Chiefs Perfect Fit for Manning

ClearmontChief · 03-01-2012, 11:53 AM

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d...content_stream

After spending the first 14 years of his NFL career in Indianapolis, could Peyton Manning move to Kansas City?

Sometimes we don't write what we think because there's not much to substantiate it. Cool. Now that this issue has been resolved, it's time to discuss a sensible suitor for arguably the greatest quarterback of our generation.

Peyton's Place?

Why? Because, due to a slip of the tongue, the Kansas City Chiefs are getting some run in the Peyton Manning sweepstakes -- a potential pairing that should have been mentioned weeks ago. Kansas City, at least in my mind, has always been the best destination for Manning. There just haven't been many facts to go on. Yet, there is circumstantial evidence.

Before listing the reasons the multi-time MVP should be playing at Arrowhead this fall, perhaps it's important to rank what constitutes a good fit between any megastar and a new address:

1. Availability: Obviously, the player has to be attainable. (And Manning should be, barring an Irsay surprise of Mayflower truck proportions.)

2. Organizational leeway: Funds, or at least the wherewithal to generate discretionary funds.

3. Ancillary parts to attract the player: In this case, weapons outside, a good running back, possibly a defense, mostly ... some chance in hell of winning.

4. A great place to play: Call this "The Anti-Veterans Stadium Principle."

5. Familiarity: Be it the player's familiarity with the front office (and vice versa) or the area.

For Manning and the Chiefs, this list reads: 1) check, 2) check, 3) check, 4) check, and 5) check.

Starting in inverse order, the Chiefs are certainly familiar with Manning, as Crennel and Pioli faced him numerous times while with the New England Patriots. Arrowhead Stadium is one of the loudest locales in pro football, and the passion of the fans in Kansas City make it a great place to play, particularly for a veteran player.

Meanwhile the Chiefs have an emerging young talent in Jon Baldwin, a decent receiver in Steve Breaston, and -- providing he's franchised (it's looking that way) -- the productive Dwayne Bowe. Throw in Jamaal Charles and Tony Moeaki returning from injury, and an improving defense ... Well, as you can see, K.C. clearly has the ancillary parts.

On to "organizational leeway," which can mean several things, but usually it applies to available dough and the willingness to spend it. The Chiefs finished over $20 million under the cap in 2011, and per the new CBA rules, can roll it over to his year to add to their already abundant cap space. Done and done. They have the means, whereas the New York Jets -- even after restructuring D'Brickashaw Ferguson's contract -- do not. That leads us to other organizational-leeway issues for alleged Manning suitors:

Arizona Cardinals: What to do with Kevin Kolb and his sizeable contract? Junk the experiment after one year and a foot injury? Maybe. ... But doubtful. I like the Chiefs better.

Miami Dolphins: Will Owner Stephen Ross insist on Manning over Matt Flynn, despite Miami's lack of stability at the position for over a decade, and the fact the Colts star might only play two more years? And despite the fact that Joe Philbin already knows Flynn (who's a ripe 26 years old) backwards and forwards? Still like the Chiefs better.

Washington Redskins: They would surely sign Reggie Wayne to help land Manning (they sorely need WR help anyway). And Mike Shanahan is not on a 20-year contract. However, much like Miami, quarterback is an interminable issue for this franchise. Signing Manning would be a band-aid. Still like the Chiefs better.

Seattle Seahawks: The Seahawks aren't into band-aids at this point. "I just know if you panic at the position, it can set the organization back. So we're not going to do that," GM John Schneider said last week. There you go.

And then there are the Indianapolis Colts, who obviously control issue No. 1 (player availability) for matching a megastar to a team.

