(ESPN) 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 senior NFL analyst 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 told Mortensen that he intends to continue to play.
So the Colts have decided to part ways with the face of their franchise, announcing today that they have no plans in ponying up the $28 million bonus that Peyton was owed. Emotionally, I'm sure this was a sticky situation for management, one that had been looming over their heads for the past couple of months ever since they secured the #1 overall pick in this years draft. Basically all this decision does is reiterate the fact that sports is a business, and at the end of the day loyalty takes a back seat. In any other year I'm not sure Peyton goes the way of old yeller, but with not one, but two, sure fire starters headlining this years draft class, why roll the dice with Manning's neck? And more importantly, why chance it with that noose of a contract bonus hanging around it?
As for #18, he leaves Indy as the leagues best regular season quarterback of all-time. For his sake, I hope he still has a couple of solid years left in the tank. I don't see any reason why a team like Miami, the Jets, Arizona or Washington wouldn't take a flyer on him. He's been a class act through and through and reports are saying that his throwing strength has improved dramatically. We will continue to monitor this situation thoroughly, but this just goes to show that one teams Luck, is another man's misfortune.
-fresh (@danye33)
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