Peyton Manning Race: It will be a photo-finish

[JUMbotron]

Breaking down Peyton Manning : Right now he's probably just getting done throwing in front of Titans staff (not Baptist Sports Park, likely a secret location guarded by the Secret Service) & then he'll spend next 48 hours making up his mind on 1 of 3 teams: ***1) DENVER: They've seen him throw, he passed medical tests, and they offered $90 million over 5 years w/ $30m guaranteed. It's *not* big money in the scheme of things. NFL salaries are not guaranteed. The $30m is the only part that matters, and not only is it rather tepid, it's probably loaded with injury clauses to protect Denver. The Broncos have a great shot: He'd stay in the AFC where he knows opposing personnel. Invesco (Mile High) has the massive home-field advantage. Lots of young talent on both sides of ball. Manning would get to work with idol John Elway (VP) and his best friends Todd Helton and Brandon Stokley live in Denver. *** 2) SAN FRANCISCO: A late entrant into the sweepstakes, this is where Manning goes if he wants another ring *right now*. 13-3 last year, almost to Super Bowl, 11th ranked offense, 2nd ranked defense. Team is ready to pop. Added WR Randy Moss who still runs 4.4's in the 40-yard dash, and they will actually *use him* (cough cough, Titans). They might sign WR Brandon Lloyd this weekend and he's a baller too. Manning would also appreciate legacy of Montana & Young. Coach Jim Harbaugh is the perfect player's coach. Insiders think the 49ers might steal Manning. *** 3) TENNESSEE: This is where fate seems to point but does Manning *really* care that much about the heritage of UT, Rocky Top, etc. Bud Adams swigged a bottle of Tanqueray this week & issued a blank check for GM Ruston Webster to fill out. Titans can and probably will offer NOT $30m guaranteed, but $40-45... shocking, considering Bud's past stinginess, but it's true. But the $ doesn't matter, folks. Manning has made $250-300 million in NFL pay plus Reebok, DirecTV, MasterCard, etc. Indeed, Bud is also offering front-office & ownership stake at some point, which is Tennessee's ONLY advantage over the other 2 teams. Peyton's going to announce his decision on Monday or Tuesday. It's a 3-horse race and it will be a photo-finish.

[DMD]

I have to wonder how much weight he puts on his family here since the money should not be the only criteria or even the most important one. Playing in SF as opposed to TEN or DEN means a whole lot more taxes and a far higher cost of living so even if SF matched offers from TEN and DEN, it would really be no where near as much. Manning has twins and a wife so where would they be happiest. Going to TEN sounds like a career move that locks the family there for the forseeable future. Moving to SF could just be a 2 or 3 year thing and then Manning can go anywhere including back home to Louisiana for that matter.

 

Have to think that at this juncture in his career he wants another ring and that should have SF in the front though. TEN is not likely to get there soon.

 

The fascinating part of seeing where he goes is what he brings. Right now it is hard to argue that he wasn't a monumental difference maker given the Colts went from perennial contender to the worst team in the league in just one year without Manning.

 

Manning gets to call the shots, the question is what he values the most - money, post-season career or super bowl ring now. His ties to Tennessee in college are big, but really he was there for four years of his life but grew up 18 years in Louisiana and lived in Indy for 14 years. The weather is going to be worse in DEN and Manning has been a dome QB all this time. Old guy really want to play in snow and in thin air? I thought the weather gave ARI an advantage but apparently not nearly enough.

 

My guess now is SF. The money won't be quite as good, particularly with CA taxes, etc. but he gets his best shot at another ring for a decent weather team and plays for a team that has a great defense - something he has never had and that means he can win games without scoring 35 points. Moss, Crabtree and Davis are there which could be interesting at least potentially. He won't likely remain on as a part of the organization but he can go work for nearly any NFL team he wants after he retires.

