Peyton Manning: 5 Reasons to Believe He Is Not a Colt in 2012

The Indianapolis Colts have officially locked up the No. 1 overall pick in this years 2012 NFL draft, so now many have to wonder what they will do with quarterback Peyton Manning.

Many assume that the Colts will take Stanford Cardinal quarterback Andrew Luck, and in turn they will have move on from Manning—whether that is Manning's decision or theirs.

While it isn't clear what Manning's playing status is in 2012, the Colts have to be safe and draft a quarterback who could lead their team for the future. 

For these reasons, Manning will not be suited up in the white and blue next season.

Who Knows How His Health Will Be?

Peyton Manning has missed the entire 2011 NFL season because he had neck surgery during this past offseason.

The Indianapolis Colts have been hurting without him, as they only won two games the entire season.

It hasn't been clear what Manning's status will be for next year, but he could be in the same position as he is now if things don't clear up in his neck.

Manning likely won't play if he isn't going to be able to perform like he should, so if his health isn't cleared, don't expect to see the four-time MVP on the field this coming season.

There is no doubt that Manning gives the Colts their best chances to win, but there will be question marks surrounding him if he isn't fully back in form.

They Will Likely Take Andrew Luck

The Indianapolis Colts have the No. 1 overall pick in this year's NFL draft, so pending a trade, in all likelihood they will select quarterback Andrew Luck.

While in the past a quarterback taken first overall has taken a backseat in their rookie season (Eli Manning, Michael Vick), it would be hard to imagine them benching the young quarterback.

The Colts would have a tough decision to make.

If they decide to keep Peyton Manning around, there remains a chance that Luck will demand a trade. Who knows if that is something that he would do, but the Colts would be in a tough place to get off to a bad start with their newly acquired quarterback.

If it comes down to that, the Colts will have to make a tough decision.

If they believe Luck will be their better long-term option versus Manning as their short-term, they will have to choose between the two.

The Colts Could Move to a Total Rebuild

While the Indianapolis Colts have been one of the best teams in the NFL for many seasons, they were really exposed this season as they struggled without Peyton Manning.

While it would seem unlikely, the Colts may decide that now is the time to rebuild.

One of the team's major decisions this offseason will be whether or not to re-sign wide receiver Reggie Wayne.

While Wayne has been a constant contributor to the Colts offense, they may have to move on from the 33-year-old wideout. 

It would be a tough decision for the Colts to make, but considering the age of many of their players, a total rebuild shouldn't be out of the question.

They have many young players coming up, including wide receiver Pierre Garcon. If the Colts do decide to rebuild, they could unload many of their veteran players to teams for draft picks and possibly some young talent. They would than develop all of this around new quarterback Andrew Luck.

It wouldn't be an easy plug to pull, but it may be the one to do.

They Could Get a Lot for Him

If Peyton Manning is healthy and willing to play in 2012, the Indianapolis Colts could likely get a lot for him in a trade.

While it remains to be seen if he would be willing to play elsewhere, if the right situation comes calling he may be open to taking the position.

If he is, though, that team will likely be willing to give up a whole lot for his services.

The Colts could land themselves a nice running back, or even some solid pieces for the defense or offense along with draft picks.

It would be hard to imagine the Colts actually trading Manning, but it could be the situation if they draft Andrew Luck and decide that rebuilding is their best option.

Manning would have to be willing to move, obviously, as teams would be cautious after Jake Plummer decided to just retire after he was traded unwillingly to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

It Won't Be Worth the Risk

Even if healthy, Peyton Manning may find it to be a huge risk to come back and play for the Indianapolis Colts in 2012.

While Manning lives and dies by football, one would imagine that he doesn't live by that lifestyle literally.

His neck injury was serious this past season, so who knows how fragile he will if he were to return. Football is already a dangerous sport as it is, so he will have to decide if 13 years has been enough.

If Manning knows playing now could be a huge risk for his long-term health, he may have to ultimately decide to walk away from the game that he loves.

It wouldn't be an easy decision, but he is a smart guy.

We have seen the effect that football has on many players in their post-playing careers, so Manning may just decide that isn't the route he wants to take with his life.