana (http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/6445/joe-montana) didn't want to leave San Francisco. Brett Favre (http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/112/brett-favre) didn't want to leave Green Bay. They wanted to finish what they started, to keep playing, keep grinding, keep winning. The 49ers had Steve Young (http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/13/steve-young) waiting. The Packers had Aaron Rodgers (http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/8439/aaron-rodgers). Those were sound business decisions that worked out better for the teams than for the veterans. Montana finished up in Kansas City and Favre, it seems, is finally done after stops with the Jets and Minnesota.

The Colts have the No. 1 pick in the draft. They have a clear path to Andrew Luck (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/28325/andrew-luck), a quarterback most analysts have tabbed as the real thing, a can't-miss prospect, a legitimate longtime starter. Luck is coming from a pro-style offense and played the majority of his career for Jim Harbaugh (http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/27/jim-harbaugh).

Had the Colts not been in position to draft Luck, maybe they would've worked harder to restructure Manning's deal. Maybe they would've pushed to keep Manning, to let his career end the way it should -- in a Colts uniform, chasing a third Super Bowl appearance, trying to become the fourth quarterback to win a Super Bowl after the age of 35.

But Luck was there. The pick was there. It all set up for this ending.

With the information he had at the moment and given the deadline to make a decision, Irsay really had no choice but to cut Manning. It would have been fiscally irresponsible to pay a $28 million bonus to a soon-to-be 36-year-old coming off four neck surgeries who didn't play a snap last season when you have a potential starter coming in at a greatly reduced price. Irsay probably is right. It makes sense. But with so many variables, we can't be sure yet. We will have to wait and see.

Can Luck make the transition to the pros? Can he learn, and adapt, and do so quickly? Will he have enough help? Will the Colts be able to build around him as they did around Manning, and do so relatively quickly?

And what of Manning? Can he throw? Can he get his arm strength back? Which team will sign him, and will it give Manning the control he craves? Will there be the pieces in place to win in 2012?

Irsay's decision to cut Manning closes the book on Manning's Colts career, but the story is not over. There are chapters still to write.
Manning is fiercely competitive. He will want to make Irsay rue the day he cut him.

More than anything, Manning will want to prove Irsay wrong. Irsay better hope he was right.

Ashley Fox is an NFL columnist. Follow her on Twitter: @AshleyMFox.

[mraynrand]

How come the Colts aren't franchising Manning and trading him to Miami for at least a #2?

[pbmax]

How come the Colts aren't franchising Manning and trading him to Miami for at least a #2?

Irsay is cheap and an egomaniac. He wants to prove you can win inexpensively with just draft picks and bailing twine.


I also find in funny that while everyone calls on Irsay to keep Manning, no one is calling on Manning to push back that bonus (or lower it). If they have, I have missed it.

But this is a rare cases where the athlete and team and both pursuing their own interests so nakedly and no one seems to be able to accept it. Someone must always be wrong.

[KYPack]

Option 2 is the winner.

Now, which team picks him up, oh great and powerful Rats?

[Zool]

How come the Colts aren't franchising Manning and trading him to Miami for at least a #2?

Tough to franchise a guy who's already under contract.

[ND72]

I know when you look at it, if Peyton is healthy it's a dumb decision to part ways with him...but I can't fault Irsay for doing this. I think Irsay is an idiot, personally, but it's the right decision to make. Potentially, Mannings 2012 income would be around the same amount as Andrew Luck's total contract will be. Which, shame on the Colts last year for giving him that deal, I thought that when they did it, but oh well. For the Colts, do you really bring back a guy like Manning on a team that even with him maybe wins 8 or 9 games? I mean they're not good, but then again, they really haven't been good for a few years, Manning has carried that team. People are comparing this to the Packer/Favre divorce, but it's not comparable. Favre was retired...yes he came back, yes he had what, 1.5 good years after leaving Green Bay. But for the future of our franchise we moved on, much like the Colts...the only thing is Luck truly is an unknown product. McCarthy & Thompson at least had their hands on Rodgers for a few years to know what they were getting.

[swede]

Favre was retired...yes he came back, yes he had what, 1.5 good years after leaving Green Bay. But for the future of our franchise we moved on, much like the Colts...

I know that, you know that, about 40% of Packer fans know that, but is it really fossilized into the knowledge base of what should be a knowledgeable football media that Green Bay "let" Favre go?

Yes, in the end, he was still under contract and was traded away. But the Favre situation and the Manning situation are very, very different circumstances.

[mraynrand]

Someone must always be wrong.

I agree, so long as you're the one who is wrong.

[mraynrand]

How come the Colts aren't franchising Manning and trading him to Miami for at least a #2?


Tough to franchise a guy who's already under contract.

OK, OK. I give up. Here's a better joke: I just flew in from Cleveland, and Boy! are my arms tired! :rs: Take my wife...please.. :rs:

[swede]

Actually, people can't fly with just their arms.

[Zool]

OK, OK. I give up. Here's a better joke: I just flew in from Cleveland, and Boy! are my arms tired! :rs: Take my wife...please.. :rs:

So you think Peyton Manning should fly to Cleveland now that he's a FA?

[Guiness]

I haven't followed the drama here. I know Irsay was running his mouth a bit. Did he really piss off Manning?

Is there no chance Manning gets released, then re-signed by the Colts later in the day for a reasonable amount, a la Hawk?

[Cheesehead Craig]

He's joining the cast of SNL

[Kiwon]

I haven't followed the drama here. I know Irsay was running his mouth a bit. Did he really piss off Manning?

Is there no chance Manning gets released, then re-signed by the Colts later in the day for a reasonable amount, a la Hawk?

It's done. No going back now.

The reality now is that a healthy Manning can go to a better team than the Colts and have a shot at a Super Bowl this year. He wouldn't have that in Indy. He wants to play football and he'll get paid more to play on a better team. Irsay and Manning had plenty of time to work something out between themselves and didn't.

Whatever team signs him, just watch, their season ticket packages will be sold out in a week.

[MJZiggy]

He's joining the cast of SNL
Best response yet.

[ND72]

So....where do we think he ends up?

[Iron Mike]

So....where do we think he ends up?

http://www.google.com/url?source=imglanding&ct=img&q=http://www.fanloop.com/fanimages/1001026/manning.jpg&sa=X&ei=ezNYT6SsA86t0AGSr-WtDw&ved=0CA0Q8wc&usg=AFQjCNEW2GUEyT7SuNBuNwMWrDfBiihOhA

Doin' commercials.....

[KYPack]

So....where do we think he ends up?

Well, let's guess around at it.

Miami He's there tonite, for instance. Flynn would cost a lot less, but they will have to make a pick sometime between PM and Matt Flynn
Seattle They got a ton of $ and an accidental billionaire owner who don't mind slinging that shit around.
AZ They are starting to make some sqeaks about Manning. Kolb doesn't inspire great confidence, they can cut him and go with ol 18

These 3 teams are in great places to retire. Waddya figure, he plays 2-3 more years and then has another base for his retirment.

Dark Horses
Tenn. He's still a God down there. Back in the AFC South, he gets to stick it to the Colts twice a season
DC I think No Way. He plays in the NFC East and there are Peyton vs Eli stories and all that bullshit twice a year
Cleve Holmgren knows you have to bust a bold move to get a top flight QB. It would be a different spin, but man that would energize Cleveburg.

[ND72]

Miami - Seems like a good fit. Team that is growing and getting better. But it's the AFC East where Patriots rule. Does Manning wanna fight Brady twice a year? Reggie Wayne woud likely follow there.
NY Jets - 2 Mannings in 1 town? It could work. Again, AFC East. If he were to go to the Jets, they instantly become the favorite though as opposed to Miami.
Cleveland - Won't go here, wants to go to a winner.
Denver - Wouldn't discount Denver. They have no belief in Tebow, this would give them an instant reason to can him.
Houston - Would be a great marriage, but Houston believes in Schaub.
Arizona - Many Cardinals have voiced their desire to have Manning, which make Kolb even more happy to be there I'm sure. Could work, I just can't picture him in Arizona.
Seattle - This seems to me as the perfect place for him. Seattle has mentioned they would reach out to get Reggie Wayne and Pierre Garcon to come with Manning.
KC - Better than Orton, would make KC dangerous if their defense and offense can get back to 2010 form.
SF - I have heard tons of talk of this, but I think Alex Smith is finally their guy, and I'm not sure if Manning would deal with Harbaugh very well.
Tennessee - Doubtful to go here. Hasselback played well last year, and they still have Locker who they really like.

Any other teams?

[mraynrand]

So you think Peyton Manning should fly to Cleveland now that he's a FA?

No, but I bet his wife could play better than Colt McCoy.

[mraynrand]

Cleveland - Won't go here, wants to go to a winner.

OUCH! Cleveland says: hurt me, ND72!

Seriously, though, Manning doesn't want anything to do with playing the Ravens' and Steelers' defenses twice each year. Not to mention Cincinnati, improving on defense.

[King Friday]

I think it comes down to 3 teams...Miami, KC, and Arizona.

Miami seems like the front runner, but why would Manning want to go to play in a difficult division like the AFC East? KC seems like the best opportunity from the standpoint of the offensive firepower to work with, and has a defensive HC who won't get in Manning's way on offense. KC also plays in the weakest division in the NFL. Arizona is also an intriguing choice...but SF seems like a juggernaut in that division, and Manning may not want to play in the same conference as his brother.

[pittstang5]

Well, let's guess around at it.

Miami He's there tonite, for instance. Flynn would cost a lot less, but they will have to make a pick sometime between PM and Matt Flynn
Seattle They got a ton of $ and an accidental billionaire owner who don't mind slinging that shit around.
AZ They are starting to make some sqeaks about Manning. Kolb doesn't inspire great confidence, they can cut him and go with ol 18

These 3 teams are in great places to retire. Waddya figure, he plays 2-3 more years and then has another base for his retirment.

Dark Horses
Tenn. He's still a God down there. Back in the AFC South, he gets to stick it to the Colts twice a season
DC I think No Way. He plays in the NFC East and there are Peyton vs Eli stories and all that bullshit twice a year
Cleve Holmgren knows you have to bust a bold move to get a top flight QB. It would be a different spin, but man that would energize Cleveburg.

Tenn? Never thought of it, but you make a good point. I like it!

[SkinBasket]

i predict Manning will be cut and sign with another team.

[gbgary]

definitely won't be going to nyj with them extending sanchez' contract.

[Kiwon]

Oh, boy. What Elway wouldn't do to get Manning in Denver.

http://cbsdenver.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/manning-elway.jpg?w=300

[woodbuck27]

Big brother Peyton not Eli MJ.

The bottom line. Can Peyton Manning get his throwing veloscity back? Without that how much are the Colts willing to shell out of a QB Coach?

Peyton Manning's arm 100% and...in a Skins uniform? He's NOT that dumb.

OK officially PM has been reported as saying 'NO' to the Washington Redskins. The most obvious reason is that he will not compete with his brother Eli for a playoff spot.

That was reported on Thurs. March 8, 2012.

Report: Peyton Manning Not Interested In Redskins (http://tracking.si.com/2012/03/08/report-peyton-manning-not-interested-in-redskins/)

NFL (http://tracking.si.com/category/nfl/), Peyton Manning (http://tracking.si.com/category/peyton-manning/), Washington Redskins (http://tracking.si.com/category/washington-redskins/) | Comments (http://tracking.si.com/2012/03/08/report-peyton-manning-not-interested-in-redskins/#comment)
http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/.element/img/4.0/story/textsize.gif

The Washington Redskins are certainly among the 12 teams to have expressed interest in free agent Peyton Manning, but according to ESPN’s Chris Russell, he’s not interested.

************************************************** **************************

Then today Saturday March 10,2012 there's a report that the Washington Redskins have acquired the number 2 pick in this seasons draft from the St. Louis Rams :

Report: Redskins Acquire No. 2 Pick (http://tracking.si.com/2012/03/10/report-redskins-acquire-no-2-pick/)

NFL (http://tracking.si.com/category/nfl/), NFL Draft (http://tracking.si.com/category/nfl-draft/), St. Louis Rams (http://tracking.si.com/category/st-louis-rams/), Washington Redskins (http://tracking.si.com/category/washington-redskins/) | Comments (http://tracking.si.com/2012/03/10/report-redskins-acquire-no-2-pick/#comment)
http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/.element/img/4.0/story/textsize.gif

The Washington Redskins have made a deal with the St. Louis Rams that will give the Redskins the number two pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, according to FOXSports.com (http://www.twitlonger.com/show/gbhvr8).
According to Jay Glazer, the Rams will also get two future first-rounders and other picks.
If the agreement is indeed in place, the Rams will pick sixth in the 2012 draft.

http://bleacherreport.com/tb/bfxXN?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=nfl

[woodbuck27]

http://bleacherreport.com/tb/bfxXM?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=nfl

Report: Forget Flynn, 'Fins all in on Peyton Manning

By Dan Hanzus NFL.com
Published: March 8, 2012 at 01:56 p.m.
Updated: March 9, 2012 at 12:20 a.m.

Perhaps Matt Flynn (http://www.nfl.com/players/mattflynn/profile?id=FLY487098) shouldn't rush to lay out that down payment on a South Beach condominium just yet.The Dolphins' hiring of former Packers offensive coordinator Joe Philbin led to rampant speculation that Flynn -- Aaron Rodgers (http://www.nfl.com/players/aaronrodgers/profile?id=ROD339293)' backup and soon-to-be unrestricted free agent -- would soon join him.

