Peyton Manning Rumors: Why Redskins Shouldn't Pursue Colts Legend

As Peyton Manning and Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay mince words, the trade rumors concerning Manning are heating up and the Washington Redskins appear to be in the mix.

But, despite Manning's excellence throughout the years, it would be the wrong move for the Redskins to pursue the Colts legend.

Tweeted Bram Weinstein of ESPN on Jan. 13, a report that has been backed up by countless others the last couple of weeks:

Redskins fans, despite enduring the play of Rex Grossman and John Beck this season, shouldn't warm up to this idea.

Let's first examine the position the Redskins are in. Sure, quarterback is their primary concern, but will Manning really elevate their roster to a championship?

The Redskins offensive line, for one, gave up 41 sacks this season, ranked 22nd in the NFL. The receiving corps also isn't what it used to be—Santana Moss took a step back this season at 32 years of age.

The defense, while improving dramatically, still gave up a mediocre 22.9 points per game. This has the look of a team that will be good in a couple years, not next season.

You also have to take a look at who Manning would be lining up against in the NFC East, a division that features the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys, who were both strong pass-rushing teams in 2011.

The question isn't whether Manning would make the Redskins a better team. He obviously would. The question is, would he be able to last long enough with a creaky neck?

The Colts obviously don't think Manning has a whole lot left. Irsay wouldn't have made the coaching changes he did or consider drafting Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck if that was the case.

Amid the rumors of the Redskins going after Manning have also been rumors that they will trade up in the draft to grab Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III, who I believe will become a star in the NFL.

These rumors make a whole lot more sense. The Redskins get a quarterback they can develop as they add pieces and develop their young players. Then, in a couple years or so, they can actually think about winning the NFC East, as Grossman so boldly declared before this season.

Manning is undoubtedly a big name, but sometimes you have to look past the name to determine what's best for your franchise.