Colts, Peyton Manning to part ways

[Fuji Vice]

Peyton Manning's 14-year career as a member of the Indianapolis Colts is coming to an end.
Sources close to the team told ESPN's Chris Mortensen that the announcement will come at a press conference in Indianapolis on Wednesday.

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

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

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

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

I honestly can't say I'm surprised, I saw this coming about the time they let everyone else in the front office go. Clearly they want to move in a new direction with the team (and Andrew Luck no doubt). I'm sure Manning will have no trouble finding a new team to play for but its still kind of crappy to see it go down this way.

 

[JakeYourBooty]

The colts make me sick. How do u do him like that?

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[CrimsonTide]

Let the sweepstakes begin... Who DOESN'T want Peyton Manning?

 

[JakeYourBooty]

He would be a great fit in Miami

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[Fuji Vice]

He would be a great fit in Miami

I'd think the Dolphins would be at the top of the list of suitors for sure.

 

[CrimsonTide]

He would be a great fit in Miami

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Yes he would... Reggie Bush and Brandon Marshall, that could be amazing

 

[JakeYourBooty]

Not to mention Reggie Wayne could likely follow him.

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[Hoss]

Miami would be fine. Even Arizona and Oakland will probably go after him.

But can you imagine if he went to Tennessee? Man. That might be even more intense than when Favre went to Minnesota. I don't think it'll happen quite frankly, but it's not like Tennessee have a solid QB on their depth chart that they'd rather use than Manning. I guess if the price is right, Manning could wind up just about anywhere. Too bad he's only got about 3 years at most left to try to do some good somewhere other than Indy.

And honestly, even though it had been speculated about for the longest time, he's a Colts franchise. I don't even know how they could do this quite frankly, but damn... this is shocking.

 

[JakeYourBooty]

Oakland gave up to much for Palmer so they are gonna stay with him.

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[Hoss]

Well I guess that was their first mistake. Still.. teams all around the league are in need of an arm. Everyone from the Jags to the Browns...

 

[TroyTheAverage]

These are the kinds of "business" decisions that are pure b.s. The guy brought the franchise back from being a laughing stock and they treat him like this? I understand the kind of money they were going to have to give him but as much money as he has brought the franchise, that is nothing. They could have given him at least one more year to see if he could come back.

Miami would be a great fit for him. It will be interesting to see where he ends up.

 

[Hoss]

Needless to say that if he does go to Miami, Marshall will probably become the definitive reciever, hands down. Brandon Marshall is already a phenom, but with Peyton throwing to him... forget Larry, forget Calvin, forget Wes... it'll be Brandon Marshall all day, every day.











...Assuming he's healthy and Peyton doesn't suck

 

[JakeYourBooty]

Its still Megatron EC but Marshall will go up..

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[Swamps]

I can agree with everyone that Miami would be a good team for Manning but, I think he would do better in either Seattle or Tampa Bay. Either of those teams are just a few key players away from being a Division champion and, if they build a team around Manning for the next 3 - 5 years they will be contendors for the Super Bowl.

 

[TroyTheAverage]

Talking to a friend of mine earlier who is a Miami fan would rather have Matt Flynn than Manning. Granted Manning is way better etc... but I agree with his point, anyone who gets him is going to pay a lot for him.