But the Dolphins have yet to express remote interest in Flynn, according to a Yahoo! Sports report (http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=jc-cole_peyton_manning_free_agent_jets_dolphins_skins 030712), and Miami owner Stephen Ross has instructed general manager Jeff Ireland to make a "full-court press" on Peyton Manning (http://www.nfl.com/players/peytonmanning/profile?id=MAN515097).

As you might be aware, the Colts released Manning on Wednesday (http://www.nfl.com/goto?id=09000d5d827709b9), making the legendary quarterback fair game to every team in the league.
Ross made it clear last year he wanted to pair a high-profile coach with a top-tier quarterback in 2012. Philbin could well become a fine head coach, but a sexy choice he is not. Manning represents the other half of Ross' dream.
NFL.com reporter Jeff Darlington wrote on Wednesday (http://www.nfl.com/goto?id=09000d5d82772856) that Ross reached out to Dan Marino last year about a consulting role in the team's hunt for a QB. Marino turned down the offer, but Darlington believes the Dolphins legend "might now be the unexpected ace in Miami's hand."
Marino told The Associated Press on Thursday he would not reach out to Manning, but if Manning asks, Marino said "I would definitely answer."
Then there's this: On Thursday, Marino sent a message to Manning via his Twitter page.

Shout out to #18, Indy will never forget your legacy. Can't wait to see you back on the field doing what you do best. #ClassAct
— Dan Marino (@DanMarino) March 8, 2012 (https://twitter.com/#!/DanMarino/status/177805885001826304)
Twitter shout-outs do not guarantee contract signatures. But Manning to Miami continues to pick up heat, while Flynn to the Fish has as gone as cold as a Green Bay winter.

[SkinBasket]

OK officially PM has been reported as saying 'NO' to the Washington Redskins. The most obvious reason is that he will not compete with his brother Eli for a playoff spot.

That was reported on Thurs. March 8, 2012.

Report: Peyton Manning Not Interested In Redskins (http://tracking.si.com/2012/03/08/report-peyton-manning-not-interested-in-redskins/)

NFL (http://tracking.si.com/category/nfl/), Peyton Manning (http://tracking.si.com/category/peyton-manning/), Washington Redskins (http://tracking.si.com/category/washington-redskins/) | Comments (http://tracking.si.com/2012/03/08/report-peyton-manning-not-interested-in-redskins/#comment)
http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/.element/img/4.0/story/textsize.gif

The Washington Redskins are certainly among the 12 teams to have expressed interest in free agent Peyton Manning, but according to ESPN’s Chris Russell, he’s not interested.

************************************************** **************************

Then today Saturday March 10,2012 there's a report that the Washington Redskins have acquired the number 2 pick in this seasons draft from the St. Louis Rams :

Report: Redskins Acquire No. 2 Pick (http://tracking.si.com/2012/03/10/report-redskins-acquire-no-2-pick/)

NFL (http://tracking.si.com/category/nfl/), NFL Draft (http://tracking.si.com/category/nfl-draft/), St. Louis Rams (http://tracking.si.com/category/st-louis-rams/), Washington Redskins (http://tracking.si.com/category/washington-redskins/) | Comments (http://tracking.si.com/2012/03/10/report-redskins-acquire-no-2-pick/#comment)
http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/.element/img/4.0/story/textsize.gif

The Washington Redskins have made a deal with the St. Louis Rams that will give the Redskins the number two pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, according to FOXSports.com (http://www.twitlonger.com/show/gbhvr8).
According to Jay Glazer, the Rams will also get two future first-rounders and other picks.
If the agreement is indeed in place, the Rams will pick sixth in the 2012 draft.

http://bleacherreport.com/tb/bfxXN?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=nfl

Excellent investigative journalism. I never would have connected those two stories, and been left believing, foolishly, that they were two unrelated events.

[ND72]

Personally think KC has Manning written all over it. Solid defense, good receivers, good running game. Could use better OL, but that can be addressed.

[King Friday]

Personally think KC has Manning written all over it. Solid defense, good receivers, good running game. Could use better OL, but that can be addressed.

That is where I would want to go if I were Manning...weak division, and a lot of offensive talent for Manning to utilize. Plus the HC is a defensive guy, so there aren't any ego issues offensively...it would be Manning's show. KC does have some weather, but usually not until December...and they have the run game to lean on in poor weather anyway. With Manning, the Chiefs become legit SB contenders in the AFC along with NE, Balt and Houston.

Cassel won't like being a backup, but he's good insurance year #1 if Manning goes ouchie on you.

[Cheesehead Craig]

He's going to AZ. Whenever these HOF QBs change teams they always go to one with a worse looking jersey.

[Brando19]

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/12/manning-not-expected-to-visit-any-more-teams/

Looks like Peyton's not going to visit any more teams. That means it's probably between the Broncos and Cardinals. I believe Manning will be a Bronco.

[pbmax]

Well, it took PFT just over 3 hours to contradict the rumor that the decision was going to be extended a while. Schefter and Mortensen seem to be getting info directly from Manning.

[woodbuck27]

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/12/manning-not-expected-to-visit-any-more-teams/

Looks like Peyton's not going to visit any more teams. That means it's probably between the Broncos and Cardinals. I believe Manning will be a Bronco.



Manning not expected to visit any more teams



Posted by Evan Silva on March 12, 2012, 9:44 AM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/peyton-manning-pic11.jpg?w=250 AP The Peyton Manning (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/1493/peyton-manning) tour was fun while it lasted.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, it’s over.

Appearing on SportsCenter Monday morning, Schefter stated repeatedly that Manning won’t be taking any more free agent visits. Schefter explained that Manning “does not want to make this into a Reggie White tour,” and is already familiar with the Dolphins’ facility because the Colts used it during their two Super Bowl appearances in Miami.

Schefter called the Broncos the “favorites,” while acknowledging that the Cardinals are still “in contention.”

The Dolphins seem to have been pushed to the backburner, though, since the South Florida frenzy (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/09/miami-media-circus-may-make-manning-wary-of-dolphins/) that left Manning wary of joining Stephen Ross and Jeff Ireland’s team.

The fact that Manning is also done with visits suggests other interested teams like the Titans are not being given serious consideration.

These things can change at any moment, but the Broncos and Cardinals are the clear-cut frontrunners to sign Manning at this point, with Denver possessing a slight edge.

A decision is tentatively expected by Wednesday.

[woodbuck27]

Report: Tim Tebow gone in Denver if Peyton Manning signs with Broncos

PUBLISHED 2 days and 50 minutes ago



Read more: http://aol.sportingnews.com/nfl/story/2012-03-11/peyton-manning-tim-tebow-denver-broncos-arizona-cardinals?eadid=EL/SICOM&sct=nfl_t2_a8#ixzz1p0Z9vqHi

[pbmax]

Wood, that story was contradicted yesterday afternoon when it was revealed that Manning met with the Dolphins staff in Indianapolis. He is also supposed to be meeting with the Titans this week.

[woodbuck27]

Wood, that story was contradicted yesterday afternoon when it was revealed that Manning met with the Dolphins staff in Indianapolis. He is also supposed to be meeting with the Titans this week.

Manning met with the Dolphins staff in Indianapolis ... pbmax

Thats what I thought I read. I'll add this:

** Soliai has suitors, but Peyton chase could be a factor

Posted by Mike Florio on March 13, 2012, 10:56 AM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/soliai-e1331649661946.jpg?w=221

AP Mike Freeman of CBSSports.com rais
ed an interesting point earlier today on Twitter.

“When does the Manning backlash begin? (https://twitter.com/#!/realfreemancbs/status/179555486465667072)“

The answer could be “very soon,” when fans and media begin to realize that Peyton’s indecision could keep teams on the sidelines in free agency.

Multiple league sources have pointed out already that some teams will wait to see whether they land Peyton before opening the change purse for other players. One guy caught in that dilemma, we’re told, is ** Dolphins nose tackle Paul Soliai (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/4365/paul-soliai).

Soliai played under the franchise tag in 2011, and he’ll hit the market at 4:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday. A league source tells PFT that the Broncos, Dolphins, Chiefs, Colts, 49ers, Patriots, and Falcons are interested.

But three of those teams (Denver, Miami, San Fran) reportedly are (or, at to the Niners, may be) in the Peyton chase. And so, while other teams that aren’t maneuvering for Manning are interested in Soliai, it’s hard to max out the market if half of the interested teams are twiddling their thumbs for Peyton.
The Broncos have the cap space to allow them to start spending while waiting for Peyton. Still, they need to know how to best budget their money, especially if Peyton will be bringing Reggie Wayne (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/1496/reggie-wayne) and Dallas Clark (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/1509/dallas-clark) and Jeff Saturday (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/1549/jeff-saturday).

Bottom line? While free agency begins in five hours, it may not really get going until Peyton picks a team.

[woodbuck27]

Which organization is Peyton Manning going to sign with? It's becoming very clear.

Broncos: $44.7 million under.

Chiefs: $32.5 million under.
Seahawks: $29.8 million under.
Titans: $28.1 million under.

49ers: $21.8 million under.
Browns: $17.4 million under.

Dolphins: $11.8 million under.

Cardinals: $16.4 million over.

I will now predict that the Denver Broncos are by far in the most ideal position to bring in the Peyton Manning ensemble. Absolutely I would forget the Arizona Cardinals as his destination unless that team gets very creative very fast.

If he gets WR help in Denver they will be solid and so difficult to beat at Mile High Stadium.

[woodbuck27]

Which organization is Peyton Manning going to sign with? It's becoming very clear.

Broncos: $44.7 million under.

Chiefs: $32.5 million under.
Seahawks: $29.8 million under.
Titans: $28.1 million under.

49ers: $21.8 million under.
Browns: $17.4 million under.

Dolphins: $11.8 million under.

Cardinals: $16.4 million over.

I will now predict that the Denver Broncos are by far in the most ideal position to bring in the Peyton Manning ensemble. Absolutely I would forget the Arizona Cardinals as his destination unless that team gets very creative very fast.

If he gets WR help in Denver they will be solid and so difficult to beat at Mile High Stadium.

Denver pitch for Peyton buoyed by $27 million cap carryover

Posted by Mike Florio on March 12, 2012, 9:44 AM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/elway1.jpg?w=250
Getty Images

So how have the Broncos and V.P. of football operations John Elway gotten themselves in position to have more than $40 million in cap space that can be used to sign Peyton Manning (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/1493/peyton-manning) and a few of his former Colts teammates?

The Broncos had a whopping $27 million in leftover 2011 cap space, all of which the Broncos carried over, as permitted by the terms of the new CBA.
It gives Denver a decided advantage when the time comes to crunch numbers.

The full list of 2011 carry over (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/12/cap-carryover-for-2012/) shows that all but two teams carried over some amounts. Only the Texans and Chargers elected not to carry over cap space.

As of February 12, the Texans and Chargers had only $1 million and $2.1 million, respectively. In theory, it’s possible that something happened after February 12 to wipe out the full amount of the remaining cap space. Regardless, both teams carried over a Blutarski-esque 0.00 to 2012.

For now, the more important number is the remaining cap space (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/11/team-by-team-cap-space-as-of-march-11/). The Bengals lead the way with $49.9 million.

[woodbuck27]

Report: Titans target Hutchinson as Peyton bait

Posted by Mike Florio on March 13, 2012, 8:56 AM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/104229264_display_image.jpg?w=168
Getty Images

As the Titans plot their run at Peyton Manning (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/1493/peyton-manning), why not enlist one of the guys who once went to Mississippi for the purposes of hog-tying Brett Favre and bringing him back to Minnesota?

ESPN’s Scheftersen tag team reports that the Titans plan to host Steve Hutchinson (http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/7680076/tennessee-titans-target-steve-hutchinson-push-peyton-manning-builds). And it’s apparently part of the Peyton pursuit, given that Hutchinson and Manning have a good relationship, which arose during their time together at various Pro Bowls over the years.

The Vikings released Hutchinson, a perennial Pro Bowl guard, on Saturday.

Schefter, who presumably would be the Billy Whitewolf to Mort’s Chief Jay Strongbow, individually reports that the Titans had planned to target Texans defensive end Mario Williams (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/3636/mario-williams) in free agency, but that the Titans have now shifted the focus to Peyton.

They also report that Titans coach Mike Munchak and several offensive assistants will meet with Peyton in Indianapolis on Tuesday or Wednesday. Munchak played with Archie Manning in Houston 30 years ago, during the 1982 and 1983 seasons.

The Titans joined the Peyton chase late, with owner Bud Adams making it known on Sunday that he wants to bring Manning home to Tennessee, where he attended college.
Manning has met so far with the Broncos, Cardinals, and Dolphins.

The Denver Post reported on Monday that the 49ers and Texans also are interested, but there is no evidence yet that either team has made an effort to meet with Manning.

[woodbuck27]

Peyton meets with Philbin in Indy

Posted by Mike Florio on March 12, 2012, 11:17 PM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/peyton-helmet_1379797c.jpg?w=250
Getty Images

When Peyton Manning (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/1493/peyton-manning) last was in Indianapolis, he was being cut by the Colts. Five days later, he was wooed by the Dolphins.

Chris Mortensen of ESPN reports that Manning spent between five and six hours (https://twitter.com/#!/mortreport/status/179397823035478016) meeting with Miami coach Joe Philbin and other members of the coaching staff, in Indianapolis.