While Owner Jim Irsay has far from ruled out Manning's return to the organization, tweet salvos and the mano-a-mano nature of "He's not healthy" ... "Yes I am" has played out enough over the last several weeks to merit speculation of the quarterback's departure. The big elephant in the room is the $28 million roster bonus due on March 8, and how much Manning would be willing to restructure his deal, thus doing Indy a solid. To that end, Irsay had this to say to SI.com's Don Banks recently:

"That's the last he'd want to do for this team, put us in that kind of salary cap situation," Irsay said. "He wants to come back and he wants to win. I should say I assume he wants to come back. With Peyton, sometimes you never know ... I think he has some real comfort in the idea of finishing his career here, but I think he's conflicted perhaps given the circumstances. We'll find out soon."

Yes, Manning is surely conflicted, perhaps most by something Irsay mentioned in that very quote. He wants to win.

Harrison: Substantial subplots
As we head into the spring, Elliot Harrison provides eight intriguing storylines emerging for the 2012 campaign. More ...
That's going to be tough, considering several of the Colts' key players are free agents. You know the list: Wayne, Jeff Saturday, Robert Mathis, Pierre Garcon and so on. Secondly, the new head coach is a rookie head coach. And while most Colts fans welcome the change from Jim Caldwell, Chuck Pagano hasn't proven anything yet. Not to mention, Peyton will likely have to compete for his own job. Maybe not this year, but how long will new management sit a guy like Andrew Luck if Manning delivers a Wild Card loss, like the last time he played? Fair? No. Life in the NFL? Yes.

So of course Manning is conflicted. Why not go to a team that already knows the potential of its own quarterback, i.e. knows Manning is a clear upgrade (Chiefs)? Why not go to a team that -- barring every important guy going on IR -- has the parts to compete in its conference now (Chiefs)? Why not go to a team that, despite how little this might mean to Manning at this stage of his career, can afford to pay him what he deserves (Chiefs)?

Peyton's likely to don new colors in 2012. And it certainly will be awkward to see the Colts icon in a foreign uniform. But at least Manning could avoid having to pay a teammate on his new club for the rights to No. 18.

After all, nobody on the Chiefs wears that number.

lcarus · 03-01-2012, 11:55 AM

This hat is a perfect fit for Manning.

Bump · 03-01-2012, 11:56 AM

From Peyton Manning's perspective, Kansas City has to look like the best situation for him. We have the most talent out of any teams that will pursue him. We are ready to contend NOW with a proper QB, if you were him would you want to go to the Cards or the Redskins? come on man, you know he wouldn't.

Sofa King · 03-01-2012, 11:56 AM

Super Bowl.

Thig Lyfe · 03-02-2012, 05:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sofa King

Super Bowl.

THIS

Rams Fan · 03-02-2012, 05:05 PM

WTF is going on.

jd1020 · 03-01-2012, 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ClearmontChief

Peyton's likely to don new colors in 2012. And it certainly will be awkward to see the Colts icon in a foreign uniform. But at least Manning could avoid having to pay a teammate on his new club for the rights to No. 18.

After all, nobody on the Chiefs wears that number.

I wonder why that is?!?!?!?!

CHENZ A! · 03-01-2012, 12:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jd1020

I wonder why that is?!?!?!?!

Too soon after Samuel Parker.

Dante84 · 03-01-2012, 12:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jd1020

I wonder why that is?!?!?!?!

Did I miss when we retired Sammy Parker's jersey?

jd1020 · 03-01-2012, 12:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CHENZ A!

Too soon after Samuel Parker.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dante84

Did I miss when we retired Sammy Parker's jersey?

I hope you two aren't serious.

CHENZ A! · 03-01-2012, 12:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jd1020

I hope you two aren't serious.

He was super fast.

Mr. Laz · 03-01-2012, 11:59 AM

like i've said before, i think Manning is our first target.

1. sign Manning, if we can
2. trade up for RGIII, if we can
3. Sign Orton

I don't know if Tannehill fits anywhere in our options or not. If he does i would imagine he would be #3 and that bumps Orton down to the 4th option.

**The Franchise** · 03-01-2012, 12:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Laz

like i've said before, i think Manning is our first target.

1. sign Manning, if we can
2. trade up for RGIII, if we can
3. Sign Orton

I don't know if Tannehill fits anywhere in our options or not. If he does i would imagine he would be #3 and that bumps Orton down to the 4th option.

