ChiefsandO'sfan going to be ready for the nut hut by the time all the tweets are over on this one

That is an issue if you are somebody that wants Manning. We may have a lot, but that doesn't mean Pioli will be willing to structure or promise as much money up front as other teams. That is under the idea, for sake of arguement, that Pioli is going after him.

Manning will become a free agent the minute he is released

Posted by Mike Florio on March 6, 2012, 11:29 PM EST


Plenty of you have asked for an explanation of Peyton Manning’s status once, as expected, the Colts release him on Wednesday.

It’s simple. He’ll be an unrestricted free agent.

Although free agency officially opens next Tuesday at 4:00 p.m. ET, that applies only to players whose contracts expire then, like Colts receiver Reggie Wayne.

Actually, Manning is under contract for one more year, four if the Colts pick up the $28 million option. The Colts plan to terminate the contract because the contract requires payment of $28 million, regardless of whether the option is exercised or not, before the start of the new league year on March 13. The only way to avoid the payment is to cut Peyton by Friday, March 9.

Of course, the payment also could be avoided if Manning agrees to delay the due date via a revision to his contract. We’ve previously explained that Manning could do that, if so inclined.

Regardless of whether the Colts have asked him to do it or Manning refused, that hasn’t happened.

And so once Peyton is a free agent, he’ll be free to sign with any team. More importantly, he’ll be able to work out for interested franchises, like receiver Randy Moss did on Tuesday with the Saints.

So if the Colts truly believe they can’t watch Peyton throw while he’s still under contract — a flimsy, hypertechnical interpretation of the CBA aimed in our view at allowing the Colts to say to their fans, “How can we pay him $28 million if we can’t watch him throw?”– they can invite him to show what he can do after he is released, and they can try to sign him to a new contract, if he’s interested.

He won’t be. The Colts are rebuilding, and they fully intend to draft Manning’s replacement. The Colts can’t afford to pay Manning, and Manning can’t afford to try to chase another championship with a team that no longer has the pieces to compete.

in the end, Peyton will join a new team, a move that not long ago was as unthinkable as seeing Joe Montana playing for anyone other than the 49ers, and Brett Favre playing for a team not named the Packers.

Under the circumstances, it’s hard not to wonder when we’ll see guys like Tom Brady and Eli Manning in new uniforms, too.

You shouldnt be getting your hopes up. They may say they will take a look but it will be all for show.

Jim Trotter ‏ @SI_JimTrotter
Seahawks are willing to not only pay Manning and sign Wayne, but also adjust the offense to what Manning is accustomed to running.

I don't think the Chiefs would be willing to do that. I'm not sure I would want them too either.

I actually agree on Seattle being a darkhorse. A Manning/Lynch/Wayne combo looks pretty solid on paper. Manning made Collie and Garcon look great.

Jason La Canfora ‏ @JasonLaCanfora Close
49ers focused on Smith, not Manning, at QB now. Have offer on table to Smith and hope to get him signed sooner rather than later

If Manning wanted to come here, and the sticking point was the offense being tailored and signing Wayne, why wouldn't you do that?

I just don't see the Chiefs outbidding people for Manning or RGIII.

Why not? Wayne would add depth. A good rotational player.

I wouldn't have Reggie Wayne be the reason to NOT sign Manning.

No idea, just sounded right.

I'm fine with Wayne, don't know about changing hte offense.

Our offense is "tailored" to suit Matt Cassel...it would not be a loss IMO if we changed it to suit Manning.

Edit* Hell...this team lacked any sort of offensive identity last season. We have a new OC. Run whatever Peyton wants to run...it is going to change regardless with Daboll.

Me either mostly because they are in love with Cassel and cheap