What would you do with Peyton Manning?

Syferus

spiralism wrote: »

The vikings fans would probably argue that only for a dirty, underhanded bounty policy, Favre wouldn't have taken the battering he did and led them on to a win, but that's another story. Vikings were right to take that gamble tbh, it's as close as they'd been since the gary anderson fiasco, were they a team with better luck, Favre would have won it for them.

Regarding Centers, i'd completely agree. Look at Casey Wiegmann in Kansas, still performing at a high level and he's about 90. Wayne has still got it (even if we didn't go down that route, colorado born Vincent Jackson is available) and Clark is obviously still an elite TE.

I'd have agreed up until the moment he was dropped by the Colts. If they, with a young QB coming on, don't see value in keeping Clark then you have to put a huge question mark over Clark until he proves otherwise.

Jolly Red Giant

spiralism wrote: »

We've a strong defence (now co-ordinated by one of the league's best DCs) with two of the best pass rushers in the league and a Hall of Fame cornerback, a good O-Line topped off with an elite LT and a lot of youthful skill players. Not to mention we have a veteran respected coach as opposed to an unproven assistant. Given that we could well have 30 odd million of cap space to spend AFTER manning, he knows we could set him up very nicely with a truly elite team.

This is a key factor with the Dolphins - Adam Schefter has reported that the Dolphins completely undermined their attempts to get Manning by not appointing Jeff Fisher as HC

Anyone drawing up a list of pros and cons for getting Manning would not have the Broncos top of the list in any individual catagory (roster, cap space, coaching staff, control of offence, stability etc) - but when you look at the overall package then the Broncos can put everything on the table better than anyone else.

I don't think the Chiefs are at the races - they have already submitted a contract to Manning for consideration and he has made zero attempt to schedule a visit to KC.

As a Boncos fan I was intrigued to see what Tebow could do - and it was a rollercoaster - but I am as excited as hell about the possibility of getting Manning. Even at 85% of the player he was, he is way better than anything the Broncos have seen at QB since Elway.

EXF have done an excellent job of righting a very rocky ship over the past 12 months. I have been impressed with Elway in charge - and he has brought in a very good supporting cast to help him in the FO. The fanchise is no longer the laughing stock and embarrassment it was at the end of the McD era - adding Manning would significantly boost a return to an elite team in the NFL.

(I also want to see the team add Weeden in the draft who I think will turn out to be a damned good QB - either as a back-up behind Manning and/or as a starter - he reminds me a lot of Kubiak with more physicality - and at 28 he will be a lot more mature than most of the kids drafted out of college).

Jolly Red Giant

Syferus wrote: »

I'd have agreed up until the moment he was dropped by the Colts. If they, with a young QB coming on, don't see value in keeping Clark then you have to put a huge question mark over Clark until he proves otherwise.

The Colts have cleared out everyone - from FO to the roster - that is linked to the Manning era - they want a clean slate for Luck.

Colts fans are p*ssed about losing Clark - they feel he would be a good experienced head for Luck to use (and I agree with them). I wouldn't use the term 'elite' but he is a damned good TE and way better than anything the Broncos have at the moment.

Jolly Red Giant

Initially reported that Manning left Denver at 12.30 MT and was heading back to Miami (not to Arizona as had been expected). Supposed to fly to Pheonix at 7pm this evening after talking to his agent.

Larry Fitzgerald tweeted that he didn't know when Manning was due in Arizona and that he isn't being told anything.

Andrew Mason Reported: “Manning holds the cards & he’ll do due diligence, so don’t expect a resolution today. But Denver offers a combo others can’t match: cap room even after Manning gets his money, defensive play-makers, a like-minded leader in the front office, young WR’s with potential and a player-friendly coach with a winning playoff record. ”

Reported that at 2pm he was still in Denver although not at the Broncos facility - he left it at 1.45pm - assumed to be discussing with his agent. Broncos FO including Elway, Xanders, Bowlen, the new cap guy Mike Sullivan and Fox were in high-level meeting. Rumour that Broncos FO were re-drafting their free agency plans.

Sources are reporting that Broncos veterns are 'giddy' with the prospect of getting Manning and that Tim Tebow is 'rattled' by the whole situation.