[Bronco Billy]

That SF was there in force for a full work out, and that DEN had a full contigent including Elway, Bowlen, and a cadre of medical people for his workout - and yet he still isn't signed and is working out for TEN makes me think that SF & DEN may have missed their opportunity. Manning is a legend in TEN, that Adams has made it known that he is prepared to outbid anyone and everyone, and that Manning is allegedly being offered to walk right into at a minimum an upper management position when he retires makes me think TEN is the leader in the clubhouse, and maybe by more than a few lengths.

 

What was it that Garth Brooks song said? "Some of God's greatest gifts are unanswered prayers"

[Jolly Rodgers]

Just seems like there might be other teams involved that we don't know about. Call me crazy!

[WashingtonD]

I'd give solid odds he signs with TN.

[piratesownninjas]

If it's about winning, then it's San Francisco. If it's about anything else, it's Tennessee.

[Sunday Couch Potatoe]

If it's about winning, then it's San Francisco. If it's about anything else, it's Tennessee.

 

And I believe he wants another ring and prove he is still a championship QB... SF presents the best opp. for that. But I still feel deep down he will be a Titan which will sadden me to no end missing an opp. to get Peyton freakin Manning

Edited March 18, 2012 by Sunday Couch Potatoe

[BeeR]

Well said DMD.

 

Some choice: he tosses TDs to POS Moss, wins for POS Butt Adams, or wins for POS Horseface. ugh.

 

Cmon irsay shock everyone and make a move!

[G.K.Trey]

I have to wonder how much weight he puts on his family here since the money should not be the only criteria or even the most important one. Playing in SF as opposed to TEN or DEN means a whole lot more taxes and a far higher cost of living so even if SF matched offers from TEN and DEN, it would really be no where near as much. Manning has twins and a wife so where would they be happiest. Going to TEN sounds like a career move that locks the family there for the forseeable future. Moving to SF could just be a 2 or 3 year thing and then Manning can go anywhere including back home to Louisiana for that matter.

 

Have to think that at this juncture in his career he wants another ring and that should have SF in the front though. TEN is not likely to get there soon.

 

The fascinating part of seeing where he goes is what he brings. Right now it is hard to argue that he wasn't a monumental difference maker given the Colts went from perennial contender to the worst team in the league in just one year without Manning.

 

Manning gets to call the shots, the question is what he values the most - money, post-season career or super bowl ring now. His ties to Tennessee in college are big, but really he was there for four years of his life but grew up 18 years in Louisiana and lived in Indy for 14 years. The weather is going to be worse in DEN and Manning has been a dome QB all this time. Old guy really want to play in snow and in thin air? I thought the weather gave ARI an advantage but apparently not nearly enough.

 

My guess now is SF. The money won't be quite as good, particularly with CA taxes, etc. but he gets his best shot at another ring for a decent weather team and plays for a team that has a great defense - something he has never had and that means he can win games without scoring 35 points. Moss, Crabtree and Davis are there which could be interesting at least potentially. He won't likely remain on as a part of the organization but he can go work for nearly any NFL team he wants after he retires.

 

 

The Tennesee thing is more about his wife and her family being from there , then the fact he was there for 4 yrs of HIS life. Peyton also will not be going to the front office after his carrer is over, he will be going straight in front of the camera , he will be the top guy in the booth immediatley .

[Czarina]

I have to wonder how much weight he puts on his family here since the money should not be the only criteria or even the most important one. Playing in SF as opposed to TEN or DEN means a whole lot more taxes and a far higher cost of living so even if SF matched offers from TEN and DEN, it would really be no where near as much. Manning has twins and a wife so where would they be happiest. Going to TEN sounds like a career move that locks the family there for the forseeable future. Moving to SF could just be a 2 or 3 year thing and then Manning can go anywhere including back home to Louisiana for that matter.

 

Have to think that at this juncture in his career he wants another ring and that should have SF in the front though. TEN is not likely to get there soon.

 

The fascinating part of seeing where he goes is what he brings. Right now it is hard to argue that he wasn't a monumental difference maker given the Colts went from perennial contender to the worst team in the league in just one year without Manning.