Manning now has met with the Broncos, Cardinals, and Dolphins. He reportedly will visit the Titans.
The Denver Post reported on Monday afternoon that the Texans and 49ers also are in the hunt.

The Houston Chronicle reported that the Texans aren’t interested.

[woodbuck27]

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/12/stokley-says-peyton-is-throwing-like-six-years-ago/

Stokley says Peyton is throwing like “six years ago”

Posted by Mike Florio on March 12, 2012, 5:20 PM EDT

During Peyton Manning (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/1493/peyton-manning)’s visit to Denver, he threw some passes, after all. Mike Klis of the Denver Post reports that Manning threw roughly 50 passes to former teammate Brandon Stokley (http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_20156530/stokley-peyton-manning-throwing-like-he-did-six).

Stokley also saw Manning throw passes in North Carolina, presumably at or about time that grainy Zapruder/bigfoot film was shot.

“I saw him for three days at Duke and he was the only quarterback and he threw a ton of balls for three straight practices and the guy looked to me like he did when I was there six years ago,” Stokley said.

“People who say the Broncos are crazy for not watching his balls fly, or what are they doing? Those people are dead wrong,” Stokley said. “I’ll put whatever reputation I have on the line behind that guy right now. He looks great.”

Please Click on the LINK for the entire story.

[woodbuck27]

Report: Peyton chase down to four teams (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/13/report-peyton-chase-down-to-four-teams/)


Posted by Mike Florio on March 13, 2012, 9:39 PM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/yahoo_manning_skins.jpg?w=250 AP
It started at 12. It quickly was whittled all the way to two. Then it grew to six. Now it’s back at four.
Reportedly.

According to Mike Klis of the Denver Post, four teams remain (http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_20166207) in the Peyton chase: Broncos, Cardinals, Dolphins, Titans. Klis writes that the Broncos are one of the top two teams.

And despite speculation that Peyton Manning (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/1493/peyton-manning) had concerns about playing in Miami with receiver Brandon Marshall (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/3653/brandon-marshall), Klis reports that Manning considered Marshall an asset.

There’s still no timetable for a decision. With each passing minute, the Dolphins come closer to missing a shot at quarterback Matt Flynn (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/4949/matt-flynn), who spent four years in Green Bay with new Dolphins coach Joe Philbin.

And with the Cardinals having to make a decision on Kevin Kolb (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/4151/kevin-kolb)’s contract by 4:00 p.m. ET on Friday, additional teams could slide off the list not because Peyton removes them, but because they remove themselves.

In our view, it’s still impossible to rule out some other team swooping in and quickly closing the deal.

[Kiwon]

Just to step back for a minute, it must be nice to have four teams falling over themselves trying to persuade you to come and work for them. At age 36 and coming off a serious injury, will Peyton get his largest contract ever?

[woodbuck27]

Just to step back for a minute, it must be nice to have four teams falling over themselves trying to persuade you to come and work for them. At age 36 and coming off a serious injury, will Peyton get his largest contract ever?

The number I am hearing is in the $20 Million$ range per season.

WR's are getting between $11.5 ( Vincent Jackson ) and 15.5 Million$ ( Calvin Johnson ) now. I heard yesterday that Vincent Jackson has the BUCS on the hook for about $27 Million$ guranteed.

I havn't read any details on the Calvin Johnson extension by the LIONS. By the way the NFL experts right now are applauding the Detroit Lions for having the foresight to extend Calvin Johnson. This man is an outstanding WR and a leader on the team and an outstanding community leader.

Imagine the splash in Tennessee Peyton Manning would make. Since his Colege days he's be idolized down there.

[sheepshead]

Peyton Manning Update: Tennessee Visit, Decision Soon, Cardinals In Final 4

Jess_root_tiny by Jess Root on Mar 14, 2012 3:44 PM MDT in NFL Offseason/Free Agency


It would seem like the whole world is waiting on quarterback Peyton Manning to decide with which team to sign and play in 2012. That is probably because the whole world is. At least almost the entire NFL is. That includes the Arizona Cardinals, who are having to wait on other free agent signings to see if they land the future Hall of Fame QB.

While he has not made a decision yet, it appears that it is coming soon.

Star-divide

Some reports are coming out that Manning could decide as early as Wednesday night. This is important for the Arizona Cardinals because they have until Friday at noon to decide what to do with Kevin Kolb. If it goes past that, they will have to move on without Manning.

Reports also came out that he met with the Tennessee Titans on Wednesday. However, the meeting with them does not necessarily mean anything.

In good news for the Cardinals, they are reportedly part of the final four teams that Manning is choosing from. Supposedly, Manning will choose between the Titans, Cardinals, Denver Broncos and Miami Dolphins. That, of course, is no surprise. They are the four teams that he has visited.

There is confidence for Arizona. From NFL Network, Michelle Beisner tweeted this:

Michelle Beisner

✔

@MichelleBeisner

Things are quiet here at The Cards facility. Team source telling me they are still very much in the mix to acquire Peyton Manning.
14 Mar 12

Reply
Retweet
Favorite

What does this all mean? In a nutshell, we know nothing more than before.

[woodbuck27]

It means: In a nutshell, we know nothing more than before. (-:

[pbmax]

There is speculation that the reason the rumors went from 6 teams to 2 and now to four suitors is that the monetary offers Peyton saw initially were lower than they wanted (Broncos and Cardinals).

[woodbuck27]

Stokley says Peyton could play tomorrow at a high level (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/14/stokley-says-peyton-could-play-tomorrow-at-a-high-level/)

Posted by Mike Florio on March 14, 2012, 9:29 PM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/yahoo_manning_stokley.jpg?w=148 Getty Images

Former NFL receiver Brandon Stokley has been saying plenty lately about one of his former teammates, Peyton Manning (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/1493/peyton-manning). And they’re all incredibly positive.

“Just seeing him work out, seeing him make all of the throws like I said, to me he’ll step right in,”

Stokley told NFL Network on Wednesday. “I believe he could play in a football game tomorrow and play at a high level. (http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-player-interviews/09000d5d8279a745/Stokley-Peyton-could-play-tomorrow)“

Stokley has seen Manning throw during rehab sessions at Duke. Also, while Manning was in Denver last weekend, Stokley caught passes from Peyton at a park near Stokley’s home.

“He could make all of the throws – on the run, in the pocket, deep throws, comeback,” Stokley said.

“Any throw out there he was making. And then when he came out to Denver we had a little throwing session on Saturday morning and he looked even better. I think he had had three or four days off dealing with all of the free agency stuff and all of the things that were going on, so he looked even better to me then than he did at Duke. So, to me I don’t see any questions with him throwing or making any throws on the football field.”

It all sounds great. But it makes the fact that Manning has yet to throw for any interested teams even more confusing.

And while Stokley has plenty of insight about Manning’s current physical abilities, Stokley has no knowledge about Peyton’s plans.

“I know he’s had some good visits and I think he’s just waiting,” Stokley said.

Waiting for wait, exactly? Some think he’s waiting for the right financial offer, which simply hasn’t come yet.

So while Peyton supposedly could play at a high level tomorrow, it would still be an upset if he has a new team by tomorrow.



Comment woodbuck27: Brandon Stokley may have a bright future as 'an NFL Player Agent'.

[woodbuck27]

Titans owner offers Peyton a contract “for life”

Posted by Mike Florio on March 15, 2012, 10:17 AM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/yahoo_adamstie1-e1331820748280.jpg?w=224

To the extent that Peyton Manning (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/1493/peyton-manning) is looking to parlay a contract for his services as a player into a contract for his services as an executive (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/15/future-elway-type-role-could-be-complicating-manning-talks/), it’s working.

Titans owner Bud Adams told KHOU radio in Houston on Wednesday that he has offered Peyton a contract “for life (http://www.khou.com/sports/Bud-Adams-Titans-offer-Manning-a-contract-For-Life-142727035.html).”

Adams also said he “feels great” about the team’s chances of landing Manning.

As previously mentioned, the idea of welcoming Peyton into the front office upon retirement could make for more than a little awkwardness (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/15/future-elway-type-role-could-be-complicating-manning-talks/), given that the jobs and the duties
Peyton may be eyeballing already are spoken for. (Including giving the opposition a double-barreled middle finger (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2009/11/16/nfl-fines-bud-adams-250000/) during games.)

Then there’s the question of how a contract that contains financial promises beyond the expiration of the playing career impacts the salary cap. A post-playing-career maneuver once made by Broncos owner Pat Bowlen regarding quarterback John Elway contributed to a finding that the team had violated the salary-cap rules (http://www.gazette.com/sports/broncos-232-salary-cap.html).

And so, before any contract “for life” becomes effective, the league office will have to approve it.

In the end, it’s possible that the playing part of the lifetime contract will be addressed in writing, and that the balance of the business will be accomplished via a series of winks and nods.

[woodbuck27]

http://www.khou.com/sports/Bud-Adams-Titans-offer-Manning-a-contract-For-Life-142727035.html

Titans Owner Offers Peyton A Contract For a Lifetime Position with the Titans.

[woodbuck27]

Contract “for life” would require two contracts, league approval

Posted by Mike Florio on March 15, 2012, 3:22 PM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/budadams-e1331839308564.jpg?w=186 Getty Images

Titans owner Bud Adams has offered Peyton Manning (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/1493/peyton-manning) a contract “for life.” As crazy as it sounds in the salary-cap era, it can happen.

Per a source with knowledge of the league’s procedures, Manning and the Titans would be required to sign two contracts: one for the work as player, and one for the job as a non-player.

The second job would have to be a “real job,” and the wages for the second job would have to represent fair market value. Manning would have to actually perform the duties of the job after his playing career ends.

Also, the entire arrangement would require league approval.

There would be no cap charge during Manning’s playing career. However, if the second contract pays higher than fair market value or if Manning doesn’t perform the services required, the Titans would face salary cap charges and other penalties for circumventing the cap, including fines and possible loss of draft choices.

To the extent that the contract “for life” would entail purchasing a portion of the team, there would be salary cap implications. Before getting to that point, the transaction would have to be approved by a vote of the 32 owners.

It’s unknown whether Adams would attempt to convey minority ownership of the Titans to Manning.

[woodbuck27]

Comment woodbuck27: The plot thickens. An intriguing signing and very well one that might bring Peyton Manning to the Titans.



Titans land Steve Hutchinson on three-year deal


Posted by Evan Silva on March 15, 2012, 4:13 PM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/steve-hutchinson-pic1.jpg?w=250 Getty Images
ESPN’s John Clayton reports that the Titans have signed guard Steve Hutchinson (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/535/steve-hutchinson) to a three-year contract (https://twitter.com/#!/espn_afcsouth/status/180382899709820928).

Hutchinson is 34 years old and seems unlikely to fulfill the length of the deal, but he can still perform at a competitive level. The Titans wanted to remake their interior offensive line this offseason.

They are likely also hoping that Hutchinson’s addition helps woo free agent quarterback Peyton Manning (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/1493/peyton-manning).

The two are close friends.

Hutchinson has been a left guard for his entire career. The Titans may kick incumbent left guard Leroy Harris (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/4311/leroy-harris) over to the right side, or perhaps use the draft to upgrade on Harris.

The Hutchinson signing should be good news for running back Chris Johnson’s 2012 aspirations (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/03/chris-johnsons-new-goal-lead-the-league-in-rushing/).

[woodbuck27]

Tennessee legislature joins Peyton chase

Posted by Mike Florio on March 15, 2012, 2:28 PM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/1220290011948.jpg?w=250
Titans owner Bud Adams wants to bring Peyton Manning (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/1493/peyton-manning) home to Tennessee. And so does the Tennessee legislature.

Though the folks who make the laws in the Volunteer State have yet to volunteer to offer Peyton a job “for life,” they’ve issued a joint House/Senate resolution (http://www.capitol.tn.gov/Bills/107/Bill/HJR0785.pdf) aimed at making their desire known that Peyton’s proper place for further pro football is Tennessee.

The key language appears below.

The over/under on comments asking whether the Tennessee legislature actually has anything better to do is 78.5.

WHEREAS, recent events have resulted in Mr. Manning being set free from his contractual obligations, and he is presently travelling across the country in search of a new football home; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Manning is meeting with Titans officials in Nashville to discuss the possibility of him returning home to Tennessee to play quarterback in the NFL; and

WHEREAS, we know that Peyton is still proud to be a Volunteer and longs in his heart to return to Tennessee as the quarterback for the Titans, a match truly made in Heaven; and

WHEREAS, the same loyal fans who cheered his superior play as a Vol in Knoxville will once again erupt with joy as he throws touchdown after touchdown for the Boys in Blue in Nashville and leads the Titans to a Super Bowl victory; and

WHEREAS, there has never been a more logical pairing of player and team in football history, and this General Assembly wishes to offer all necessary assistance to make this dream a reality; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED SEVENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF TENNESSEE, THE SENATE CONCURRING, that this General Assembly wholeheartedly supports the Tennessee Titans signing Peyton Manning and urges Mr. Manning to remember his roots in the Volunteer State as he makes his decision about where to play football in 2012.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we welcome Peyton Manning to Nashville, where he will surely play football for many more years and lead the Titans to several NFL championships.

[woodbuck27]

Cardinals “close” to re-signing Levi Brown

Posted by Evan Silva on March 15, 2012, 7:18 PM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/levi-brown-pic1.jpg?w=250 Getty Images
The Arizona Cardinals released (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/12/levi-brown-out-in-arizona/) offensive tackle Levi Brown (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/4185/levi-brown) on Monday in order to avoid paying a hefty roster bonus.