One thing that I think is a key point is that Archie Manning is also in Denver with Peyton.

Update - 2.30pm - Manning will remain in Denver and fly to Phoenix this evening at 7pm. He will not make a decision before meeting with Arizona and Miami - but Broncos clearly in the driving seat now. A decision from Manning is expected by Tuesday at the latest.

Broncos sources are reported to be “encouraged by their visit with Peyton yesterday,”

Reports now coming through that Manning and the Broncos FO could meet again this evening before he leaves for Pheonix. Only conclusion that can be drawn if it happens is that they are discussing a contract.

Syferus

If and when the Broncos fail in this they'll have under-mined their own management IQ and their starting QB.

The Broncos are risking a hell of alot of egg on their face if Manning goes to Miami and likes their set-up as much as is likely, this is a guy already very familiar with Miami, has a home there and it's team with an owner completely desperate for his services.

On a related but more emotive note, the whole situation is making Elway look completely unreliable, he said point blank he was going to work with Tebow throughout the off-season and that he'd enter training camp as the starting QB. When the dust settles and Elway has to give other players commitments and promises to keep them happy they'll think twice before trusting a word Elway says in private or public.

Jolly Red Giant

Syferus wrote: »

If and when the Broncos fail in this they'll have under-mined their own management IQ and their starting QB.

It is clear that Elway and Fox have decided Tebow won't cut it - I expect either Manning or Weeden to start for the Broncos in Sept.

Syferus wrote: »

The Broncos are risking a hell of alot of egg on their face if Manning goes to Miami and likes their set-up as much as is likely, this is a guy already very familiar with Miami, has a home there and it's team with an owner completely desperate for his services.

There is no egg on their face - Anyone in need of a franchise QB would and should go all out to get him - the Broncos have done that - if they fail it won't be for the lack of effort.

Syferus wrote: »

this is a guy already very familiar with Miami, has a home there

Anyone who is anyone has a home in Miami - you are not regarded as being wealthy until you buy a condo in South Florida.

Syferus wrote: »

and it's team with an owner completely desperate for his services.

Miami is owned by a bunch of celebs who Marino is constantly criticisng for their stupid decisions. On top of that they have a rookie HC with zero experience and a bunch of prima donnas on the roster. By all accounts Manning would have picked Miami hands down if they had appointed Jeff Fisher - he didn't want to have to start working with a rookie HC. Manning craves stability, control and experience - he gets that in Denver - he doesn't in Miami.

Now he could well end up in Miami or somewhere else other than Denver - but I will give thumbs up to EXF for making the decision to go after him and for doing everything they could to get him to go to Denver.

Jolly Red Giant

Tebow was due to give an interview at a benefit gig in Miami today for war vets - he cancelled the interview and is described as 'shattered' by events.

kmart6

Jolly Red Giant wrote: »

Tebow was due to give an interview at a benefit gig in Miami today for war vets - he cancelled the interview and is described as 'shattered' by events.

Meh, grow a pair tbh!

Syferus

I love the 'rattled' reports now being 'shattered'. Of course it'd effect any player but if anyone has to resolve to move on from feeling sorry about himself fast it's Tebow.

This is still only act one of Manning's nationwide tour.

Jolly Red Giant

Jim Saccomano Head of Corporate Communications for the Broncos tweets -

Query response--no, not urually(sic) at office on a Saturday like today--but these are not usual times.

Update - rumours now circulating that Manning has ruled out Miami and its between Arizona and Denver.

Jolly Red Giant

Syferus wrote: »

I love the 'rattled' reports now being 'shattered'. Of course it'd effect any player but if anyone has to resolve to move on from feeling sorry about himself fast it's Tebow.

I agree - and I hope he succeeds - but it looks like he won't have a chance in Denver. Said the day he was drafted - he needed to go to a stable team with a top QB and sit on the bench for 4-5 years to learn how to be an NFL QB - what Tebow gains in all-round football talent and committment he loses in lack of QB skills.

Syferus wrote: »

This is still only act one of Manning's nationwide tour.

