Peyton Manning to Washington Redskins Is Just Crazy Enough to Happen

Four summers ago, the month of July 2008 belonged to an un-retired Brett Favre and his very public divorce from the Green Bay Packers. Now, the Indianapolis Colts and Peyton Manning are threatening to take control of Feburary 2012 just as Favre and the Packers did that dramatic summer.

Manning is recovering from a neck injury that cost him the entire 2011-12 season. Most believe that the Colts will release Manning before his $28 million roster bonus comes due on March 8th.

Until that date, anything is possible. We'll know more once Manning meets with Colts owner Jim Irsay, but the wide assumption here is that Manning will be out of work before March 8th.

Everything considered, a scenario that is now gaining steam is the possibility of the Washington Redskins signing Manning once he is released by Indianapolis.

While I, personally, would never endorse such a move for the Redskins franchise—Washington desperately needs a young, long-term option—this is just the kind of move you can see the Redskins pulling the trigger on.

If Manning proves to be healthy, Redskins owner Daniel Synder certainly has the cap room—almost $30 million—to pique Manning's interest monetarily.

From there, it's about selling a pitch to Manning that Washington is the best place for him to chase another Super Bowl ring.

The first hurdle is that the Redskins do not currently have much to offer Manning in terms of offensive weapons.

Santana Moss is under contract but fading quickly. Tight end Fred Davis looked like a breakout candidate but was suspended for the last four games and is a free agent. Jabar Gaffney is nothing more than a role player. Running backs Roy Helu, Evan Royster and Tim Hightower form a solid trio, but I'm not sure there's a Marshall Faulk or Edgerrin James in there. 

However, with $30 million in cap room comes the ability to add other free agents, and you'd have to think the Redskins would give Manning some say in which big names they target. Remember, both Reggie Wayne and Pierre Garcon are free agents, so one or both could follow Manning to Washington to help the Redskins receiving corps.

Other free agent receivers include Marques Colston, Dwayne Bowe, Vincent Jackson, Stevie Jackson and DeSean Jackson. 

There's also the appeal of playing for head coach Mike Shanahan, who has two Super Bowl rings from working with another veteran, Hall of Fame-bound quarterback in Denver.

Is it enough stacked together? We'll see. Manning will certainly get looks from the Miami Dolphins, New York Jets, San Francisco 49ers and others.

But I'm not sure you can rule out Manning to Washington, no matter how poor a decision it would be, until either side say they aren't interested.

In this month of Manning, keep your eye on the Redskins.