Landing Spots If Peyton Manning Returns For 2016 Season
By Erik Lambert
It could be the last rodeo for future Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning. Nobody knows for sure what the intentions are of the 39-year old. If he wins a second ring, common sense says he’s almost certain to retire, having been able to ride off into the sunset the way a legend of the game should. However, if he doesn’t, could it mean he’ll return in 2016 to give it one last shot?
The possibility is definitely out there, though Archie Manning believes much of it will depend on health and whether Peyton is willing to move to another team, remembering the trauma of his exit from Indianapolis. This signals the likely scenario that the Denver Broncos plan to move on from him regardless of the outcome of the Super Bowl.
Archie Manning: Peyton 'knows' he won't be with the Broncos in 2016 https://t.co/MJ1FeRJRvU pic.twitter.com/HaBcAMbirv
— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) February 5, 2016
Age and money will be the primary factors as Manning will turn 40 and count $21.5 million against their salary cap. So if he decides to get that body up for one more season, who are some teams that might be willing to take the risk?
Los Angeles Rams
This isn’t a surprise considering word came out the Rams were exploring the Peyton idea already. It makes perfect sense. Their roster is now rich with young talent on both offense and defense but they’ve continuously been held back by problems at quarterback with guys like Nick Foles and Case Keenum failing to do more than occupy the position. Even Manning in his current state would be an upgrade.
Houston Texans
Did anybody watch Brian Hoyer in the playoffs? Yeah, so it’s a no-brainer the Houston Texans would be interested in Manning. He’d have a strong defense to lean on and an emerging superstar in DeAndre Hopkins to help him at wide receiver. If the Texans could add a solid running back to replace the fading Arian Foster it could get them into the title picture.
Philadelphia Eagles
Wouldn’t this be something? Big brother joins the division with little brother. Peyton Manning takes over control of the team that is the sworn enemy of Eli Manning and the New York Giants. Sam Bradford is no guarantee to return in 2016 for the Philadelphia Eagles, leaving their quarterback position in serious question. Peyton would make a solid stopgap until they find a younger option. He’d have a young, versatile receiving corps and a big running back in DeMarco Murray to feed.