Looking more and more like it is going to be a very short tour.

matthew8

I said a while back I'd have Manning's new team as my no. 2 team. I forgot to mention I'll never root for the Broncos for whatever reason. If he goes there I hope he puts up great stats but the Broncos finish last in the division.

kmart6

I'd love to see Peyton with Fitzgerald, and throw Wayne into the mix then! God help any DB's if it happens!

Jolly Red Giant

matthew8 wrote: »

I said a while back I'd have Manning's new team as my no. 2 team. I forgot to mention I'll never root for the Broncos for whatever reason. If he goes there I hope he puts up great stats but the Broncos finish last in the division.

Fortunately for the Broncos that won't happen - Fox and JDR will make sure the defence will defend anything Manning would put on the board.

Speculation now mounting that Manning might sign for Denver this evening. People viewing the reason he is still in Denver (he was supposed to leave last night) is to trash out a contract.

neilster

JaMarcus Hustle wrote: »

He's apparently visiting Arizona on Sunday. It just so happens that Larry Fitzgerald and Kurt Warner will be at the facility on that day too to try and coax him. If the Cardinals are smart, they'll have Levi Brown put under house arrest to keep him the away - just in case :P

Profootballfocus' worst Left Tackle two years running i think is Levi .....its funny ....Peyton signs they draft Jonathan Martin (Reiff will be gone)...he doesnt its Melvin Ingram or Courtney Upshaw

i think only two teams who want to sign Manning without quibbling about money or seeing his arm are Denver & Miami

Profootballtalk talk about this today .....it allows John Elway out of his Tebow problem and the Dolphins estimate that they will make $12m more on ticket sales alone over the next few months if Manning signs

When the Bidwells find what type of money they mught have to spend in Arizona & Kansas find how determined their foes are ,,,it will be down to the first two

Incidentally profootballtalk mention some interesting points...why is son of Belichek Scott Pioli so public on this with none of his usual secrecy...is this all to put a fire under Matt Cassell with no signing of Manning ...it is out of character

JaMarcus Hustle

Good tracker of the situation here - http://broncotalk.net/2012/03/31174/broncos-blog/live-blog-weekend-peyton-manning-tracker/ that's updated pretty frequently.

Syferus

Jolly Red Giant wrote: »

Speculation now mounting that Manning might sign for Denver this evening. People viewing the reason he is still in Denver (he was supposed to leave last night) is to trash out a contract.

Not so much!

Paully D

If I was Peyton Manning I would start trolling everyone by moving around say, the likes of Dallas and San Diego over the course of a few days just to see what kind of frenzy it creates :pac:

matthew8

Paully D wrote: »

If I was Peyton Manning I would start trolling everyone by moving around say, the likes of Dallas and San Diego over the course of a few days just to see what kind of frenzy it creates :pac:

Don't forget Boston.

Jolly Red Giant

Syferus wrote: »

Not so much!

Here's the latest -

the Broncos are confident that Manning will sign with the team. It has not been confirmed but we assume that the team has offered him a contract.

Mike Kils is reporting that the Broncos’ two days with Manning were very productive and the team is hopeful and encouraged after meeting with him.

Multiple sources are reporting that the Broncos talked with Manning today and the vibe is that things went extremely well.

Jay Glazier tweeted -
“Don’t read into him leaving Denver without a deal. He never wanted to just take one visit & sign. Cards up next. Still gonna be a fast process.”

I would have been surprised if he signed without visiting other teams - but the Broncos have done everything they could to get him and now its wait and see.

As for the Cardinals -

Someone suggested the disucssion would go something like this -

Peyton: "so you guys are $13m OVER the cap right now. Walk me through the steps you'll take to get under the cap and sign me, and add some comlementary pieces for me to work with."

Cards GM: "We'd start with cutting Kevink Kolb, dont need him with you on board right?"

Peyton: Ok. He cuts only a million off your cap space if you make the move before the 17th... Keep going."

Cards GM: "Well next we'd get rid of Levi Brown's awful contract which should put us about even. He's not very good anyway."

Peyton: "so you're cutting the guy who will be protecting my blind side, and after signing me you would again be over the cap. No way you can sign me and a competent left tackle to protect me. And lets be honest, there arent any competent left tackles available in free agency."

Cards GM: "Well Peyton luckily we've got the 13th pick and we can promise you we will use that on an OT. One of the top 3 should be available at that pick and if you come here we can promise you we use that pick on a left tackle.