But they want him back.

Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic is “hearing (https://twitter.com/#!/kentsomers/statuses/180425943653957634)” that Brown is close to re-signing with the team. Prior to Brown’s release, the sides were negotiating a potential long-term agreement. So the interest in keeping Brown in Arizona has always been mutual.

Somers suggests Brown could return to play right tackle in 2012. The Cardinals signed (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/14/cardinals-announce-five-year-deal-with-adam-snyder/) Adam Snyder (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/3301/adam-snyder) on Wednesday to play right guard.

Even if Brown re-signs, the Cardinals would likely still need a new left tackle.


Comment woodbuck27: Does this news smell of the Cardinals giving up hope for Peyton Manning?

[woodbuck27]

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1106798-breaking-down-tennessee-titans-contract-for-life-offer-to-peyton-manning

Peyton Manning Rumors: Breaking Down Tennessee Titans' Contract for Life Offer

By Gary Davenport (http://bleacherreport.com/users/569565-gary-davenport) (Featured Columnist) on March 15, 2012



http://cdn.bleacherreport.net/images_root/images/photos/001/614/211/107849512_crop_650x440.jpg?1331857544
Andy Lyons/Getty Images

Peyton Manning (http://bleacherreport.com/peyton-manning) is one of the most unprecedented free agents in the history of the National Football League, and as his saga unfolds the league could well be headed into uncharted territory.

Tennessee Titans (http://bleacherreport.com/tennessee-titans) owner Bud Adams reportedly offered a "contract for life" to the four-time MVP.

As Pro Football Talk reports (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/15/contract-for-life-would-require-two-contracts-league-approval/), the contract is in theory possible, but the potential Pandora's Box it could open in the NFL (http://bleacherreport.com/nfl) almost certainly has commissioner Roger Goodell secretly praying that Manning chooses any team but the Titans as his new home.

Per a source with knowledge of the league’s procedures, Manning and the Titans would be required to sign two contracts: one for the work as player, and one for the job as a non-player. The second job would have to be a “real job,” and the wages for the second job would have to represent fair market value. Manning would have to actually perform the duties of the job after his playing career ends.
Also, the entire arrangement would require league approval.
This kind of pact could create the sort of the possibilities for salary cap manipulation that makes it hard to believe that Daniel Snyder didn't think of it first, and that's what's giving Goodell heartburn and either freaking out or inspiring front offices across the league, depending on the franchise.

The NFL is trying to guarantee that the Titans (or any future team) don't create grossly overpaid front office jobs, where retired stars could garner millions of backloaded dollars in jobs such as "assistant general scouting consultant to the assistant general manger's assistant," since that money wouldn't count against the salary cap.



http://cdn.bleacherreport.net/images_root/article/media_slots/photos/000/366/110/121096176_crop_650x440.jpg?1331858091

Bud Adams Badly Wants a Handshake Deal With Peyton Manning
Grant Halverson/Getty Images


Or treacherous teams could potentially offer actual front office jobs to these players, with the caveat that a rather liberal attendance policy would require the new assistant general manager to show up for work twice a season.

The rent on an empty office is chicken feed compared to the millions in revenue that could be generated by a player like Manning in Nashville, especially if the team could add other components by effectively increasing this year's cap with a no-show job down the road.

The third of a potentially endless array of possibilities is that the Washington Redskins (http://bleacherreport.com/washington-redskins) (I still can't believe Snyder didn't think of this first) could hire a new assistant general manager who even occasionally appeared at the office, but who did 37 more appearances on "Around the Horn" each year than they made personnel decisions, all while raking in $11 million in tasty backload that doesn't count against the salary cap.

Get where I'm going here?

Granted, if a team were to be caught blatantly flaunting the salary cap in this fashion (like the Redskins were to a fashion (http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1101487-washington-redskins-nfl-salary-cap-smackdown-shatters-redskins-free-agent-plans) earlier this week...corruption in D.C., who knew?) the penalties would be harsh beyond comprehension, as Washington can well attest to after having their salary cap room for the next two seasons gutted a day before free agency was set to begin.

Proving that sort of violation could be nearly impossible to prove; however, and were this practice to gain any traction enforcing the rules it would inspire could cost the National Football League millions annually just in enforcement.
In case you haven't been keeping track, the NFL isn't in the business of spending money. It's in the business of making it, which is why Roger Goodell and the powers that be are privately hoping that Manning signs with a squad that might let them put the lid back on the box.
Problem is, once the box is opened it can't be closed, although PFT also pointed out that the maelstrom that has surrounded Peyton Manning's free agency may have yet to hit its crescendo.

To the extent that the contract “for life” would entail purchasing a portion of the team, there would be salary cap implications. Before getting to that point, the transaction would have to be approved by a vote of the 32 owners (via Pro Football Talk (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/15/contract-for-life-would-require-two-contracts-league-approval/)).
Stay tuned.

[woodbuck27]

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1102046-peyton-manning-rumors-why-it-will-work-with-the-denver-broncos

Peyton Manning signing... Why it will work with the BRONCOS.

By Zach Campbell (http://bleacherreport.com/users/534191-zach-campbell) (Contributor)

March 13, 2012

[woodbuck27]

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1104509-peyton-manning-rumors-reasons-broncos-have-a-better-shot-than-titans

Peyton Manning Rumors: Reasons Broncos Have a Better Shot Than Titans

By Jesse Reed (http://bleacherreport.com/users/682181-jesse-reed) (Featured Columnist)

on March 14, 2012

[woodbuck27]

Dolphins had to enlist Marino just to get a meeting with Manning

Posted by Michael David Smith on March 16, 2012, 9:22 AM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/p1_dan_marino_getty.jpg?w=155 Getty Images

In another sign that Peyton Manning (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/1493/peyton-manning) was never high on the Dolphins, a report out today says that Manning wasn’t even willing to talk to the Dolphins until one of his childhood heroes, Dan Marino, intervened on his old team’s behalf.

We noted last week that Marino said he didn’t plan to call Manning but that Dolphins owner Stephen Ross might ask Marino to make the call, and it turns out that’s exactly what happened:

Ben Volin of the Palm Beach Post reports that in the first few days after the Colts cut Manning, the Dolphins grew frustrated because they hadn’t reached Manning directly (http://blogs.palmbeachpost.com/thedailydolphin/2012/03/16/miami-dolphins-had-to-enlist-dan-marino-to-get-a-meeting-with-peyton-manning/) and hadn’t even been able to get his agent to agree to a meeting. That’s when they asked Marino to call Manning personally, and it was only after the two of them talked that Manning agreed to meet with the Dolphins on Monday.

Even when Manning agreed to that meeting, it was clear that Manning wasn’t as interested in the Dolphins as he was in the Broncos, Cardinals and Titans. With those teams, Manning went to the team facility and met with all the key players. With the Dolphins, Manning said they’d have to come to him in Indianapolis, and that only members of the coaching staff — not Ross, not G.M. Jeff Ireland — could attend.

Manning has long expressed admiration for Marino, saying he grew up loving to watch Marino play and still fashions himself after Marino as a passer. So it’s not surprising that when Marino called, Manning decided to do him the courtesy of giving the Dolphins the meeting that Marino requested.

But from all indications, the meeting wasn’t much more than a courtesy.

It appears that the Dolphins were, at best, Manning’s fourth choice.

[woodbuck27]

http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120316/SPORTS01/303160050/Manning-target-play-ex-Vols-coordinator-says?odyssey=mod%7Cnewswell%7Ctext%7CSports%7Cp

Peyton Manning 'on target' to play, David Cutcliffe says

Ex-Vols coordinator has watched QB train in North Carolina

11:54 PM, Mar. 15, 2012

[woodbuck27]

Hopes rise in Denver that Peyton Manning is heading to the Broncos

Posted by Michael David Smith on March 16, 2012, 10:03 AM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2010/12/peytonpissedvschargers-e1291235782444.jpg?w=250 AP

Although the Titans appeared on Thursday to be building momentum in the Peyton Manning (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/1493/peyton-manning) sweepstakes, there’s optimism coming out of Denver on Friday morning that Manning is heading to the Broncos.

Mike Klis writes in today’s Denver Post that all signs point to the Broncos and Titans (http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_20185914/denver-broncos-tennessee-titans-appear-be-finalists-sign) as the final two, with the Cardinals likely resigning themselves to keeping Kevin Kolb (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/4151/kevin-kolb) and paying his bonus, and the Dolphins starting to turn their attention toward Matt Flynn (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/4949/matt-flynn).

And MileHighReport.com points out (http://www.milehighreport.com/2012/3/16/2877302/movement-on-the-manning-front-plane-heading-to-raleigh) that Broncos owner Pat Bowlen’s plane is scheduled to fly to Raleigh, North Carolina, where Manning has been working out, this morning.

That’s the same plane that Broncos front office boss John Elway and head coach John Fox have been flying around in to conduct their offseason business, and the same plane that picked up Manning for his visit to the Broncos’ facilities. Presumably, if Manning were about to join the Broncos, that’s the plane the team would provide Manning to bring him to Denver.

Albert Breer of NFL Network points out (https://twitter.com/#!/AlbertBreer/status/180651816973905920) that Titans owner Bud Adams’ plane is still in Houston.

So to the extent that we can tell anything by tracking owners’ planes, we can say that Broncos fans have more reason for optimism right now than Titans fans do. And when the best updates we’re getting come from tracking owners’ planes, we can say that we hope Manning is ready to make his mind up already.

[woodbuck27]

Peyton Manning will work out for John Elway today

Posted by Michael David Smith on March 16, 2012, 10:16 AM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2011/12/elway.jpg?w=250 Getty Images

Moments after we noted that the Broncos’ plane is on the way to North Carolina (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/16/hopes-rise-in-denver-that-peyton-manning-is-heading-to-the-broncos/), where Peyton Manning (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/1493/peyton-manning) has been working out, we know why: John Elway will be there in person to watch one of Manning’s workouts.

From the beginning, it has seemed like a necessity that whatever team wanted to sign Manning would have to watch him throw first: After all, how can a team tie its future to a quarterback without making sure he can actually throw a football effectively? Surprisingly, several reports have said that multiple teams were willing to give Manning a contract without making him throw first.

But the Broncos apparently won’t be in that position. Mike Klis of the Denver Post reports that Elway and other Broncos officials will land at the Raleigh-Durham Airport at 1:20 p.m. today, and ESPN’s Chris Mortensen reports that Manning will work out for the Broncos at Duke University’s indoor facility.

That doesn’t mean the Broncos are going to land Manning.

In fact, according to Mortensen, the Titans are still in the mix.

But this is the strongest sign yet of progress between the Broncos and this year’s most sought-after free agent.

[woodbuck27]

Peyton Manning has made it clear to the Miami Dolphins Organization that he will not sign with them. So one of the four candidate teams has been removed. Leaving Denver,Tennessee and Arizona as possible destinations for his services. It's been looking to me like Denver is the best choice giving their CAP space; but Tennessee has certainly placed themselves in a strong position.

So who will Peyton Manning marry?

Denver is coming hard after him. Tennessee has offered him a lifetime opportunity and Manning knows this community and the team very well having the Titans in his division. His father Archie Manning knows many of the Titans brass from his college and career days. Peyton Manning is adored in Tennessee playing his college ball there. Passionately it looks like the Titans should sign him but will their contract offer be there money wise?

Arizona hasn't been ruled out at this time as Miami was reported to be today.

Which of these three teams in Peyton Manning's mind will offer him the best opportunity for a Super Bowl ring?

It's all very interesting to me.

Ona nother note:

Miami is saying that no matter what PM decided they wanted to move WR Brandon Marshall. So we now can be clear that that trade by Miami ( Brandon Marshall ) to the Bears was not influenced by Peyton Manning.

[mraynrand]

Update: Titan's offer of a 'contract for life' for Peyton Manning turns out to be a contract for as long as Bud Adams is alive. Most NFL experts see this at best as a two year deal. ouch.

[swede]

Update: Titan's offer of a 'contract for life' for Peyton Manning turns out to be a contract for as long as Bud Adams is alive. Most NFL experts see this at best as a two year deal. ouch.

Update update: The "Contract for Life" deal may be off the table after an aide, speaking clearly into Bud Adam's ear trumpet, finally made the octogenarian aware that it was Peyton Manning and not Archie Manning who had become a free agent.

[Fritz]

If Bud Adams gets this contract worked out with Peyton Manning, then Bud Adams will also have a lifetime position: bent over.

[woodbuck27]

If Bud Adams gets this contract worked out with Peyton Manning, then Bud Adams will also have a lifetime position: bent over.

Ohh NO !! (-: X 10

[Upnorth]

On a warm summer's evening, on a train bound for nowhere...

So does anyone else think what ever team lands Manning is taking a huge gamble? Three neck injuries with two operations (I believe) says one hit from retirement to me.

[woodbuck27]

On a warm summer's evening, on a train bound for nowhere...

So does anyone else think what ever team lands Manning is taking a huge gamble? Three neck injuries with two operations (I believe) says one hit from retirement to me.

Yes. Get him to throw 40-50 pass's to whichever receiver. So what!

Get him to throw a few while taking some solid socks and then assess him. I don't supose Peyton Manning would agree to that. Would he? (-:

He may have or almost have all that veloscity back. be able to make al those impresive throws that we're familiar with seeing but watch him walk.

Knock him down and watch him get up and watch him walk. Do that exercise a few times. Then repeat that exercise with contact half a dozen times over a 40 minute period.

