Peyton Manning To Arizona Cardinals Gets Another Boost, But There Are Doubters

by Jess Root on Jan 23, 2012 5:01 AM MST in General Arizona Cardinals News

For the second offseason in a row, the Arizona Cardinals find themselves in the middle of rumors about obtaining a starting quarterback. Since it is in consecutive years, you know that is not a good thing. However, this would be considered a special case, as the name involved is one of the greatest to ever play the game -- Peyton Manning.

While the health and future availability of Peyton Manning is very much an unknown, the Arizona Cardinals are considered a possible landing spot for the future Hall of Famer, should he be cut by the Indianapolis Colts.

Aside from the original rumor brought up by Charley Casserly, who said on local radio that it was something he thought up on his own, on Sunday ESPN reporter Adam Schefter sent out this tweet that got things rolling again with the Manning to Arizona talk.

@AdamSchefter
Adam Schefter Add the Arizona Cardinals to mix of teams that includes Dolphins, Jets and Redskins expected to be interested in Colts QB Peyton Manning.
Jan 22 via WhoSay Favorite Retweet Reply

On Thursday, XTRA 910 broadcaster and Cardinals reporter Mike Jurecki had a Colts beat writer on the air, and he said in no uncertain terms that Peyton would not be with the Colts in 2012.

Sunday evening on FOX10 Sports Night, Jurecki and host Jude LaCava discussed the topic more, essentially coming down to the fact that Arizona would in fact be on the short list of possibilities. Also a possible attraction is the team's saying that they are going to invest in the offensive line this offseason. Jurecki predicts that the Cardinals will sign one offensive lineman in free agency and draft two linemen. This would be something that Manning would like to see, as he will want to play behind a line that can give him adequate time to make reads and throws.

Not everyone is so sure that Manning will come available.

On the same Sports Night Sunday evening, an interview with Larry Fitzgerald aired and he was asked about the possibility of Manning. Fitz said that doesn't think that Manning is going to leave the Colts, that Indy would not just cut him after all he has done and meant to the franchise. He doesn't even think it will be an option.

Of course, we all have to know whether or not Manning is even going to be able to recover fully and play again this season. We don't know if he will retire or even be cut. That is still to be determined.

What is certain is that until his status is known, everyone is going to want to talk about it some more.

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Comments

Gives us something to talk about I guess.

Lots of variables in this equation, but that is the nature of the off season.

I know someone said something about getting Manning used to Wiz’s offense, but wouldn’t you think if you brought in Manning and he is able to play it would be a matter of everyone else learning the Manning offense rather than the other way around?

by Drullin'OverDaCards on Jan 23, 2012 8:31 AM MST reply actions

possibly, but that's one problem I'd love to have

This team is a QB from being special, Manning could make us a dynasty

by tucson cards fan on Jan 23, 2012 8:47 AM MST via mobile up reply actions

Just the thought of Manning to Fitz

Sends tingles through my body

by Cardsfan44 on Jan 23, 2012 8:58 AM MST reply actions 1 recs

Man, we are really desperate for something to talk about. :-)

by Birdman2 on Jan 23, 2012 9:14 AM MST reply actions

I read this somewhere that was pretty eye opening

Manning, no matter how healthy he is, won’t be the QB of the Colts past the 2012 season (assuming they draft Luck). That means that if they keep him for the 2012 season, they’ll be paying him a total of $35 MILLION for one season!!

Considering his stature in that organization and football in general, it’ll be crazy to see him traded or outright released but what a fascinating story to follow.

Go big or go home!! Bet big to win big!!

by Steamin' Beamin' on Jan 23, 2012 10:15 AM MST reply actions

Actually, I think if you crunch the numbers Colts almost have to release him unless he is healthy or he renegotiates the timeing of that roster bonus.

I don’t see any incentive for Peyton to agree to moving the timing of the roster bonus. They have Luck in the draft and are in a massive rebuild anyway.

by Drullin'OverDaCards on Jan 23, 2012 12:19 PM MST up reply actions

crazy to think how close they are to being a totally different team

with Reggie Wayne, Jeff Saturday and Robert Mathis all UFA’s this offseason and most likely leaving or maybe retiring in Saturday’s case. Not to mention guys like Joseph Addai, Dallas Clark, and LB Gary Brackett (owed 17.67 million in 2012 between the three), who could be cut this offseason. And heck even Dwight Freeney only has one more year under contract.

Go big or go home!! Bet big to win big!!

by Steamin' Beamin' on Jan 23, 2012 1:09 PM MST up reply actions

Maybe Peyton,

can join us here and bring all 3 of the guys you mentioned, something tells me Mathis would be a menace rushing off the edge without his hand in the dirt.

Formerly known as Cardsfan928, If you wanna grab a quick game of madden, my screenname is also my Xbox name.

by INSOMAN1ATIC on Jan 23, 2012 5:35 PM MST up reply actions

Come on Peyton

Come on out to the desert! You got your boy Fitz to help you win another superbowl.

"If Gortat pulls off a real Dream Shake in-game this year I will shave my head.
Mark my words." Piotr Szczesniak 12/12/11 2:12 PM
Cardinals, Suns, D-backs for life!

by Airwave on Jan 23, 2012 2:32 PM MST reply actions