Kevin Kolb Not Bothered By Peyton Manning Rumors, Plans To Be A Cardinal 'For A Long Time'

Much speculation has been made as to where Peyton Manning will land once he is inevitably released by the Indianapolis Colts. Among his short list of suitors, the Arizona Cardinals have appeared to show interest according to multiple reports. In order for the Cardinals to be able to afford Manning (if they truly do plan on making a run at him, that is), they would need to release their current starting quarterback, Kevin Kolb.

The team paid a hefty price to acquire Kolb before the 2011 season began and for all we know, he could already be on the brink of having to find a new home. But as he tells the Arizona Republic's Kent Somers, he is planning on being an Arizona Cardinal by the time training camp rolls around.

Kolb recently spoke with Somers and stated that he has heard about the rumors connecting Manning to Arizona, but that he is not too worried about them, either.

"I just try to keep my mind clear and do what I can on my end. I plan on having a great year and being a Cardinal for a long time," said Kolb.

Kolb certainly did not show the Cardinals and their fans what they were expecting to see out of the guy they gave up a Pro Bowl cornerback and a 2nd round pick to obtain. He only appeared in nine games last season due to a medley of injuries, including turf toe and a concussion. During his nine starts, Kolb threw for almost 2,000 yards and nine touchdowns, but he also through eight interceptions and completed just under 58% of his passes.

The team's brass obviously has not made a statement on the subject, mainly because Manning is still technically under contract with Indy. But if you were to ask head coach Ken Whisenhunt what he thinks of the situation, he would more than likely tell you that he plans to have Kolb back next season, working under newly promoted quarterbacks coach, John McNulty.

Kolb would tell you the same thing.

"Every indication on my end shows me that I'll be there," he told Somers.

We'll see if that is true or not in due time.

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