Peyton Manning: Why Indianapolis Colts Shouldn't Dismiss QB so Quickly

Peyton's hopes for a future career are seemingly going downhill quickly, with reports of a fourth neck surgery, and possibly more, needed. He probably won't be paid as much next season wherever he goes, and if he stays, his friends Reggie Wayne and Jeff Saturday probably won't be with him.

From the Colts' point of view, Peyton is 35, seriously injured and will cost $28 million to retain if he doesn't restructure his contract. Those are all significant concerns, but they should still make every effort to keep him with the team.

It is all but a certainty that the Colts will take Andrew Luck with the No.1 pick. But, just because they are doing that doesn't mean they have to choose between Manning, their past, and Luck, their future. These days, few rookie quarterbacks get to sit and learn behind a veteran before they start, let alone behind a living legend like Peyton.

However high Luck's ceiling is, he could be even better than expected when he finally takes to Lucas Oil Stadium. That is, if he is allowed to acclimate slowly, and study with Manning. This would provide an almost seamless transition from one era to another.

On the chance that Manning recovers fully and starts next season healthy, the team should still bring him back to start. Brett Favre played to 41, and George Blanda played to 48.

Yes, those guys weren't recovering from major neck problems in the twilight of their careers. Yes, the Colts would have a ridiculous amount of money invested in one position, and two players. But if he is healthy, Manning probably has at least two good years left in him. Maybe more, if the Colts can get an O-line to protect him, and skill players he can depend on.

Last season proved Manning is perhaps THE most valuable player in the league. Without him, the Colts are 2-14 and gunning for a top 10 pick. With him, the Colts are a playoff team and can score with anyone in the league. There is still hope that he can continue to be the man who makes the second choice possible.

If the Colts do not decide to retain Manning as their starting quarterback, bringing him back as a coach would be the next best thing. He is one of the most intelligent and cerebral quarterbacks to ever play the game. Manning probably knows more about football and the position of QB than a lot of current coaches do.

It would still allow Luck to learn from Manning, although now Peyton would be devoting all his time to coaching him.  No one knows the Indy offense better than No.18, so he would be in a perfect position to pass on the knowledge. 

On a related note, since he knows the offense better than anyone, were Manning to leave for another team, we could very well see a repeat of this situation, but much worse for the Colts.

Finally, why is management so eager to try and sever themselves from their franchise cornerstone? Manning is one of the most marketable players ever. He sells tickets, and he made the Colts into what they are today.

If somehow Jim Irsay and the other Indy brass can keep their living legend in-house, and allow him to finish his career with the team, they would reap the positive press for it. Manning is the Colts. Andrew Luck is just a highly regarded prospect.

Peyton isn't going to pull a Brett Favre, demanding a trade and moving to a hated division rival. He just wants to play and win. He loves Indy and the Colts. And no matter what happens, the Colts have more to gain by keeping him in some way, rather than just letting him go.