Colts Rumors: What Jeff Saturday's Possible Retirement Means for Peyton Manning

There is a changing of the guard in Indianapolis and news keeps getting worse.

A 2-14 season has a tendency to do that.

With the Polians out and Ryan Grigson in, things were bound to change quickly. The firing of Jim Caldwell wasn't unexpected, but plenty of players weren't happy with the move.

One such player, 36-year-old center Jeff Saturday, was genuinely upset for a coach he worked with for 10 years.

The Indianapolis Star quoted him saying:

"

I can't say I'm shocked, but I am sad because for the past (10) or so years, he's not only been my coach but my friend. I know his family, so we're connected beyond football. My prayers are with him and his family. This game can be hard when times go bad, and that's the situation we're in.

I have my own decision to make long before I worry (about) what the Colts are going to do. I'm considering not playing.

"

What the Colts are going to do does directly affect what Saturday may end up doing.

The veteran has started all but six games with Peyton Manning since the year 2000. There is no better center-to-quarterback exchange in the entire league.

If the Colts opt to sever ties with Manning, there is a greatly increased chance of Saturday hanging up his cleats.

If he does so before they make a decision on Peyton, that greatly increases the chances of Peyton wanting out as well.

The Colts are all but locked into drafting Andrew Luck with the No. 1 pick. If they're not going to trade it away, they have virtually no choice. Franchise quarterbacks don't just grow on trees. Ask the Dolphins, Bills, Browns, Redskins and Raiders as they continue to struggle in their search. 

If Saturday does decide to retire, there would be no better time for Peyton to try and line up under another center on another team.

These Colts aren't the Colts that Saturday and Manning helped build. Not anymore.

These two veteran players are essentially all that is left—along with Reggie Wayne—of what the old Colts used to be.

If one of them goes, look for the other to follow.

Chucking the rock on Twitter too.