Well....if the Redskins don't trade up for RGIII.....Tannehill won't even make it #11 for us to worry about. And as much as I would love for us to trade up for RGIII.....it just isn't 100% realistic. I think it comes down to Manning....and if we're outbid.....Orton.

**Predarat** · 03-01-2012, 12:01 PM

If Reggie Wayne comes with him, that would be awesome.

swayy07 · 03-01-2012, 12:11 PM

sign manning and let him groom RGIII/Tanhill as QBOTF that's a win/win

03-01-2012, 11:53 AM	Topic Starter
ClearmontChief Starter Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Glenwood, Iowa Casino cash: $9934930	Perfect Fit for Manning http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d...content_stream After spending the first 14 years of his NFL career in Indianapolis, could Peyton Manning move to Kansas City? Sometimes we don't write what we think because there's not much to substantiate it. Cool. Now that this issue has been resolved, it's time to discuss a sensible suitor for arguably the greatest quarterback of our generation. Peyton's Place? Why? Because, due to a slip of the tongue, the Kansas City Chiefs are getting some run in the Peyton Manning sweepstakes -- a potential pairing that should have been mentioned weeks ago. Kansas City, at least in my mind, has always been the best destination for Manning. There just haven't been many facts to go on. Yet, there is circumstantial evidence. Before listing the reasons the multi-time MVP should be playing at Arrowhead this fall, perhaps it's important to rank what constitutes a good fit between any megastar and a new address: 1. Availability: Obviously, the player has to be attainable. (And Manning should be, barring an Irsay surprise of Mayflower truck proportions.) 2. Organizational leeway: Funds, or at least the wherewithal to generate discretionary funds. 3. Ancillary parts to attract the player: In this case, weapons outside, a good running back, possibly a defense, mostly ... some chance in hell of winning. 4. A great place to play: Call this "The Anti-Veterans Stadium Principle." 5. Familiarity: Be it the player's familiarity with the front office (and vice versa) or the area. For Manning and the Chiefs, this list reads: 1) check, 2) check, 3) check, 4) check, and 5) check. Starting in inverse order, the Chiefs are certainly familiar with Manning, as Crennel and Pioli faced him numerous times while with the New England Patriots. Arrowhead Stadium is one of the loudest locales in pro football, and the passion of the fans in Kansas City make it a great place to play, particularly for a veteran player. Meanwhile the Chiefs have an emerging young talent in Jon Baldwin, a decent receiver in Steve Breaston, and -- providing he's franchised (it's looking that way) -- the productive Dwayne Bowe. Throw in Jamaal Charles and Tony Moeaki returning from injury, and an improving defense ... Well, as you can see, K.C. clearly has the ancillary parts. On to "organizational leeway," which can mean several things, but usually it applies to available dough and the willingness to spend it. The Chiefs finished over $20 million under the cap in 2011, and per the new CBA rules, can roll it over to his year to add to their already abundant cap space. Done and done. They have the means, whereas the New York Jets -- even after restructuring D'Brickashaw Ferguson's contract -- do not. That leads us to other organizational-leeway issues for alleged Manning suitors: Arizona Cardinals: What to do with Kevin Kolb and his sizeable contract? Junk the experiment after one year and a foot injury? Maybe. ... But doubtful. I like the Chiefs better. Miami Dolphins: Will Owner Stephen Ross insist on Manning over Matt Flynn, despite Miami's lack of stability at the position for over a decade, and the fact the Colts star might only play two more years? And despite the fact that Joe Philbin already knows Flynn (who's a ripe 26 years old) backwards and forwards? Still like the Chiefs better. Washington Redskins: They would surely sign Reggie Wayne to help land Manning (they sorely need WR help anyway). And Mike Shanahan is not on a 20-year contract. However, much like Miami, quarterback is an interminable issue for this franchise. Signing Manning would be a band-aid. Still like the Chiefs better. Seattle Seahawks: The Seahawks aren't into band-aids at this point. "I just know if you panic at the position, it can set the organization back. So we're not going to do that," GM John Schneider said last week. There you go. And then there are the Indianapolis Colts, who obviously control issue No. 1 (player availability) for matching a megastar to a team. While Owner Jim Irsay has far from ruled out Manning's return to the organization, tweet salvos and the mano-a-mano nature of "He's not healthy" ... "Yes I am" has played out enough over the last several weeks to merit speculation of the quarterback's departure. The big elephant in the room is the $28 million roster bonus due on March 8, and how much Manning would be willing to restructure his deal, thus doing Indy a solid. To that end, Irsay had this to say to SI.com's Don Banks recently: "That's the last he'd want to do for this team, put us in that kind of salary cap situation," Irsay said. "He wants to come back and he wants to win. I should say I assume he wants to come back. With Peyton, sometimes you never know ... I think he has some real comfort in the idea of finishing his career here, but I think he's conflicted perhaps given the circumstances. We'll find out soon." Yes, Manning is surely conflicted, perhaps most by something Irsay mentioned in that very quote. He wants to win. Harrison: Substantial subplots As we head into the spring, Elliot Harrison provides eight intriguing storylines emerging for the 2012 campaign. More ... That's going to be tough, considering several of the Colts' key players are free agents. You know the list: Wayne, Jeff Saturday, Robert Mathis, Pierre Garcon and so on. Secondly, the new head coach is a rookie head coach. And while most Colts fans welcome the change from Jim Caldwell, Chuck Pagano hasn't proven anything yet. Not to mention, Peyton will likely have to compete for his own job. Maybe not this year, but how long will new management sit a guy like Andrew Luck if Manning delivers a Wild Card loss, like the last time he played? Fair? No. Life in the NFL? Yes. So of course Manning is conflicted. Why not go to a team that already knows the potential of its own quarterback, i.e. knows Manning is a clear upgrade (Chiefs)? Why not go to a team that -- barring every important guy going on IR -- has the parts to compete in its conference now (Chiefs)? Why not go to a team that, despite how little this might mean to Manning at this stage of his career, can afford to pay him what he deserves (Chiefs)? Peyton's likely to don new colors in 2012. And it certainly will be awkward to see the Colts icon in a foreign uniform. But at least Manning could avoid having to pay a teammate on his new club for the rights to No. 18. After all, nobody on the Chiefs wears that number.
Posts: 288

