Peyton Manning: Predictions

[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

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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

Posted by Mike Florio on March 14, 2012, 9:29 PM EDT
Getty Images

Former NFL receiver Brandon Stokley has been saying plenty lately about one of his former teammates, 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.“

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


To the extent that Peyton Manning is looking to parlay a contract for his services as a player into a contract for his services as an executive, it’s working.

Titans owner Bud Adams told KHOU radio in Houston on Wednesday that he has offered Peyton a contract “for life.”

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, given that the jobs and the duties
Peyton may be eyeballing already are spoken for. (Including giving the opposition a double-barreled middle finger 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.

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
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Titans owner Bud Adams has offered 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
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ESPN’s John Clayton reports that the Titans have signed guard Steve Hutchinson to a three-year contract.

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.

The two are close friends.

Hutchinson has been a left guard for his entire career. The Titans may kick incumbent left guard 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.

[woodbuck27]

Tennessee legislature joins Peyton chase

Posted by Mike Florio on March 15, 2012, 2:28 PM EDT

Titans owner Bud Adams wants to bring 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 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
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The Arizona Cardinals released offensive tackle 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” 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 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 (Featured Columnist) on March 15, 2012




Andy Lyons/Getty Images

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 owner Bud Adams reportedly offered a "contract for life" to the four-time MVP.

As Pro Football Talk reports, the contract is in theory possible, but the potential Pandora's Box it could open in the 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.





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 (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 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).

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 (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 (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
Getty Images

In another sign that 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 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/20...t%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