Peyton starts looking for a new place to play
Four- time NFL MVP Peyton Manning got released by the Indianapolis Colts on Wednesday, but made it clear he still wants to be on the football field. The quarterback will be one of the most sought- after free agents in NFL history. Here’s a look at some of his options:
ARIZONA CARDINALS:
Certainly having Fitzgerald there would give Manning a game- changing receiver. Arizona would also offer Manning a warm- weather climate. The problem? Arizona made a big splash last off- season when it signed Kevin Kolb to a huge contract, and would owe him a $ 7 million roster bonus on March 17 if he remains on the team.
DENVER BRONCOS:
What about Tebow Time? Well, despite going 8- 5 and guiding the Broncos back to the playoffs for the first time in six years, Tim Tebow lost four of his last five starts and completed fewer than half his passes. Team vicepresident John Elway has said Tebow will be the starter when training camp rolls around — but stopped short of naming him the QB for the season. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS: Matt Cassel was a Pro Bowl quarterback just two years ago, but a healthy Manning would be a step up. A big one. The Chiefs also have a terrific trio of young playmakers in running back Jamaal Charles, wide receiver Dwayne Bowe and tight end Tony Moeaki. Still, Kansas City owes Cassel $ 5.25 million this year, $ 7.5 million next year and $ 9 million in 2014 — a hefty bill for a backup.
MIAMI DOLPHINS:
When the Dolphins hired the offensive- minded Joe Philbin as coach in January, team officials privately said they would go after Manning if he became available. Miami has money, terrific talent and warm weather: three big selling points for the Dolphins. Manning also has a home there.
NEW YORK JETS:
They went to consecutive AFC championship games before infighting contributed to the team finishing 8- 8 and missing the playoffs. Despite the Jets’ recent success under coach Rex Ryan, the locker- room discord might be a deterrent for Manning. He also might be unwilling to play in the circus atmosphere of New York, a town in which Eli has become a huge star. T
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS:
Seattle has its franchise running back in Marshawn Lynch, and seems to be solid on the outside with receivers Sidney Rice, Mike Williams, Doug Baldwin and tight end Zach Miller. QB Tarvaris Jackson toughed his way through a painful pectoral injury for more than half of last season, but was never overly impressive. Manning could be the answer.
TENNESSEE TITANS: Fans have already started a “Come Back, Peyton” campaign, with billboards and radio ads pushing for Manning to return to Tennessee, where he starred in college for the Vols. The Titans drafted Jake Locker with the No. 8 pick last April and signed Matt Hasselbeck to a three- year deal last July, but they went 9- 7. WASHINGTON REDSKINS:
Owner Dan Snyder always seems to be in play when it comes to signing big- name free agents, and the Redskins are in major need of a quarterback. Mike Shanahan has whiffed on three ( Donovan Mcnabb, Rex Grossman and John Beck) in his two years in Washington, and the Redskins are expected to pursue Manning if they can determine he’s healthy.