 

Manning gets to call the shots, the question is what he values the most - money, post-season career or super bowl ring now. His ties to Tennessee in college are big, but really he was there for four years of his life but grew up 18 years in Louisiana and lived in Indy for 14 years. The weather is going to be worse in DEN and Manning has been a dome QB all this time. Old guy really want to play in snow and in thin air? I thought the weather gave ARI an advantage but apparently not nearly enough.

 

My guess now is SF. The money won't be quite as good, particularly with CA taxes, etc. but he gets his best shot at another ring for a decent weather team and plays for a team that has a great defense - something he has never had and that means he can win games without scoring 35 points. Moss, Crabtree and Davis are there which could be interesting at least potentially. He won't likely remain on as a part of the organization but he can go work for nearly any NFL team he wants after he retires.

 

 

You have to admit that the reason the Colts absolutely fell apart without Manning is because they either couldn't afford to have a decent back up QB on the team given what they were paying Manning. Then there's the school of thought that has to do with that Manning family attitude. He'd never agree to exist in a situation in which there was an up and coming QB of the future waiting for his shot.

[Jolly Rodgers]

You have to admit that the reason the Colts absolutely fell apart without Manning is because they either couldn't afford to have a decent back up QB on the team given what they were paying Manning. Then there's the school of thought that has to do with that Manning family attitude. He'd never agree to exist in a situation in which there was an up and coming QB of the future waiting for his shot.

 

 

So if he signs with Tenn then what happens to Jake Locker?

[electricrelish]

So if he signs with Tenn then what happens to Jake Locker?

 

He sits, watches and learns from one of the best. He does what everyone thought Locker would be doing.

 

Not looking good for Hasselbeck dynasty owners.

Edited March 18, 2012 by electricrelish

[Scooby's Hubby]

My gut says that Manning can do anything he wants when he retires and needs no guarantees of that at this point, so the TENN offer of an office position is meaningless, IMO. I like SF and feel that the whole NFC/AFC thing is overblown and Manning may think it would be cool to play Eli in an NFC Championship game, if that were to happen. I think Manning wants one more shot at a ring and that will be where he falls.

[Jackass]

He sits, watches and learns from one of the best. He does what everyone thought Locker would be doing.

 

 

 

Everyone thought locker would be doing that for 1 year, not 4. He looked ready to me to play last year.

[electricrelish]

Everyone thought locker would be doing that for 1 year, not 4. He looked ready to me to play last year.

 

True, so perhaps they trade him. Seattle and Miami need a QB.

[electricrelish]

My gut says that Manning can do anything he wants when he retires and needs no guarantees of that at this point, so the TENN offer of an office position is meaningless, IMO. I like SF and feel that the whole NFC/AFC thing is overblown and Manning may think it would be cool to play Eli in an NFC Championship game, if that were to happen. I think Manning wants one more shot at a ring and that will be where he falls.

 

 

I think the office position could be meaningless to him as well. Who decides when it's time for Peyton to hang it up? What if the office and Peyton aren't on the same page. Is he just going to start working in the same office that told him to retire?

[Ditkaless Wonders]

He sits, watches and learns from one of the best. He does what everyone thought Locker would be doing.

 

Not looking good for Hasselbeck dynasty owners.

 

 

With manning having historically demanded all of his teams practice reps, or nearly so, one would think this could stunt the potential of Locker, or Koepernick if he goes to S.F. Manning's backups have never shown that they have learned a thing or grown at all in his shadow.

[detlef]

With manning having historically demanded all of his teams practice reps, or nearly so, one would think this could stunt the potential of Locker, or Koepernick if he goes to S.F. Manning's backups have never shown that they have learned a thing or grown at all in his shadow.

 

In fairness, it's not as if he's ever had a back-up who anyone had any designs on ever being good. Further, I could see whatever team brings him in this time around reminding him that, at his age, he's a hired gun looking at the end of his career. It was one thing for Indy to pretend they'd never have another QB, but yet another for a team taking him on at his current age.

