ESPN: Colts to release Peyton Manning Wednesday
Mar 6, 2012, 11:18 PM | Updated: Mar 7, 2012, 6:42 pm
The suitors for Peyton Manning can start lining up for their shot at landing
arguably the best quarterback in the NFL.
ESPN’s Chris Mortensen is reporting the Colts will release Peyton
Manning Wednesday, effectively ending his 14-year career with the team.
The announcement is expected to come at a press conference in
Indianapolis.
It’s not a surprise the Colts decided to pass on the $28 million bonus owed
to Manning due to lingering concerns over his health. Manning is
recovering from three neck surgeries and missed the entire 2011 season.
Manning, who’s been cleared by doctors to resume playing, will now
become a free agent. The four-time MVP has contended he will be ready for
the 2012 football season and that he intends to play.
Arizona has been linked to Manning as a possible destination for the
veteran quarterback, if in fact he became available. Now that he is, the level
of interest from the Cardinals remains to be seen but Manning is seemingly
a perfect fit for a team that could choose to upgrade at the quarterback
position. The Cardinals also boast weapons like wide receiver Larry
Fitzgerald, who could be an ideal target for Manning.
Manning led the Colts to the postseason 11 times, won two AFC
championships and one Super Bowl championship.