Peyton Manning: "Yea that sounds like a great plan. I just came off four neck surgeries and you're going to give me a blind side protector who has yet to prove a thing at this level? Idk about this.

Cards GM: But Peyton! We've got a dome! Its warm here!

Paully D wrote: »

If I was Peyton Manning I would start trolling everyone by moving around say, the likes of Dallas and San Diego over the course of a few days just to see what kind of frenzy it creates

Manning isn't interested in a frenzy - he likes quiet stability.

JaMarcus Hustle

Jolly Red Giant wrote: »

Manning isn't interested in a frenzy - he likes quiet stability.

Very true. Personally, I can't think of anything more peaceful and serene than usurping Tim Tebow of America and Jesus as starting QB for the Denver Broncos.

Jolly Red Giant

JaMarcus Hustle wrote: »

Very true. Personally, I can't think of anything more peaceful and serene than usurping Tim Tebow of America and Jesus as starting QB for the Denver Broncos.

Broncos fans are quite clear who they want between Manning and Tebow - and in Denver that's what counts - if Manning signs in six months no one in Denver will even remember Tebow's first name - and the Tebow fans will have moved on with him.

This is from the Denver Post -

Manning had visited with the Broncos since team officials — a group led by front-office boss John Elway and head coach John Fox — met him in Stillwater, Okla. at about 11 a.m. Friday. He arrived by private plane at Centennial Airport at about 1:35 p.m. Friday, spent his day visiting with owner Pat Bowlen and touring the Broncos' headquarters until about 7:45 p.m. Friday night.

Manning, Elway and Fox then dined at the Cherry Hills Country Club and stayed late.

Manning stayed overnight and has been in Denver throughout the day. Although, a Broncos source said the team "was in communication with Manning" today, the two sides did not meet. Elway was in his team office Saturday preparing for free agency that begins at 2 p.m. Tuesday. Manning wants to make his decision by then.

Manning will fly out to Arizona tonight. With agent Tom Condon not accompanying Manning on his visit to Denver, a deal was not expected to be struck. Still, the Broncos most likely tried.

A Broncos source characterized the visit as "productive. The team is hopeful and encouraged by the time spent" with Manning.


And from Tebow (and the reaction I would expect instead of the 'shattered' stuff)

Meanwhile, a source close to Tim Tebow said the Broncos' incumbent quarterback is philosophical about his team's pursuit of Manning and won't comment until "after the smoke clears."


http://www.denverpost.com/sports/ci_20147337/manning-leaving-meet-cardinals-broncos-term-talks-productive

And from nfl.com

Manning, the source said, came away impressed with the organization and the Broncos are still hopeful that talks will continue to progress.

Manning is scheduled to return to Miami following his visit with the Cardinals, NFL Network's Jason La Canfora reports. Other teams interested in his services, outside of the Broncos, Cardinals and Dolphins, are still relatively in the dark about the process and are not certain if he will make any visits beyond those three teams.

Manning spent Friday and part of Saturday in Denver meeting with the Broncos. Owner Pat Bowlen reportedly is prepared to do whatever it takes to land Manning and money will not be an issue, a league source told The Denver Post. Manning met with executive vice president of football operations John Elway for six hours Friday.

RGIII

If Manning signs with the Broncos, the Seahawks will trade for Tebow. Now sure how I'd feel about it but he's certainly better than Tavaris Jackson!

spiralism

RGIII wrote: »

If Manning signs with the Broncos, the Seahawks will trade for Tebow. Now sure how I'd feel about it but he's certainly better than Tavaris Jackson!

Tebow in seattle would be cool. off away in the NFC West too where he'd do as little damage to us as possible. Still rather keep him though

Meanwhile, a source close to Tim Tebow said the Broncos' incumbent quarterback is philosophical about his team's pursuit of Manning and won't comment until "after the smoke clears."

