4 Reasons Why Colts Might Actually Keep Peyton Manning

It's certainly an interesting situation and Peyton Manning's future with the Indianapolis Colts only draws more speculation as each day passes.

Should they keep him or trade him?

What will the Colts do in either of those situations?

Surely there's more questions to be answered, however, despite his age and recent health concerns, can we really see Manning with another franchise?

That said, here's four reasons why the Colts need to keep the NFL's only four-time MVP.

Best/Last Opportunity

Because of his age and health concerns, Peyton Manning won't be playing for another seven-to-10 years.

He does however, still have the opportunity to play with his longtime center Jeff Saturday (if he remains with the team) and tight end Dallas Clark.

As for the rest of the team, Manning has already built chemistry with other receiving targets such as Pierre Garcon, Austin Collie and tight end Jacob Tamme. Not to mention with Manning at the helm calling protection audibles, Indianapolis has a capable rushing attack with Donald Brown and Joseph Addai.

Provided that the Colts can get back on track defensively with leaders such as Dwight Freeney, Robert Mathis (if he stays in Indy) and linebacker Pat Angerer, Indy can return to some glory within a year or two.

The AFC also isn't as strong as it once was, and the NFC has won four of the last five Super Bowls (three straight).

If nothing else though, Manning at least buys time for the next man to develop and learn, much like Steve Young behind Joe Montana and Aaron Rodgers backing Brett Favre.

Help Develop Andrew Luck

Keep Manning and draft Andrew Luck.

No, it's not an ideal situation for the next few years—but it is for the next 15.

First off, take Luck by himself and he's already NFL-ready with all the tangible and intangible attributes. With Manning taking first teams snaps, Luck can only learn more about the minuscule details that make a successful quarterback in the pros.

At the line, Manning does everything he can to manipulate a defense—but that all comes from game-planning and preparation year round.

As great as Luck is right now, it's ludicrous to say that he is in fact the next Peyton Manning. We've seen first-round draft picks flop before, so just because this is Andrew Luck doesn't mean that can't happen.

Worst case-scenario is that Luck would sit behind Manning for a few seasons then explode sometime around 2014 or 2015. In turn, this may lead into the next reason for Manning to remain in Indianapolis. 

Future Quarterbacks Coach/Offensive Coordinator

Peyton Manning as the Colts quarterbacks coach/offensive coordinator. How does that sound?

Now, obviously this can happen at anytime if Manning ever showed an interest in coaching. However, this kind of position would become more appealing if Manning finishes his playing career in Circle City.

Regardless of when he retires, after having the opportunity to lead and influence Andrew Luck, why not take it to the next level and coach/develop him?

Luck couldn't ask for a better position to be in because he's almost guaranteed to improve while learning from a legend. In addition, this would keep the fans of Indianapolis, the national media and football fans everywhere that much more interested in the franchise.

Also, TV ratings would remain high as would game attendance due to Manning's star power.

When Manning played, he had to do a lot of self-education in addition to learning from his coaches and peers, or his consistent success would not have happened.

Coaching would allow him to impart that discipline not only to Luck but the rest of the team as well. As a player then coach of Indianapolis, it would only make his legacy that much stronger.

Legacy

Peyton Manning's incredible career—measure it however you like, be it wins, records, or stats—has insured a grand legacy in Indianapolis.

If he were to lead and influence Andrew Luck as a player, then develop him as a coach, can you imagine how much more remarkable Manning's legacy would become?

The level is unfathomable because we've seen eventual Hall of Famers before him end up elsewhere. Johnny Unitas finished in San Diego, Joe Namath with the Los Angeles Rams, Joe Montana in Kansas City and Brett Favre in New York and Minnesota.

All Hall of Famers but the end of their careers were forgotten because they weren't worth remembering. Well, Manning has a golden opportunity to begin and end his playing career as a Colt, then begin and end his coaching career in the same organization.

Not only is that kind of loyalty rare but it gives that much more credibility to Manning's overall NFL resume.

Now, obviously all this remains to be seen. However, for what Manning has accomplished as a player and what he's capable of accomplishing as a coach, he could end up in a rare player/coach category along with the likes of Mike Ditka and Dick LeBeau.

John Rozum on Twitter.