 

Now, maybe he digs in and insists that's not in the cards. And maybe someone says, "what the hell, if he can bring us a ring in the next few years, we can worry about our next QB later." But I'd like to think that either Tenn or SF had the sack to at least insist that they play this out in a manner that doesn't ignore the young QBs they already have.

[ajh2]

I think Denver, why - most space under the salatry cap.

 

1.) Clark, TE follows him to Denver.

2.) Michael Bush, signs for two headed RB monster (plenty of carries for him and McGahee - No Show is gone)

3.) Allows Denver to draft a young WR or DE or LB

4.) Weak Division

5.) AFC

[Ditkaless Wonders]

In fairness, it's not as if he's ever had a back-up who anyone had any designs on ever being good. Further, I could see whatever team brings him in this time around reminding him that, at his age, he's a hired gun looking at the end of his career. It was one thing for Indy to pretend they'd never have another QB, but yet another for a team taking him on at his current age.

 

Now, maybe he digs in and insists that's not in the cards. And maybe someone says, "what the hell, if he can bring us a ring in the next few years, we can worry about our next QB later." But I'd like to think that either Tenn or SF had the sack to at least insist that they play this out in a manner that doesn't ignore the young QBs they already have.

 

 

I get what you are saying. In the same token nobody really thought of Cassel, Kolb, Hasselbach, A. Brookes, Schaub, or Flynn as being good until they were developed. Manning is singularly focused. It is what makes him great. Take that away and it might be like cutting sampson's hair or taking away my beer.

[loaf]

I don't think higher cost of living means much when talking about Manning Money...

[irish]

How does he not go to SanFran? I mean, with that defense, Gore, Moss, Crabtree, V Davis, etc. he'd be in the playoffs for sure and have the best shot at making the SB.

Edited March 18, 2012 by irish

[muck]

Just seems like there might be other teams involved that we don't know about. Call me crazy!

 

 

I've had the same lingering thought ... and if it's true, then the 'silent team' is KC.

 

Why? They were rumored early participants, but I've never seen that they were ruled out (other than they weren't tied to any sightings, etc.) either ... AND ... Pioli is crazy about being secretive.

 

So, if there is an 'unknown team' its the Chiefs.

[Guest FT32]

Lets be honest...no way anyone knows (not even Manning's Agent) what he is going to do. 49ers have psoitioned themselves to be the team as the y now have Manningham in the fold...Alex Smith would be a Dolphin if the Niners get Manning. Titans have no WR's to keep Manning's interest...outside the Tennessee thing I just don't see Manning being lured by money and nostalgia....Bronco's are a work in process and have really tried to figure why them? Does Manning go for the team that is already set up to win (49ers) and then everyone says well he was handed the keys to a Ferrari or does he take a team in progress and many questions like Tennessee and nake it his own with Volunteers worshipping him and begging for a ring? The worst scenario is if Manning goes to Denver and there is a controversy the first time the Bronco's lose as to whether Tebow could have done better!! Safe play is Titans, best play is 49ers and the biggest risk are the Broncos!! Just sayin...

[Furd]

But the $ doesn't matter, folks.

 

C'mon.

 

Of course it does. Its a matter of the degree of its importance.

 

Money matters to every professional athlete in history except, apparently, to Peyton Manning. Peyton just wants another ring. Peyton just wants to go to the team with the best chance at winning the Super Bowl. Peyton just wants to go where he and his family are comfortable. Peyton isn't trying to drive up his contract price - oh no, he wouldn't do that. Peyton would play for the league minimum with incentives.Hell, it's Peyton - he's such a competititor and loves the game so much that he'd play for free.

 

I, unlike many people around here, do not know Peyton Manning. So I suppose that it is possible that "$ doesn't matter" to him and that he's willing to go back out on the field, with all the risks involved, without consideration of the money that he is going to make. And its possible that the tour and these discussions are really only to allow the teams involved to explain to Manning their visions of the future. But until Manning announces what his non-negotiable financial requirements are, or says that he is donating the money to charity or playing for free, you won't convince me that money isn't an important consideration to Manning.

Edited March 19, 2012 by Furd