Watch him walk.

Yaa! Maybe? Hire and fly in ' Big Boob Warren Sapp' to put a few licks on him to see how well he walks.

NO !! Peyton wouldn't allow that would he? (-:

[woodbuck27]

(Reports off NFL Access say) the Denver Broncos are getting set to observe Peyton Manning work out at DUKE University.

It's now 1:55 PM EDT

[woodbuck27]

49ers jump into the Peyton Manning sweepstakes

Posted by Evan Silva on March 16, 2012, 2:18 PM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/jim-harbaugh-pic.jpg?w=250 Getty Images
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that the San Francisco 49ers have emerged as one of the three finalists to sign free agent quarterback Peyton Manning (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/1493/peyton-manning).

The other two teams are the Denver Broncos and Tennessee Titans. According to Schefter, the Arizona Cardinals “have been advised that they are to proceed as if they will not get Peyton Manning.”

We already knew the Dolphins were out (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/16/dolphins-exit-peyton-chase/).

Schefter, who broke the 49ers news on SportsCenter early Friday afternoon, reported that San Francisco secretly sent club officials to watch Manning throw at Duke University last Tuesday night.

The 49ers’ representatives were said to be “very impressed with what they saw.”

The Niners have already given Manning a physical.

And this explains whey they haven’t re-signed free agent quarterback Alex Smith (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/3119/alex-smith) yet.

[woodbuck27]

Peyton parameters in range of $60 million over five years

Posted by Mike Florio on March 16, 2012, 2:31 PM EDT

http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/image4-e1331922634982.jpg?w=248 Getty Images

Now that Peyton Manning (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/1493/peyton-manning) seems to be getting closer to a decision (which may or may not be televised by ESPN), the numbers are coming into focus.

Mike Klis of the Denver Post reports that the parameters of a potential contract (http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_20188486/denver-broncos-plane-headed-n-c) fall in the range of $60 million over five years, with $30 million guaranteed.

That seems a little light. Yes, he has the neck thing and the arm strength thing. But this is Peyton F. Manning.

Peyton F. Manning doesn’t average $12 million a year, not when he was averaging $18 million under his last deal, the same average that Tom Brady (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/1163/tom-brady) still has.

And now we may know why it’s taken so long to get this done.

The teams at the table, though supposedly willing to do whatever it takes to get Peyton, have not yet offered him a contract that reflects the zeal with which they are pursuing him.

With the rest of the league on notice regarding the parameters, the pool could once again expand.

Jed York, it’s your move.

[woodbuck27]

Comment woodbuck27: Now we are back to three teams as PM suitors:

DENVER, TENNESSEE and SAN FRANCISCO (in late).



Cardinals are paying Kevin Kolb’s $7 million roster bonus

Posted by Evan Silva on March 16, 2012, 3:43 PM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/kevin-kolb-pic.jpg?w=167 AP


ESPN’s Suzy Kolber reports that the Arizona Cardinals have decided to pay (https://twitter.com/#!/AdamSchefter/status/180736897595883520) quarterback Kevin Kolb (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/4151/kevin-kolb)’s $7 million offseason roster bonus.



**** The decision formally removes Arizona from the Peyton Manning (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/1493/peyton-manning) sweepstakes. ****



The Cardinals didn’t have to turn the move into the league office. It’s not a transaction.

They’ll simply allow time to elapse without releasing Kolb, and pay the bonus on Saturday.

Arizona’s front office apparently never considered parting with Kolb in the event they missed on Manning. Fingers crossed, they will hope a full offseason in the system helps Kolb work out his kinks.

More practice and study time probably aren’t going to cure Kolb’s penchant for getting happy feet and making himself small in the pocket, however, and to this point in his career those tendencies have prevented him from sustaining success.

Kolb will compete for the Cardinals’ starting quarterback job with John Skelton (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/5807/john-skelton) in training camp.

[woodbuck27]

Peyton Manning wants his new contract to match his old contract

Posted by Michael David Smith on March 16, 2012, 3:53 PM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/030612_peyton_manning_1080729441203061824461203061 84814-e1331564921620.jpg?w=245 Getty Images

When we passed along the report (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/16/peyton-parameters-in-range-of-60-million-over-five-years/) from the Denver Post that Peyton Manning (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/1493/peyton-manning) was seeking a five-year, $60 million contract, Florio noted that it seemed a little light.

That’s because it was.

Mike Klis of the Denver Post has now updated his report (http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_20188486/denver-broncos-plane-headed-n-c) and said that what Manning is actually seeking is a contract like the one he signed last year with the Colts, which was for five years and $90 million, with a whopping $61.8 million in the first two years.

That’s a whole lot of money, but Klis writes that both the Broncos and Titans are fine with that contract, if that’s what it takes to land Manning. If the reports that the 49ers are the third finalist for Manning are true, presumably that means the 49ers are fine with that contract, too.

Some reports have suggested that Manning’s contract will be structured to protect the team that signs him in the event that his neck prevents him from playing in 2012, as it did in 2011.

But if Manning is back in the NFL this year, as he expects to be, he also expects to be one of the league’s highest-paid players. And the teams that covet him are fine with that.

[woodbuck27]

Whisenhunt confirms Cardinals are out of the mix for Manning

Posted by Evan Silva on March 16, 2012, 5:09 PM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/ken-whisenhunt-pic.jpg?w=250 AP

The Arizona Cardinals seemed like an excellent fit when Peyton Manning (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/1493/peyton-manning) hit unrestricted free agency last week. They have a top-three NFL receiver, an up-and-coming running game and defense, and a retractable-roof stadium in one of the league’s weaker divisions.

Manning confirmed his interest in Arizona by paying a visit to Cardinals headquarters (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/11/manning-leaves-cardinals-facility-after-6-12-hour-visit/) last weekend. But it didn’t work out.

“Regarding today’s developments and our quarterback position, acquiring Peyton Manning is no longer an option for us (http://blog.azcardinals.com/2012/03/16/whisenhunt-peyton-no-longer-an-option/),” Whisenhunt confirmed, referring to Friday’s decision (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/16/cardinals-are-paying-kevin-kolbs-7-million-roster-bonus/) to pay Kevin Kolb (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/4151/kevin-kolb)’s $7 million roster bonus.

“Since the end of last season, we made it very clear that our plan was to head into 2012 with Kevin Kolb and John Skelton (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/5807/john-skelton), let the process play out and — like at every position — go with the quarterback who gives us the best chance to win.

“Obviously something very unique and unexpected presented itself. We’ve said it many times: If there’s an opportunity to make our team better, we’ll explore it. … In the end, it didn’t work out, but from our perspective it was very positive and we certainly don’t have any regrets about it.”

[woodbuck27]

Elway says Peyton “threw the ball great”

Posted by Mike Florio on March 16, 2012, 5:00 PM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/iqwdv-eywkiw-e1331931448804.jpg?w=239 Getty Images

Broncos V.P. of football operations John Elway made a trip to North Carolina on Friday to watch Peyton Manning (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/1493/peyton-manning) throw a football.

Elway, who maintains a Twitter account but has been silent on it about the Peyton chase, has posted a couple of comments. ”We enjoyed visiting with Peyton today in N.C.,” Elway writes. ”He threw the ball great and looked very comfortable (https://twitter.com/#!/johnelway/status/180754008821084160) out there.”

Apparently, that large-headed voodoo doll the Tebowmaniacs have been mutilating all week has turned out to be fairly resilient.

“Watching him throw today was the next step in this important process (https://twitter.com/#!/johnelway/status/180755466706628610) for our team and Peyton,”

Elway added. ”It was a productive visit and went well.”

But here’s where it all gets even more interesting. With Elway gushing about how well Peyton threw the ball, the Duke student newspaper claims via Twitter that “Manning did not throw a pass today (https://twitter.com/?tw_i=180748638492950528&tw_p=tweetembed#!/chroniclesports),” characterizing it as an “[o]dd development.” (Those kids need to reel in the hyperbole.)
We’re not sure how they know it, and we’ll be keeping an eye on the Chronicle Twitter page for elaboration.

At this point, we’ve got no reason to doubt Elway.

Apart from, you know, an established and lengthy patter of strategically deliberate falsehoods and misdirections by NFL coaches and executives.

[Brandon494]

Hes going to the 49ers and he'd be a fool not too.

[woodbuck27]

Hes going to the 49ers and he'd be a fool not too.

I thought all week it would be the BRONCOS. Now there are so many intangibles offered by a move to Tennessee. With the sudden emergence of the San Fran 49ers it's complicated to predict right now. The rumour is that the Denver Broncos were ready to make an offer today soon after they witnessed his impressive workout.

Thye 49ers offer him arguably the BEST defense in the NFL but their in the NFC and some experts argue he'll stay in the AFC so as to not ever have to compete with Eli for a Super Bowl berth. Evidently he has already worked out for the 49ers at Duke earlier this week. They are reported as being impressed.

The BRONCOS are still in the lead IMO.

The emotonal choice with so many ties to his past has to be Tennessee. His wife coming from there; his adoration of Titan fans since his College days at Duke and the past relationships of Titan brass to his Father Archie Manning has Tennessee in such a solid position but did they offer the near $20 Million$ he will demand ? He won't weigh in too strong with that'Lifetime Double Contract' that may not even be approved by the NFL.

The BRONCOS are in the very best position money wise and to complete the picture by adding WR targets ie Mike Wallace.

Theb San Francisco 49ers will take a huge step towords a Super Bowl with Peyton Manning as their QB.

He has a tough decision.

[Upnorth]

Lord, please not the 49ers!

If he is recovered and does not get hurt they would be a very tough opponent.

[Kiwon]

Reports: Peyton's Titans workout Sat.; decision Mon. or Tue.

So what's next for Peyton Manning, you ask?

After eliminating the Cardinals and Dolphins from his list of suitors while working out at Duke University for the Broncos on Friday, the four-time MVP's to-do list is shrinking.

Next up, he'll work out for the Titans at 11:45 a.m. ET on Saturday morning at an undisclosed location, per the team's flagship radio station.

After that, he could start weighing the expected offers from Denver, Tennessee and the San Francisco 49ers, who surprisingly emerged as a contender on Friday but secretly worked Manning out at Duke on Tuesday.

Each team is working off a contractual framework of five years and $90 million, which would be equivalent to the deal Manning signed with the Colts last summer, Mike Klis of The Denver Post reported earlier Friday. Manning and Patriots QB Tom Brady both had deals last season that averaged $18 million annually, tops in NFL history. It appears Manning could remain in the same fiscal stratosphere (or higher) going forward.

After that, the four-time MVP will pick his next team, apparently early next week.

"Peyton Manning has told people with the teams that are involved that he hopes to make a decision by Monday or Tuesday," NFL Network reporter Albert Breer reported on NFL Total Access on Friday night, while noting that Manning's timeline has already played out longer than expected.

"Each team involved in this process is taking what he says with a grain of salt knowing that it can last longer than that."

Here's what we know about each of Manning's suitors:

•49ers: They've kept their interest not only below the radar but below sonar. They'd seem to be at disadvantage as an NFC team, meaning more frequent matchups against the Giants and Manning's brother Eli. However from a pure roster perspective, San Francisco is the best team of the three under consideration. The defense is frighteningly good and will return all 11 starters; a methodical offense has welcomed WR Randy Moss this week but already boasted an up-and-coming O-line, RB Frank Gore, WR Michael Crabtree and game-breaking TE Vernon Davis. If the Niners turn back to unsigned QB Alex Smith -- who shares Manning's agent, Tom Condon -- they're a Super Bowl contender. With No. 18? They're Super Bowl favorites.

•Broncos: They were the first team Manning paid a visit to, perhaps because Hall of Famer and VP of football operations John Elway is a kindred spirit. Of the three finalists, Denver may have the most passionate fan base, though the roster doesn't seem quite as strong their competitors ... though that could change given the team's cap room. Tweeted Elway after Friday's session at Duke: "We enjoyed visiting with Peyton today in N.C. He threw the ball great and looked very comfortable out there. Watching him throw today was the next step in this important process for our team and Peyton. It was a productive visit and went well."

•Titans: RB Chris Johnson and WR Kenny Britt could be the two most explosive playmaker Manning could unite with among the clubs he's still weighing. An already staunch offensive line just added potential Hall of Fame G Steve Hutchinson. And don't forget the semiannual opportunities to play the Colts that Tennessee affords. Yet the biggest incentive the Titans may be able to offer is the chance for Manning to begin a front office career -- if he wants one -- once his playing days end. As owner Bud Adams said, he wants to make Manning a Titan 'for life'.

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/thehuddle/post/2012/03/reports-peyton-manning-working-out-for-titans-on-saturday-decision-monday-or-tuesday/1?loc=interstitialskip

[woodbuck27]

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/16/duke-student-paper-says-manning-had-16-minute-throwing-window/

Duke student paper says Manning had 16-minute throwing window


Posted by Mike Florio on March 16, 2012, 8:18 PM EDT

Comment woodbuck27:

Remember when we used to enjoy 'a throw and catch' with a buddy and just soaked in the rays and great conversation. Kidded one another about sports teams and sports hero's and certain girls tossing their hair in the neighbourhood?

Peyton Manning will lap up about $20 Million$ per season for a 16 minute 'maximum time allowed' for a ' throw ' and NO catch.

I'd still take 'no money' to have a catch with some of the lads from back when.

Weren't those the days?

