Kerry Collins Signing Makes Peyton Manning Monster Contract Look Even Dumber

Kerry Collins' signing with the Indianapolis Colts somewhat highlights the one major concern with Peyton Manning's recent mega-deal with the Colts.

Manning is the most durable player in the NFL today, having never missed a start since becoming a starter on the opening day of his rookie season in 1998.

Being the model of consistency, it is no surprise that the Colts have never invested heavily in their backup quarterbacks over the years. That has come back to bite them now, as they must turn to Kerry Collins to learn the team's system and probably start in two weeks.

While I don't believe that this neck injury will end Manning's career or even prevent him from playing again this season, it does throw into question the intelligence in giving Manning the huge deal he signed in the offseason.

The Colts and Manning agreed upon a five-year deal worth up to $90 million which will see him be a Colt until 2016.

In 2016, Manning will be 39 years of age. Making a 35-year-old quarterback—irrelevant of the quality—one of the highest paid players in the league and locking up money in him long term is a very risky move.

The fact that Manning is at worst the second best quarterback in the league right now means that the Colts had better options.

The team had franchise tagged him for the coming season to prevent him from hitting free agency and while he wasn't happy about it, the new CBA would have essentially forced Manning to play under those terms. He could always have retired but I don't believe any of us really believe that he would do that.

Franchise tagging Manning made more sense for the Colts financially as he would be receiving the average of the top five at his position, or in other words, less than what his new deal gave him.

While many would say that this is showing a lack of faith or even loyalty to the face of the franchise, in reality this was the best business decision and football still remains a business above all else. The recent lockout proved that.

Now the Colts have committed a huge percentage of their resources in a 35-year-old quarterback whose body is undoubtedly in decline. Even without this injury, Manning's durability wasn't going to be at the height that it has been throughout his career.

Everyone watched as Brett Favre struggled with his consistency over the past few seasons and Favre is probably the most durable quarterback in NFL history.

With the Colts offensive line in rebuilding mode Manning's health could be in serious jeopardy now that he is moving closer to 40 rather than 30.

The Colts should have taken the same approach that the Pittsburgh Steelers are taking with Troy Polamalu. The Steelers focused on re-signing their younger stars on defense over Polamalu this offseason preferring to see him prove his health.

While Polamalu has had many more injury issues than Manning throughout his career, he is a lot younger than Manning.

The Colts decision to re-sign Manning was definitely a personal decision rather than a business decision. Personal decisions always involve much more risk than decisions made off business logic.

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I also write for Irish Central and Fantasy Football Life.