7 Reasons Why Peyton Manning Makes Sense in a Jaguars Uniform

At some point, the Indianapolis Colts will do the unthinkable and release Peyton Manning. It could happen as early as this week.

While common sense says for "The Team That Peyton Built" to try and trade him for a king's ransom instead of just releasing the four-time MVP, it will be a sad day in Indiana.

But with sadness in the Midwest comes joy for 31 other teams, or at least, teams that could use his services. (I believe there are about a handful teams that would be better off without his services.)

Each NFL team that did not make the playoffs last season could make a serious argument for the need to add arguably the best quarterback of the past 20 years to their roster.

On that list is the Jacksonville Jaguars. The 5-11 Jacksonville Jaguars. The team that released David Garrard, started Luke McCown and replaced him with Blaine Gabbert in less than 20 days.

Could the Jaguars have an interest in the soon to be 36-year old Manning? How about asking yourself this question, "Would you rather have Peyton Manning at 75 percent or Blaine Gabbert at 100 percent?"

That is the type of question team owner Shahid Khan and general manager Gene Smith must ask themselves before making such a bold move.

Here are some reasons why having Manning on a team like the Jaguars makes sense.

It Shows Shahid Khan Will Win at Any Cost

Khan has said he wants to bring a winner to Jacksonville. He also said he would do what it took to make that happen.

If there are teams who will get into a bidding war for Manning's services, you know Jerry Jones, Woody Johnson, Daniel Snyder and Stephen Ross will be part of that fight.

Khan looks to be another high roller who can jump into that mix. Khan has money, does not have an issue telling people he has money and is willing to spend it.

It May Bring in Free Agents to Help the Receiving Corps

Imagine if Manning comes to Jacksonville. Does that mean free agents like Reggie Wayne and Pierre Garcon will join him?

That solves two problems right there.

It also means that other receivers will find the Jacksonville market that much more attractive.

Jacksonville have not had true "dynamic receivers" since Jimmy Smith and Keenan McCardell. They need an identity at wide receiver.

Blaine Gabbert Gets Another Season to Learn

Gabbert was a true junior when he decided to come out for the draft. He was younger than any passer to start an NFL game this season. And he was completely lost last season in Dirk Koetter's offense.

Now a new coach, offensive coordinator and quarterback coach will be coming in. It's a daunting demand to ask him to learn a new system in his second season and become a magician.

If Manning comes in, it allows Gabbert to sit and learn from the best. He still needs to be comfortable with his surroundings. Gabbert looked like a deer in headlights last season.

This could really help him mature as a player.

Maurice Jones-Drew Would Approve of the Move

MJD was more than 46 percent of this team's offense last season. Bringing in Manning would certainly get the NFL's leading rusher's blessing.

Manning's play, even at 75 percent, would open running lanes and confuse defenses.

MJD would still get 300 carries a season, but having to game-plan for both Manning and Jones-Drew could lead to more scoring and a more dynamic offense.

It Makes the Jaguars Instant Playoff Contenders

Manning means credibility, and in the AFC South, you don't know what is going to happen.

Will Houston continue to be the best with a stellar defense and potent offense?

Will Tennessee move forward and have Chris Johnson return to his old ways?

Does Indianapolis even look like a competitor?

Jacksonville would have just as good a shot to win the division as anyone else.

It Will Put Butts in the Seats

Manning is a marketing dynamo.

And Jacksonville needs fans in the seats. If having the NFL's top pitchman on your roster does not put people in seats, then this team is hopeless.

And fans want to see a winner, or a team looking to become one.

Fans have been on the fence as to whether they want to plunk money down to see a "potential" hazard on the field.

This ensures the team is trying.

It Makes the Jaguars the Best Team in Florida

This past season, the three teams in the state of Florida combined for 15 wins on the year.

That's nothing great to write home about.

With Manning, you get interest again. But you also signal to the other two teams in the state that you are serious about winning, putting fans in the stands and being the best in Florida.

There is nothing wrong with that.