Read more: Peyton Manning leaving for Arizona, Broncos call talks "productive" - The Denver Post

neilster

Ye guys in Denver are hilarious...ye proclaim Tebow Jesus Christ then ye proclaim ye have Manning way too early...ye may have him but more will be known monday night ....Manning should be fawning and leaking that Denver r in hunt etc...will make everyone desperate

in a tie the last visit will probably have an adavantage and with the RGIII trade the Dolphins will be way past desperate

The Cards are a wild card ...they look like they r a "Jeff Fisher" lets drive up the price team ...but again they have been closer to a SuperBowl recently than either the Broncos or Fins sooooo
my feeling is Denver are ahead because ye are the most stable organisation but Miami will lay on an awful lof of glitz

as for Tebow the Jags is the obvious one ...even the new owner has talked about it...

neilster

RGIII wrote: »

If Manning signs with the Broncos, the Seahawks will trade for Tebow. Now sure how I'd feel about it but he's certainly better than Tavaris Jackson!

this is certainly not going to happen .....John Elway & John Fox r not the only people with doubts about Tebow....Tannehill could go with the 13th pick or Matt Flynn ...West Coast Offence etc...they have options ahead of Tebow

JaMarcus Hustle

Neilster - multiquote. Good lad.

RGIII

neilster wrote: »

this is certainly not going to happen .....John Elway & John Fox r not the only people with doubts about Tebow....Tannehill could go with the 13th pick or Matt Flynn ...West Coast Offence etc...they have options ahead of Tebow

I can guarantee you we aren't drafting Tannehill at 12 or signing Matt Flynn.

spiralism

Broncos frontrunners in chase for manning

DENVER — Free agent quarterback Peyton Manning wrapped up his visit with the Denver Broncos late Saturday and then traveled to Phoenix to meet with the Cardinals, FOX31 Denver has learned.
A source told FOX31 Sports that Manning’s Denver visit went “very well” and Broncos management “feel(s) strongly they are the frontrunners at this point.”
The source indicated that Manning feels there are “no negatives” with the Broncos.
The future Hall of Famer is expected to make a decision by Monday or Tuesday at the latest.
After meeting with Cardinals’ representatives, Manning is expected to either visit Seattle or fly home.

Manning narrows his choice to Denver or Arzona

Peyton Mannng narrows options
By Chris Mortensen and Adam Schefter | ESPN

After at least 12 teams contacted Peyton Manning when he became a free agent, the former Indianapolis Colts quarterback has narrowed down his options.

The Denver Broncos and Arizona Cardinals, the first two teams Manning visited with, are considered the two likeliest landing spots at this point, according to sources familiar with the situation.

The Seattle Seahawks continue to try to arrange a meeting with Manning, according to sources, but so far it has been unable to do.

Manning still could wind up meeting with the Miami Dolphins, but indications are that the Miami isn't as high on this list at this time as Denver and Arizona. There always is the possibility another team suddenly jumps into the fray, but it is looking increasingly likely that there are only a few viable possibilities at this time.

One source who spoke with Manning prior to his visit with the Cardinals said "his gut is that Manning is leaning toward Denver."

Denver's advantages include Manning's relationship with Broncos executive vice president of football operations John Elway and coach John Fox, as well as remaining within the AFC, where he has played all his professional football with the Colts.

Yet the Cardinals will make a hard push and put on what one team source said is a "Louisville-style full court press." Manning also is close with Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt, and has played golf with him in the past.

Manning will be meeting with multiple high-ranking members of the Cardinals organization, including president Michael Bidwill, who sources say is determined to sign the former Colts quarterback.

"This team missed on Montana when he went to K.C.," said another Cardinals source. "This is a different owner, just with the same last name. Michael will do what it takes.

"He is hugely aware of our fan base and how his Dad is viewed. He came to work with this team to get the stadium built. It took him a long time to get that done, but he did.

"He is a driven young owner that wants to totally change this franchises image."

And he views landing Manning as the next step in that process. Sources say that would not necessarily be a strong selling point to Manning, who is looking simply for a "comfortable football and organizational fit." Along those lines, both the Broncos and Cardinals have staffs that have shown flexibility in adapting their offense to a quarterback's strengths, as the Broncos did with Tim Tebow and the Cardinals did with Kurt Warner.

With the NFL's new year scheduled to start Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET, Manning's options are coming into focus.

Schefter. Therefore it's the truth.

Paully D

There's probably about as much chance of me starting in the NFL next season than Manning ending up with the Cardinals.