03-01-2012, 11:55 AM	#2
lcarus Everybody Lies. Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: 22 Acacia Avenue Casino cash: $1899928	This hat is a perfect fit for Manning.
Posts: 17,334

03-01-2012, 11:56 AM	#3
Bump YOU take YOUR seat Join Date: Nov 2007 Casino cash: $2275105	From Peyton Manning's perspective, Kansas City has to look like the best situation for him. We have the most talent out of any teams that will pursue him. We are ready to contend NOW with a proper QB, if you were him would you want to go to the Cards or the Redskins? come on man, you know he wouldn't. __________________
Posts: 32,162

03-01-2012, 11:56 AM	#4
Sofa King Hello Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: South Dakota Casino cash: $1112096 VARSITY	Super Bowl.
Posts: 23,206

03-02-2012, 05:05 PM	#6
Rams Fan Greatest QB Duo of 2015 Join Date: Mar 2010 Casino cash: $2611133	WTF is going on.
Posts: 17,070

03-01-2012, 11:59 AM	#12
Mr. Laz Don't Tease Me Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: KS Casino cash: $11047037	like i've said before, i think Manning is our first target. 1. sign Manning, if we can 2. trade up for RGIII, if we can 3. Sign Orton I don't know if Tannehill fits anywhere in our options or not. If he does i would imagine he would be #3 and that bumps Orton down to the 4th option. __________________
Posts: 95,626

03-01-2012, 12:01 PM	#14
Predarat Run Chiefs fans, run!! Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Nashville, TN Casino cash: $9973863	If Reggie Wayne comes with him, that would be awesome.
Posts: 10,776