[woodbuck27]

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/16/peyton-chase-teams-have-plenty-of-cap-space/

Peyton chase teams have plenty of cap space

Posted by Mike Florio on March 16, 2012, 9:15 PM EDT


Comment woodbuck27:

Peyton Manning is asking for a five-year, $90 million contract.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/11/team-by-team-cap-space-as-of-march-11/

on March 11, 2012, 11:03 PM EDT

Broncos: $44.7 million under ** the CAP without calculating updates.

Titans: $28.1 million under **

49ers: $21.8 million under **

PFT.com says it's at:

** Broncos $40 million The Titans $26.2 million and 49ers have $23.5 million to spend.

So each of these teams can meet his needs. I rule out the 49ers based on the fact his brother Eli plays in the NFC. This seems to me to be his most logical choice to go to a Super Bowl and win another ring. In spite of this IMO he will go to either the Titans or Broncos and my gut feeling has changed today. There is to many posiotive intangibles related to ending his career in Tennessee. Tennessee just has to come in even close to his monetary needs and he''ll sign there.

If the BRONCOS really desire Peyton Manning they simply must place an offer on the table that far exceeds the titans offer and he has to then rule out any other emotional issue and go BRONCOS.

I indeed now have a gut feeling that he'll be a Tennessee Titan. He needs a decent offer from Tennessee. They must demonstrate their serious in regards other than money too. they can steal Manning away from the BRONCOS if they don't get too cute.

Peyton Manning will soon inform the NFL world that he's a Tennessee Titan.

It'll not be all about money.

[Pugger]

He's seeking a 5 year $90M contract? :shock: Isn't this a tad steep, even for a 35 year old player like Manning coming of multiple neck surgeries?

[woodbuck27]

He's seeking a 5 year $90M contract? :shock: Isn't this a tad steep, even for a 35 year old player like Manning coming of multiple neck surgeries?

IMO. I'd bet he gets exactly what he wants. He may settle for a tad less $ in Tennessee as there are many emotional values for him to sign there but he'll no less get close to or what he wants.

[woodbuck27]

Lord, please not the 49ers!

If he is recovered and does not get hurt they would be a very tough opponent.

I will be very surprized if he leaves the AFC. I will predict he won't. I make that prediction knowing full well that the 49ers offer him 'the BEST Express Opportunity' to another Super Bowl ring.

[woodbuck27]

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/16/report-manning-plans-to-sign-early-next-week/

Report: Manning plans to sign early next week

Posted by Evan Silva on March 16, 2012, 10:32 PM EDT

[Cleft Crusty]

Hes going to the 49ers and he'd be a fool not too.


Peyton Manning and Randy Moss will create an absolute disaster in the locker room. Peyton has no patience for part-time prima donnas, and Moss lost his playbook work ethic at least three years ago.

If this combination happens, look for Manning to pay an offseason visit to plastic surgeon Francis R. Palmer III MD FACS for manningface removal.

[Tony Oday]

Placed a 65-1 super bowl bet on the broncos and 35-1 to win the AFC. Go broncos!

[woodbuck27]

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/17/steve-young-harbaugh-threw-with-peyton-probably-will-sign-him/

Steve Young: Harbaugh threw with Peyton, probably will sign him

Posted by Michael David Smith on March 17, 2012, 12:12 PM EDT

[woodbuck27]

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/17/titans-say-peyton-manning-is-throwing-the-ball-well/

Titans say Peyton Manning is throwing the ball well

Posted by Michael David Smith on March 17, 2012, 3:03 PM EDT

[woodbuck27]

http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/7704416/2012-nfl-free-agency-mario-manningham-san-francisco-49ers-agree-two-year-deal

Mario Manningham, 49ers have dealUpdated:

March 18, 2012, 12:38 AM ET

ESPN.com news services

Comment woodbuck27:

The San Francisco 49ers are serious !

[Pugger]

If Peyton does sign with SF then Flynn will have to wait yet again to find a team with Alex Smith hitting the market next week. But it says a lot about Smith if the 49ers are pursuing Manning, doesn't it?

[woodbuck27]

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/18/peyton-still-hasnt-told-49ers-titans-or-broncos-when-hell-decide/

Peyton still hasn’t told 49ers, Titans or Broncos when he’ll decide

Posted by Michael David Smith on March 18, 2012, 6:46 AM EDT

Comment woodbuck27:

It's clear from this story that **** Peyton Manning is Captain of his own ship. An elite QB in the NFL demonstrating all the power available to him as a FREE AGENT. As Packer fans these opening four days of 'Free Agency' may be of a particular interest as soon some of our most valuable Packers will have their opportunity to punch their own ticket to richness. One in particular is WR Greg Jennings a second round draft pick that has risen to an elite level as a wide receiver in the Green Bay Packer system.

This morning I was thinking of the noble word 'loyal' or 'loyalty'. I recall when that word was applicable to certain pro athletes and on a relationship stand point with the team that drafted them, 'in force'. That term was one we associated with the Great Henry Aaron and his long relationship with 'the Braves'. We can apply that word to 'the Great Jean Beliveau' and the Montreal Canadians. Then in pro Sports history we saw a real change in terms of 'loyalty'. With the Edmonton Oilers sudden and shocking decision to trade 'the GREATEST' Wayne Gretzky, to the Los Angelas Kings. Was that the cannon shot that changed relationships between Pro players and their teams? The cannon shot that removed the word 'loyalty' in Pro Sports.

Interesting that ' the Father of Free Agency ' in the NFL was our own hero *** Reggie White. How happy we were to see * Ron Wolf bring him to the Green Bay PACKERS. To small town Grren Bay, Wisconsin.

That move along with the acquisition of ** Brett Favre put Green Bay, Wisconsin back on the NFL map and installed the PACKERS as an NFL team with a real chance to win 'a SUPER BOWL'. That's what it's all about. Anything less is mere window dressing. Your an elite team in the NFL or simply a team used as a steping stone by stronger organized more serious NFL franchises bent on winning the Lombardi Trophy.

This morning I awoke and thought about this opportunity Peyton Manning has to not only change his life and his Familys future; but make a decision that could forever impact Pro Sports positively. I began to look at this mans decision process in a way that will reflect on future Free Agency positively for both sides. Player and team management. If I was Peyton Manning I would be sure to get set monatarily for life and beyond with this final NFL contract. If I was Peyton Manning I wouldn't allow my emotions to get carried away; focusing on a winning a Super Bowl ring. Most importantly if I was Peyton Manning I would use this final contract as one to place the word 'LOYALTY' back in Pro Sports. To definitely take a positive step in that direction and if he was successful in doing so for the future we the fans would be winners as well. We would be able again to have our Sports HERO's back playing out careers with the teams we support.

All week I watched his progress, control, coolness ... all impressive. By all reports he's healthy.

Of the three contenders the momentum seems to slip to one team or the other on a day to day basis.The last strong push coming from our rival in the NFC, the San Francisco 49ers. HOF QB Steve Young is (&)on record as promoting his former team. Steve young has a strong argument that the 49ers will certainly be Super Bowl bound with Peyton Manning as their QB. I will be most surprized if Peyton Manning signs in San Francisco. That decision based in Family.

(&) I will provide that story later for those here that havn't read it.

All week I payed particular attention to his moves as he went from city to city. Worked out for at least three teams brass to see.

Where will Peyton Manning end up? I began looking at ' the Power Factor ' and money. Which organization had the most CAP space to pay out $20 M$ to one player on a 53 man roster? It was the the Denver BRONCOS given their excellent CAP space towords acquiring such richness that seemed the obvious choice.

As this weeks activities simplified Peyton Mannings decision process. I began to weigh in with his possible emotions; certain ties he had with the Tennessee Titans and other factors that made that organization a viable choice.

Personally I will stand on believing that Peyton Manning will 'in his time', become a Tennessee Titan. To make that happen that organization must convince him that with him they will win a Super Bowl. They must demonstrate ' loyalty to Peyton Manning '. Up front loyalty by offering him the contract that clearly demonstrates that. We have read that that organization wants to give him 'LOYALTY FOR LIFE'. The contract should clearly support that...LOYALTY.

I see a bigger story come full circle. Positive observations by the three eligible organizations contending for his services RE: ' health concerns and Peyton Manning ' inspires a different story. How loyal was the Indianapolis Colts organization to Peyton Manning? What has happened to Pro Sports in terms of that word, LOYALTY?

Soon we will learn all the in's and out's of Peyton Manning's contract. Little seems secret these days. In his case i imagine that we th fan need to know about that contract. We as NFL fans need to see all the nuances of his new contract. Why do I write that?

If I was Peyton Manning. I would ensure I did something good for all future Free Agent NFL players. I would ensure that that team I signed with had to demonstrate fairness towords me for the life of my contract. That that team was capable of being LOYAL.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f8/Wiktionary-logo-en.svg/37px-Wiktionary-logo-en.svg.png
Loyalty is faithfulness or a devotion to a person, country, group, or cause (Philosophers disagree as to what things one can be loyal to. Some, as explained in more detail below, argue that one can be loyal to a broad range of things, whilst others argue that it is only possible for loyalty to be to another person and that it is strictly interpersonal.)

Have a nice day Packerrats.



* http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ron_Wolf

** http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brett_Favre

*** http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reggie_White

**** http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peyton_Manning

[woodbuck27]

If Peyton does sign with SF then Flynn will have to wait yet again to find a team with Alex Smith hitting the market next week. But it says a lot about Smith if the 49ers are pursuing Manning, doesn't it?

Are you implying that Alex Smith trumps Matt Flynn as a prospective QB with Miami any other NFL team? When i went to bed last night I read a report that seemed to indicate that Matt Flynn would sign with the Dolphins. It was a part of the same report that had Steve Youngs promotion of San Francisco as PM's obvious choice to be Super Bowl bound.

I'm just interested in your view on this. Have a nice day.

GO PACKERS !

[woodbuck27]

Are you implying that Alex Smith trumps Matt Flynn as a prospective QB with Miami any other NFL team? When i went to bed last night I read a report that seemed to indicate that Matt Flynn would sign with the Dolphins. It was a part of the same report that had Steve Youngs promotion of San Francisco as PM's obvious choice to be Super Bowl bound.

I'm just interested in your view on this. Have a nice day.

GO PACKERS !


http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com...olphins-today/ (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com...olphins-today/)

Alex Smith visiting the Dolphins today

Posted by Michael David Smith on March 18, 2012, 8:22 AM EDT

[KYPack]

Firstly, Woody, back up, slow down, or something, willya?

Second, some wild hair thoughts about the PM sweepstakes.

Tenn could use a center. Will Ten sign Jeff Saturday for one last hurrah and an inducement to get Payton to come to Nashville?

If Manning signs with SF & Flynn signs with MIA, will Alex Smith sign with the GBP as Rodgers back-up?

[woodbuck27]

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/18/harbaugh-peyton-may-not-be-an-ideal-fit/

Harbaugh, Peyton may not be an ideal fit

Posted by Mike Florio on March 18, 2012, 11:17 AM EDT

[woodbuck27]

Firstly, Woody, back up, slow down, or something, willya?

Second, some wild hair thoughts about the PM sweepstakes.

Tenn could use a center. Will Ten sign Jeff Saturday for one last hurrah and an inducement to get Payton to come to Nashville?

If Manning signs with SF & Flynn signs with MIA, will Alex Smith sign with the GBP as Rodgers back-up?

Hi KY Thanks for the concern but 'Im cool man'. It's some other Packerats of prominance here that you might be trying to calm...LOL.

Your queries are all interesting. Tennessee will likely consult with Peyton manning about any center before tring to acqire. Peyton Manning seems to be 'the MAN' right now. I'm holding to Tennessee as being his destination.

Will the Titans get Jeff Saturday? That will be up to Jeff Saturday.

(-:

I enjoyed the irony presented by your possible Peyton Manning to San Francisco and Alex Smith to the packers as OUR backup 'Domino effect'. All things possible regarding available QB's in FA now.

[MJZiggy]

How come whether the Titans get Jeff Saturday is up to Saturday, but whether the Rams get Scott Wells is up to Ted Thompson? Isn't this the Colts' fault?

[woodbuck27]

How come whether the Titans get Jeff Saturday is up to Saturday, but whether the Rams get Scott Wells is up to Ted Thompson? Isn't this the Colts' fault?

WOW! MJ you seem confused. What is wrong with you now bringing in the likes of Jeff Saturday and the Indy COLTS and the TITANs into our little tete a tete. PLEASE get focused. THANKS.

I'll try to help you here, concerning my position and Ted Thompson. by the way Scott Wells is history. Obviously for whatever reason TT didn't want him. End of story MJZiggy and again...let it go please.

Now (maybe?) you'll get it ? MJZiggy ?

Some more.....

Go back to 3 PM EDT on this past Wednesday. That was the official beginning of Free Agency.

At that time officially Scott Wells was in total control of his life as an NFL Center and a FA. I'm not going to be like you and defend 'anything and everything' Ted Thompson. I'm ' a blue collar GUY', MJ. I don't and never did TRUST management. There's a clue to my psyche. In the case of Ted Thompson. This man is a real mystery man to me. He's reclusive and not exactly upfront in any regard or the exact opposite that i look for in any person. A person that is enjoyable...down to eatth. Is fun to know and experience. There's some more insight into my psyche.

I'm a very normal fella. (-: Happy as a clam in a shell.

You seem to always defend anything Ted Thompson. If your as loyal to your man ? He's a very lucky fellow.

Your position and anything Ted Thompson. I applaud your past efforts even though I didn't always agree.

