Peyton Manning Rumors: Why Washington Redskins Are Perfect Match

Free-agency rumors are starting to pick up as the 2011-2012 NFL season draws to a close.  Yet if there's one man who stands at the epicenter of these rumors, it's Peyton Manning. 

Manning is not only the greatest player in the history of the Indianapolis Colts organization, he's also one of the most prolific players to ever stand under center. 

While the marriage between Manning and the Colts ownership has soured in recent weeks, Manning is now medically cleared to play and seems intent on doing just that in the coming 2012 NFL season. 

There are a number of teams right now who are desperate to see a changing of the guard at the quarterback position and Manning, although he turns 36 in March, is seen as a coveted target in the free-agent market. 

One of the teams considering Eli's big brother is the Washington Redskins. 

Here are five reasons why Peyton would do well to end his career in Washington, DC.

The Redskins Have Legitimate Interest in Manning

All roads to DC inevitably lead to dealing with the three men pictured above: Mike Shanahan, Bruce Allen and Dan Snyder.

Adam Schefter of ESPN tweeted on Super Bowl Sunday that if released, Manning would likely be targeted by the Redskins.

Not that the news itself is very shocking, considering the Redskins' situation and the likelihood that Manning will become available in the near future. 

Schefter, though, is about as reliable as it gets in terms of sources.

There must be some real interest there, and we can expect more movement coming from the front office in Ashburn very, very soon.  

If it comes down to a bidding war between the Redskins and, say, Miami or Arizona, it helps having an owner with pockets as deep as Dan Snyder's. 

"

 

"

The Redskins Could Get Manning for a Relative Bargain

Even at the ripe age of 36, one would expect Peyton Manning to demand a relatively sizable salary. 

While that may be the case, Adam Schefter also reported via his Twitter page that Manning would not demand any guaranteed money in his contract and that it would instead refer to bonuses and incentives.

That's huge for the Redskins, especially when you consider the guaranteed money that they poured down the drain for the infamous Albert Haynesworth. 

It would also mean that Manning is a less risky investment than many previously thought. 

With no money guaranteed, the Redskins would be in a far less prickly situation financially if (God forbid) something didn't work out with Peyton as the Redskins quarterback.

Either way, it's an encouraging sign that Manning is willing to be flexible, and teams targeting him in free agency would probably embrace it as welcome news.  

Peyton Manning Seems to Be Interested in the Redskins, as Well

It always helps perpetuate something along the rumor mill when both parties involved seem to share a mutual interest. 

Howard Eskin of NBC 10 in Philadelphia, who was also in attendance for Superbowl XLVI, tweeted that several people close to Manning indicate the chances of him ending up in DC is very likely. 

While Eskin could not confirm who it was that was close to the gunslinger, it certainly speaks to the validity of the talk surrounding Peyton and the Redskins when something comes from the Manning camp itself. 

It also points to the apparent subterfuge that Peyton has put up to deflect any serious news of his signing with a new team up to this point.  It would seem, if the rumors are true, that Peyton is waiting for a specific point in time to make it public who he is in talks with and when a deal will be finalized. 

I love this cloak-and-dagger stuff.  Don't you?

The Brothers Manning Would Be Perfect in the NFC East

Aside from all of the various reasons why Peyton Manning would be a great addition to the Redskins' clubhouse, there lies another reason which would probably benefit the NFL as a whole.

That is having both Eli and Peyton Manning playing for conference rivals in 2012. 

Chuck Carroll for footballnewsnow.com recently commented on Peyton's recovery and Eli's take on big brother's return to the field.

While Peyton is still doing a great job of where he'd like to land in the coming months, there are a few things that may well influence his decision, and you have to imagine that baby brother fresh off his second Super Bowl win over the New England Patriots just might entice him to head East.  

It would be the biggest headline throughout the entire 2012 season, and with Peyton under center for the Redskins and Eli looking for a little revenge after going 0-2 against the 'Skins in 2011, one would imagine this rivalry would intensify tenfold.  

The speculation will remain ceaseless until Peyton Manning declares his intention to make a move.  From what we've seen go on between Manning and Jim Irsay in the last few weeks, a move seems imminent. 

At least to this writer, there are plenty of reasons why Washington could be a good place for Peyton Manning to settle.