After little bro's 2nd SB ring, one thing is for certain, Peyton will NOT retire. He'll obviously go to a team that he feels is a QB away from getting him back to a SB. It'll be up to Whiz, Fitz & the Cardinal brass to convince the Mannings that we are that team. I say the "Mannings", because Dad will have a big say in that decison making process.
It looks like Peyton will make it as financially soothing as possible. He's not out to rape the teams that step forward with interest. This will greatly increase the number of candidates. Even with an enlarged pool, the Cardinals have plenty to offer. I'm sure that the Cardinals will point to the success they had with Warner, but we'll need Warner to help us drive that point home. From his recent comments, I'm a little leery of whether his input will help or hurt us. I'm going to go out on a limb & still say that Warner will help us in this process.
So who's REALLY interested out there, and who really has a need for a veteran QB, who is looking to win NOW?
Washington - They defintely have the need & their owner loves to make splashy moves. They have a solid D, but no receivers & a very average running game. Shanahan is no longer considered an offensive genious. They would offer Peyton the moon in return, but one thing cannot change. The Skins play in the same division as the Giants. I honestly don't see the Mannings wanting that strife. They are OK with competing with each other once a season, but not 2-3 times at the expense of one of those teams not making the playoffs. Top it off with an inept owner & I don't see this happening. Could happen with any other family, but not the Mannings.
Minnesota - Definite need, with a great RB to complement Peyton. Too many negatives - 1. They feel Ponder is ready to play now & they like him. 2. Coaching staff is on thin ice, future uncertain. 3. Franchise's status is questionable. 4. Team has so many holes. They couldn't win, even with Peyton. Huge longshot.
Tampa Bay - As bad as Freeman was, I still don't see them giving up on him yet. Manning family doesn't want a 1st year HC & Schianno is an ******.
San Francisco - This is the one that I fear, because Harbaugh will do ANYTHING to win. He's the most competitive individual I have ever seen. He is a great salesman & is also sincere & loyal. If he can convince ownership (and he can) that Peyton is where they need to go, then Manning will be priority one. I could see the Mannings loving this option. The only downside is their lack of receivers. Manning would bring along Wayne & this is very much a possibilty. If Manning goes here, they can win 2-3 SB's in the next 5 years. They're definitely a favorite in the Manning sweepstakes.
Seattle - They are also a team that has a need. Solid D, solid running game, solid fan base, But arrogant, pompous HC. Not sure that Manning wants to play in that climate either. Longshot!
Miami - Definite need, with some upside. They have a strong nucleus & can win right away, but ownership has more bark than bite in getting what they want. Warmer home games, although rain will rear its ugly head. Road games in Buffalo, New England & New York are not positives. Furthermore, HC was brought in to help secure Flynn as their future. I don't see them deviating from that course.
Tennessee - Here's a distinct possibility. Hassellbeck is just about toast & Locker is questionable at best. They have a solid D, a great OL, a great RB, & a couple of dangereous receivers. Peyton LOVES that part of the Country. With Manning, they are a SB contender. One of the top 3 candidates!
Jacksonville - I think they have a definite need, but this franchise has questions everywhere. Just not going to happen.
Kansas City - Definite need, but the Mannings wouldn't be interested while they have a defensive minded HC there.
Arizona - Almost a picture perfect match, with the exception of our OLine. Dome stadium, with perfect weather conditions. A HOF WR, with some very underrated talent to complement Fitz. Could also bring along Wayne, which would make our aerial offense perhaps the most dangerous in the league. The OL gets 50% better, just adding Manning & his ability to spot blitzes & react accordingly. A solid RB tandem in Wells & Williams. A solid & up and coming defense that could create many short fields for Manning & company. I think that Peyton would LOVE to play for Whiz. I also think that Daddy would also love to see his son play for Whiz. Whiz wouldn't have to create a vision for Peyton. Bring out the Warner tapes & Peyton could see for himself. Whiz won a SB with a very young QB & almost won one with a very old one. His pedigree speaks for itself. I think that Michael Bidwill is a gentleman & the Manning family would like him very much. It comes down to how well we can convince Peyton that we will upgrade the OL, or show him on tape that Kolb & Skelton's inexperience had a lot to do with our OL woes. We'll be a finalist!
Top 3 options in no particular order:
Arizona
San Francisco
Tennesee