Your 'CONSTANT CRAVING' attitude with Ted Thompson. A really tough task by the way. As a warning that may get rougher in the next couple of seasons.

Here is where I stand MJZiggy:

I hope Ted Thompson can keep our team strictly competitive enough to win the NFCN. I don't wait to applaud GREEN BAY PACKER failure in anyway related to how Ted Thompson does his job as the Packer GM. That would smack of 'Packer fan insanity', MJ. (-:


My Packers will strongly reflect Ted Thompsons success as a competent and diligent GM by winning the NFCN and going deep into the playoffs and making Super Bowls; winning the Lombardi Trophy. If my Packers don't make the payoffs I will prioimarily look at Ted Thompsons performance. Make sense to you? Of course NOT and that's why 'you and I are so far apart as Packer fans in terms of fan attitude based on your needs ... my needs.

[easy cheesy]

This thread has now officially....

http://piggington.com/files/images/jumping-the-shark[1].jpg

[woodbuck27]

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/18/elways-quest-to-move-on-from-tebow-may-not-end-with-manning/

Elway’s quest to move on from Tebow may not end with Manning

Posted by Michael David Smith on March 18, 2012, 12:52 PM EDT

[pbmax]

This thread has now officially....

http://piggington.com/files/images/jumping-the-shark[1].jpg

I hope we get paid residuals on the reruns next year.

[Pugger]

Are you implying that Alex Smith trumps Matt Flynn as a prospective QB with Miami any other NFL team? When i went to bed last night I read a report that seemed to indicate that Matt Flynn would sign with the Dolphins. It was a part of the same report that had Steve Youngs promotion of San Francisco as PM's obvious choice to be Super Bowl bound.

I'm just interested in your view on this. Have a nice day.

GO PACKERS !

If SF signs Manning and Alex Smith is the odd man out in the City by the Bay he will trump Flynn in Miami IMO. So far as we can tell only 2 teams at the moment are interested in Flynn and if Smith becomes available Flynn's options will be down to one team.

[pbmax]

My Packers will strongly reflect Ted Thompsons success as a competent and diligent GM by winning the NFCN and going deep into the playoffs and making Super Bowls; winning the Lombardi Trophy. If my Packers don't make the payoffs I will prioimarily look at Ted Thompsons performance. Make sense to you? Of course NOT and that's why 'you and I are so far apart as Packer fans in terms of fan attitude based on your needs ... my needs.

So you reset the counter on Thompson's tenure back to zero after each year? No credit for past success? Even if the methods have remained largely consistent?

If you applied this same test to Wells career now moving forward, you would find your question about Thompson's methods and motivations answered.

[easy cheesy]

I hope we get paid residuals on the reruns next year.

Right? ... and the year after that... and the year after that.... :)

[woodbuck27]

If SF signs Manning and Alex Smith is the odd man out in the City by the Bay he will trump Flynn in Miami IMO. So far as we can tell only 2 teams at the moment are interested in Flynn and if Smith becomes available Flynn's options will be down to one team.

OK I understand your position RE: Smith Vs Flynn.

[woodbuck27]

So you reset the counter on Thompson's tenure back to zero after each year? No credit for past success? Even if the methods have remained largely consistent?

If you applied this same test to Wells career now moving forward, you would find your question about Thompson's methods and motivations answered.

NO pbmax. I have no justifiable criticism of Ted Thompson as last season went as a whole. We had a fantastic regular season especially given the fact we have the worst defense in the NFL.

It was unfortunate that the GIANTS came in and took us out again. I felt that was going to happen at some point in the playoffs as our defense exists. Our 'what defense ...NO defense'. That situation called out our offense too often and on the day it sputtered.... we fell.

i don't take issue with Scott Wells leaving our team for the contract that best suited his needs. Whether or not Scott Wells was wanted or low ball'd cannot IMO be called into question. Scott Wells was NOT a desirable piece in TT's puzzle for whatever his plan is.

That's obvious so Wells walked. Will there be repurcussions?

A Pro bowler walked and you can poo poo that mans status as such but Packer players will not be as likiely to do so, IMO.

That is the thing that will, again IMO, contribute to more real problems for Ted Thompson. Time will deem that the TRUTH or not.

[pbmax]

Whether or not Scott Wells was wanted or low ball'd cannot IMO be called into question. Scott Wells was NOT a desirable piece in TT's puzzle for whatever his plan is.

What if he was too expensive a piece?

[woodbuck27]

What if he was too expensive a piece?

If Ted Thompson undervalued Scott Wells as he obviously did. Scott Wells would attempt to get his value recognized in the NFL market or exercise his rights to get his best deal as a FA.

The question isn't related to Scott Wells value as an NFL Center.

He proved his value by making the pro Bowl last season pbmax. His value is backed up 'agin ' by the praises he recdeived by his HC Mike Mccarthy and fellow teammates. Mike McCarthy demonstrated surprize that Scott Wells wouldn't indeed be a Packer in 2012 and beyond.

We read the positive statements from Packer Head Coach MM RE: Scott Wells.

The Packer HC clearly valued Scott Wells as his TOP man on our OL. Not a man as he understood our ofensive scheme as one he could ever imagine losing except that he knew that Scott Wells deserved a valid offer commeserate with his status as a TOP Ranking NFL center.

Now as too your phrase too expensive a piece. All that was in TT's mind. it seems to me that Scott Wells felt whatever that was, was moot regarding his NFL future. How many people could ever make claim to this:

That they know Ted Thompson.

Too expensive a piece for TT.

Translated to us seeing Scott Wells get a deal done for his services that certainly he must be gratified with. With 'the St. Louis RAMS'.

That's too bad given his history as a Packer. His reward from TT for that progress was 'dick all' in the final result.

That SUCKS from a viewpoint overall ! Will Ted Thompson treat Donald Driver the same?

What do we have here 'a house of cards' situation steaming up?

OUR teams GM has to guard the ship as a whole.

Ted Thompson must be astute in the manner in which he does this. I can forse ' a domino effect' brewing here over not keeping Scott Wells. It's my observation and clearly I should be able to express my concern without being overly addressed for it.

[Bretsky]

Most are well aware of my past distaste for TT; I referred to him at TTT...aka...Ted Turtle Thompson for a couple years in referring to his urgency in FA and doing what it takes to build a championship team.

With that being said, he already brought one championship to us so he gets more flexiblity in terms of my criticism and I'm trying, often with little success, to see the bigger picture that TT would be looking at.

In the ned, in Green Bay's offense, there is no reason to pay a Scott Wells, or any center for that matter, 6 Million Dollars per year. Wells was a fine player for us and reports from multiple journalists that cover the Packers have noted Wells had some distaste for how the Green Bay coaching staff had treated him in the past when they tried giving the job to Spitz. Furthermore, Silverstein and others reported Wells was very unhappy that TT didn't try to lock him up during the season so he had a chip on his shoulder.

I don't think the coaching staff or TT wronged Scott Wells. If reports were accurate and he had any type of chip on his shoulder.........I say screw Scott Wells.

I'd be very comfortable with a guy like Jeff Saturday at far less the price. He's not quite as good as Wells but he's a leader and more than capable of solid run and pass blocking.

I'll throw plenty of darts at TT in the next year; but one won't be for Scott Wells leaving to sign a deal that was not worth matching (even though he probably didn't give us the chance) by Green Bay.

[pbmax]

If Ted Thompson undervalued Scott Wells as he obviously did. Scott Wells would attempt to get his value recognized in the NFL market or exercise his rights to get his best deal as a FA.

The question isn't related to Scott Wells value as an NFL Center.

He proved his value by making the pro Bowl last season pbmax. His value is backed up 'agin ' by the praises he recdeived by his HC Mike Mccarthy and fellow teammates. Mike McCarthy demonstrated surprize that Scott Wells wouldn't indeed be a Packer in 2012 and beyond.

We read the positive statements from Packer Head Coach MM RE: Scott Wells.

The Packer HC clearly valued Scott Wells as his TOP man on our OL. Not a man as he understood our ofensive scheme as one he could ever imagine losing except that he knew that Scott Wells deserved a valid offer commeserate with his status as a TOP Ranking NFL center.

snip

The question is EXACTLY predicated on Scott Wells as an NFL center. His value in any other arena is a tertiary concern at best.

McCarthy has praised Wells but Wells has not proved his value next year (or any of the next four) by making the Pro Bowl in 2011. The Pro Bowl is a mixed measure of success. Too many players from winning teams go and the recognition is often years late.

McCarthy's quote from the time of the combine was
"He's a heck of a football player," Packer coach Mike McCarthy said recently. "I make no bones about it. I told Scott I hope we're working together again next year. He's going into free agency, and we'll see what happens."

And nothing McCarthy says there means Wells is a franchise player that must be retained at any cost. M3 said Wells was good and that he preferred him to come back.

But not at any price. Thompson set the value and Wells, to his credit, exceeded it. Time will tell whether it was worth it to the Rams. Thompson has already proven his approach is worth it to the Packers.

[Scott Campbell]

Most are well aware of my past distaste for TT; I referred to him at TTT...aka...Ted Turtle Thompson for a couple years in referring to his urgency in FA and doing what it takes to build a championship team.

With that being said, he already brought one championship to us so he gets more flexiblity in terms of my criticism and I'm trying, often with little success, to see the bigger picture that TT would be looking at.

In the ned, in Green Bay's offense, there is no reason to pay a Scott Wells, or any center for that matter, 6 Million Dollars per year. Wells was a fine player for us and reports from multiple journalists that cover the Packers have noted Wells had some distaste for how the Green Bay coaching staff had treated him in the past when they tried giving the job to Spitz. Furthermore, Silverstein and others reported Wells was very unhappy that TT didn't try to lock him up during the season so he had a chip on his shoulder.

I don't think the coaching staff or TT wronged Scott Wells. If reports were accurate and he had any type of chip on his shoulder.........I say screw Scott Wells.

I'd be very comfortable with a guy like Jeff Saturday at far less the price. He's not quite as good as Wells but he's a leader and more than capable of solid run and pass blocking.

I'll throw plenty of darts at TT in the next year; but one won't be for Scott Wells leaving to sign a deal that was not worth matching (even though he probably didn't give us the chance) by Green Bay.


I think your view of Thompson is much more balanced these days. I haven't seen anything that I'd consider unfair in a long time.

I think your views on free agency have changed too.

[Kiwon]

OUR teams GM has to guard the ship as a whole.

Ted Thompson must be astute in the manner in which he does this. I can forse ' a domino effect' brewing here over not keeping Scott Wells. It's my observation and clearly I should be able to express my concern without being overly addressed for it.

woodbuck, express whatever you want to, but, dude, how about proofing your posts, you know, spellcheck, commas, apostrophes, those kinds of things? I admire your spirit but it's a headache to read your posts sometimes.

Okay, that's my unassailable observation. Now carry on with your unfair critique of Ted Thompson. :-)

[woodbuck27]

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/18/frank-gore-gushes-over-one-of-the-best-ever-peyton-manning/

Frank Gore gushes over “one of the best ever” Peyton Manning

Posted by Michael David Smith on March 18, 2012, 4:25 PM EDT

[woodbuck27]

I am now realizing that the thread dedicated to the Peyton Manning watch got shifted to discussion of the loss of Scott Wells.

I'm sorry this happened. MJZiggy's posted me RE: 'the OL center queston'. I should NOT have responded to MJZiggy's post in this thread. It snowballed from there. A thread on Peyton Manning took a detour >>>>>> to Scott Wells.

Too bad that happened.

This thread should be dedicated to information on the Peyton Manning watch.

[woodbuck27]

woodbuck, express whatever you want to, but, dude, how about proofing your posts, you know, spellcheck, commas, apostrophes, those kinds of things? I admire your spirit but it's a headache to read your posts sometimes.

Okay, that's my unassailable observation. Now carry on with your unfair critique of Ted Thompson. :-)

Thanks for the constructive criticism. It got a bit wide here yesterday and I messed up. I didn't take the proper time to edit my posts. I will make an effort to concentrate on better writing.

Unfortunately some here will lash out at me in any case. So be it. (-: Whoever said 'life is easy'. LOL

My critique of Ted Thmpson ... unfair? It's my critique. I respect your opinion and RE: Did TT error. I do NOT know. Time will tell me the answer.

[woodbuck27]

This is a thread dedicated to 'the Peyton Manning WATCH. I will not respond to anyone RE: Anything other than Peyton Manning business on this thread.

[Cleft Crusty]

The question isn't related to Scott Wells value as an NFL Center.

That is the only relevant issue. What is Scott Well's value - and is it too high for the Packers, given their entire team situation. Take your own words as a starting point, and you will find the answers to your myriad contradictory positions:


OUR teams GM has to guard the ship as a whole.

[Cleft Crusty]

This is a thread dedicated to 'the Peyton Manning WATCH. I will not respond to anyone RE: Anything other than Peyton Manning business on this thread.

All evidence to the contrary

[gbgary]

MANNING GOING TO THE BRONCOS!

[Kiwon]

Welcome to Denver!

John, just give the keys to Peyton and let him drive. He's in charge now.

[Kiwon]

Denver was really smart to line up the first visit with him. Great salesmenship.

[Cheesehead Craig]

Think they will draft a WR now to help Manning out a bit more?

[sheepshead]

good owner, good coach(Im a fox fan) and im sure Elway had a play.

[MadScientist]

How long before there is a bench Manning, start Tebow billboard up in Denver?

[pbmax]

How long before there is a bench Manning, start Tebow billboard up in Denver?

Begins next Tuesday and will run until Tebow is traded to the Jaguars.

[Cleft Crusty]

There is absolutely no way Tebow can remain on the Bronco's roster. If Elway is smart, and he actually may be, he already has the Tebow move all figured out.

[woodbuck27]

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com...or-a-new-team/ (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/19/peyton-takes-charge-of-his-search-for-a-new-team/)

Peyton Manning takes charge of his search for a new team

Posted by Mike Florio on March 19, 2012, 8:15 AM EDT

[woodbuck27]

All evidence to the contrary

Give me a break man.

I should NOT have responded to MJZiggy in this thread.I accept blame for this thread spilling into the Scott Wels issue. I already 'in a matter of fact' stated this.

Lighten up a tad please. Thanks. (-:

[woodbuck27]

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/19/manning-to-quarterback-broncos-barring-unexpected-snag/

Manning to quarterback Broncos barring “unexpected snag”

Posted by Evan Silva on March 19, 2012, 12:03 PM EDT

[woodbuck27]

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/19/tim-tebow-trade-talks-will-now-begin/

Tim Tebow trade talks will now begin

Posted by Michael David Smith on March 19, 2012, 12:07 PM EDT

[woodbuck27]

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/19/with-peyton-heading-to-denver-broncos-may-sign-jeff-saturday/

With Peyton heading to Denver, Broncos may sign Jeff Saturday

Posted by Michael David Smith on March 19, 2012, 12:19 PM EDT

[Cleft Crusty]

This is a thread dedicated to 'the Peyton Manning WATCH. I will not respond to anyone RE: Anything other than Peyton Manning business on this thread.


All evidence to the contrary


Give me a break man.

I should NOT have responded to MJZiggy in this thread.I accept blame for this thread spilling into the Scott Wels issue. I already 'in a matter of fact' stated this.

Lighten up a tad please. Thanks. (-:

I trust you recognize the irony that, by responding to my post, you proved my point. You may want to move on to other pursuits.

[sheepshead]

we should have known, Payton only wants to play for teams named after horses.

[woodbuck27]

I trust you recognize the irony that, by responding to my post, you proved my point. You may want to move on to other pursuits.

I can respond to this post because it certainly appears the Peyton Manning watch has reached it's climax.I can also respond to your post because I'm a gentleman.

[woodbuck27]

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/19/bud-adams-on-peyton-im-disappointed-but-well-move-forward/

Bud Adams on Peyton: I’m disappointed, but we’ll move forward

Posted by Michael David Smith on March 19, 2012, 1:03 PM EDT

[woodbuck27]

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/19/jaguars-dolphins-should-be-at-the-front-of-the-line-for-tebow/

Jaguars, Dolphins should be at the front of the line for Tebow

Posted by Mike Florio on March 19, 2012, 1:27 PM EDT

[Gunakor]

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/19/jaguars-dolphins-should-be-at-the-front-of-the-line-for-tebow/

Jaguars, Dolphins should be at the front of the line for Tebow

Posted by Mike Florio on March 19, 2012, 1:27 PM EDT

This needs it's own "Tim Tebow: Predictions" thread.

[woodbuck27]

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/20/mannings-deal-is-done-five-years-96-million/

Manning’s deal is done: five years, $96 million

Posted by Mike Florio on March 20, 2012, 11:19 AM EDT

[woodbuck27]

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com...n-down-titans/ (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/19/failed-ownership-effort-may-have-prompted-manning-to-turn-down-titans/)

Failed ownership effort may have prompted Manning to turn down Titans

Posted by Mike Florio on March 19, 2012, 6:43 PM EDT

[woodbuck27]

Signing Peyton Manning makes Mike Wallace a possibility in Denver

Posted by Michael David Smith on March 19, 2012, 7:36 PM EDT

Comment woodbuck27:

The DOMINO EFFECT. Lots of them going on in this Free Agency period.

[woodbuck27]

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/19/seahawks-flew-to-denver-in-failed-attempt-to-get-manning-meeting/

Seahawks flew to Denver in failed attempt to get Manning meeting

Posted by Mike Florio on March 19, 2012, 11:01 PM EDT

Comment woodbuck27:

That story refers to Peyton Mannings first trip to Dever earlier this month. It was also reported that at that time he wasn't at all interested in either the KC or Seattle Organizations.

[woodbuck27]

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/20/broncos-tentatively-plan-to-introduce-peyton-on-tuesday-afternoon/

Broncos tentatively plan to introduce Peyton on Tuesday afternoon

Posted by Mike Florio on March 20, 2012, 9:32 AM EDT

[woodbuck27]

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/20/irsay-congratulates-peyton-for-joining-tremendous-organization/

Jim Irsay congratulates Peyton for joining “tremendous organization”

Posted by Michael David Smith on March 20, 2012, 11:41 AM EDT

[mraynrand]

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/19/seahawks-flew-to-denver-in-failed-attempt-to-get-manning-meeting/

Seahawks flew to Denver in failed attempt to get Manning meeting

Posted by Mike Florio on March 19, 2012, 11:01 PM EDT

Comment woodbuck27:

That story refers to Peyton Mannings first trip to Dever earlier this month. It was also reported that at that time he wasn't at all interested in either the KC or Seattle Organizations.

Oh, it was the first trip. I was going to ask if Flynn flew there with them.

[woodbuck27]

Oh, it was the first trip. I was going to ask if Flynn flew there with them.

I never know when your serious. (-:

Ohh 'Dever' my bad...that's the same place as 'Denver'.

[woodbuck27]

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com...ee-agent-tour/ (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/20/broncos-next-on-tracy-porters-free-agent-tour/)

Broncos next on Tracy Porter’s free agent tour

Posted by Evan Silva on March 20, 2012, 3:00 PM EDT

Comment woodbuck27:

The BRONCOS were voted as 77% favourites in some POLL to win the Supwr Bowl since acquiring PM. Tha's unbelievable the way fans are reacting to this BRONCO signing. I predict that......they'll come back to earth soon.

HOLY MACKERAL Andy !! (-:

[woodbuck27]

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/20/peyton-manning-looking-forward-to-winning-a-super-bowl-in-denver/

Peyton Manning looking forward to winning a Super Bowl in Denver

Posted by Michael David Smith on March 20, 2012, 3:32 PM EDT

Comment woodbuck27:

fr. STORY:

Manning said he was excited to see how committed Bowlen and Elway are to winning the Super Bowl.

“I’m very excited to begin the next chapter of my playing career with the Denver Broncos,” Manning said.

“This organization is committed to winning.”

[woodbuck27]

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/20/in-denver-18-should-have-stayed-retired/

In Denver, 18 should have stayed retired

Posted by Mike Florio on March 20, 2012, 10:43 PM EDT

Comment woodbuck27:

Some guys get it all. I'm NOT sure Peyton should have taken this unretired number. Something bothers me anout his move to do that. He's toying with history.

mmmm ... that one bothers me.

[woodbuck27]

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_ylt=AiNSUi1o4yHtVj7tT4MQYcr.uLYF?slug=ap-manning-history

Manning tries to be 1st QB to win SB with 2 teams

By JOSH DUBOW, AP Sports Writer Mar 20, 9:46 am EDT

[Upnorth]

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_ylt=AiNSUi1o4yHtVj7tT4MQYcr.uLYF?slug=ap-manning-history

Manning tries to be 1st QB to win SB with 2 teams

By JOSH DUBOW, AP Sports Writer Mar 20, 9:46 am EDT

Under the realm of premature...

[woodbuck27]

Under the realm of premature...


Hahaaha...yesterday some fan poll to the question which team has the best chance of winning a Super Bowl?

or ... Will the Peyton Manning led BRONCOS win the Super Bowl in the 2012 season?

In any case....76% said the DENVER BRONCOS will win the next Super Bowl. That Peyton Manning will be the first QB in NFL history to win a Super Bowl with two different teams.


GET THAT DONE THIS SEASON??? WOW!!!!

[woodbuck27]

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/22/andre-caldwell-cites-manning-for-decision-to-sign-with-denver/

Andre Caldwell cites Manning for decision to sign with Denver

Posted by Evan Silva on March 22, 2012, 2:07 PM EDT

[red]

so now the broncos are gonna win the super bowl. didn't the colts just cut him a week ago because no one knows if he's evn going to be able to play again. i mean, sure he's throwing ok. can he throw everyday for about 8 months? can he survive a hit without turning into a vegetable?

[woodbuck27]

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/22/inside-the-peyton-manning-contract/

Inside the Peyton Manning contract

Posted by Mike Florio on March 22, 2012, 7:00 PM EDT

[woodbuck27]

This needs it's own "Tim Tebow: Predictions" thread.

I dug up the original Tim Tebow thread. Thanks. (-:

[woodbuck27]

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/22/inside-the-peyton-manning-contract/

Inside the Peyton Manning contract

Posted by Mike Florio on March 22, 2012, 7:00 PM EDT

"The Broncos have the unilateral right to drop Manning before the end of the 2012, 2014, or 2015 league year and avoid the remaining $78 million, $38 million, or $19 million, respectively. And if Manning suffers another neck injury during the 2013 season, the deal can be capped at two years and $38 million."

Please click LINK for the entire story.

[woodbuck27]

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d827e518a/article/manning-showed-signs-of-wearing-down-before-neck-issues

RE: Peyton Manning’s arm strength....

Manning showed signs of wearing down before neck issues.


http://static.nfl.com/static/content/catch_all/nfl_image/albert_breer-110726_65.jpg

By Albert Breer NFL Network
NFL Network Reporter
Published: March 27, 2012 at 11:23 a.m.
Updated: March 27, 2012 at 11:57 a.m

[KYPack]

A little bump bump here to a funny story.

Pete Carroll stepped on his dick when the Seahawks tried to sign Peyton Manning.

Carrol and the Hawk GM tried a bold move which blew up in their faces.

Manning got a call informing him that Seahawks coach Pete Carroll had flown, unannounced, with Seattle G.M. John Schneider to the airport in Englewood. Carroll would do whatever Manning wanted—talk for a while in Denver or on the plane to Arizona, his next visit, or fly him to Seattle for a lengthier discussion.
Peyton Manning does not like surprises. He said no thanks. Carroll flew home.

Couldn't have happened to a bigger dick head.

[swede]

Maybe Pete and John kept punching each other in the shoulders all the way home.

"I told you that was a crazy idea!"

"Ow! You said it was so crazy it might work!"

"Ow! Knock it off!"

[woodbuck27]

A little bump bump here to a funny story.

Pete Carroll stepped on his dick when the Seahawks tried to sign Peyton Manning.

Carrol and the Hawk GM tried a bold move which blew up in their faces.

Manning got a call informing him that Seahawks coach Pete Carroll had flown, unannounced, with Seattle G.M. John Schneider to the airport in Englewood. Carroll would do whatever Manning wanted—talk for a while in Denver or on the plane to Arizona, his next visit, or fly him to Seattle for a lengthier discussion.
Peyton Manning does not like surprises. He said no thanks. Carroll flew home.

Couldn't have happened to a bigger dick head.

You don't like Pete Carroll.

I posted a story of Seahawks GM John Schneider last week. It may be in the Matt Flynn thread. I enjoyed the story on that fella. He's described as young and upcoming.

It's an interest of mine to see who gets the NO.1 QB slot in Seattle. Tavaris jackson has to be asking himself:

What on earth (insert your own words) do I have to do to be accepted?

[Joemailman]

You don't like Pete Carroll.

I posted a story of Seahawks GM John Schneider last week. It may be in the Matt Flynn thread. I enjoyed the story on that fella. He's described as young and upcoming.

It's an interest of mine to see who gets the NO.1 QB slot in Seattle. Tavaris jackson has to be asking himself:

What on earth (insert your own words) do I have to do to be accepted?

The answer would be: Be better than mediocre. He never has been.

[mraynrand]

A little bump bump here to a funny story.

Pete Carroll stepped on his dick when the Seahawks tried to sign Peyton Manning.

Carrol and the Hawk GM tried a bold move which blew up in their faces.

Manning got a call informing him that Seahawks coach Pete Carroll had flown, unannounced, with Seattle G.M. John Schneider to the airport in Englewood. Carroll would do whatever Manning wanted—talk for a while in Denver or on the plane to Arizona, his next visit, or fly him to Seattle for a lengthier discussion.
Peyton Manning does not like surprises. He said no thanks. Carroll flew home.

Couldn't have happened to a bigger dick head.

I would say that the Pete Carroll coach laundering process is going fairly well, despite this. He may be back at a major Div. 1 football school faster than you can say 'Calipari.'

[Fritz]

I feel for Schneider in all of this mess. He gets hired as GM...but wait, the ownership then foists Penis Carroll on him, and gives the Penis decision-making ability, so Schneider is more like an assistant GM. And if Carroll fucks this gig up, which he is doing superbly so far, then Schneider's rep goes downhill, too.

The best thing to do would be for Schneider to step on the Penis, hard, then lock him in a closet for the entire offseason, letting him out only for the OTA's.

Does anyone here really think that without Carroll, Schneider would've pulled the surprise-fly-out to Englewood?

[pbmax]

I would imagine there are Pete Carroll shaped holes in a lot of walls in the Seahawks' facility. Because Pete believes that walls will only stop someone when you let them stop you.

[KYPack]

Carroll was a pretty good coach for the Jets and NE. USC? That was some kind of wierd Pro-Am deal.

He's been a wacky blowhard at Seattle and I hope it's his last stop.