After Long, Confusing Path, Don't Be Surprised If Peyton Manning Remains a Colt

Ever since the 2010 NFL season concluded and Peyton Manning underwent his neck surgeries, there has been widespread speculation that he could end up elsewhere. However, the legendary quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts may very well remain in Circle City.

In an article on NFL.com, Colts former executive Bill Polian believes Manning is getting back on track.

"It's marked (improvement) from where he was back in September," Polian said. "He threw it accurately, he threw it with a good, tight spiral, and he threw it with velocity."

Adding to that, another article on NFL.com about Manning coincides well with Polian's remarks. There, kicker Adam Vinatieri told WAXY-790 AM that he's seen progress.

"I haven't watched him the last few weeks, but I did see him at the end of the season," Vinatieri said during the interview. "He was developing nicely. Was he quite all the way back yet? No, probably not. Not to his standards. But, he definitely is not that far off."

So in short, it's obvious that Manning has improved since Aug. 2011, and the odds have increased in regards to whether he'll play next season. As long as he continues to show progress, it would not be surprising to see in under center for the Colts in 2012.

Surely the fans, coaches and teammates will welcome his return after the atrocity that was the 2011 season. After all, before missing all of last year, Manning had built a solid rapport with young receivers such as Pierre Garcon and Austin Collie.

Also, other savvy veterans such as longtime center Jeff Saturday and tight end Dallas Clark would simply help Manning pick right up where he left off.

Include a capable rushing attack with Donald Brown and Joseph Addai, as well as a defense that still has Dwight Freeney, Robert Mathis (if they re-sign him) and linebacker Pat Angerer, and the Colts would certainly improve upon 2011.

Lest we forget about new head coach Chuck Pagano, whose defensive mindset will build a great foundation on the dark side. And then, there's the 2012 NFL Draft.

If Manning remains in Indianapolis, it's not guaranteed that the Colts draft Andrew Luck No. 1 overall. That being said, can you imagine Manning connecting with the draft's top receiving prospect in Justin Blackmon?

Since it would be equally surprising if veteran receiver Reggie Wayne remains a Colt, Blackmon to Indy isn't out of the question.

Then again, Indianapolis would more than likely trade down and stock up for the 2013 draft, which isn't a bad idea, either. Any way you slice this Peyton Manning situation, though, the Colts have opportunities to quickly reload for 2012 and/or 2013 and beyond.

Certainly not the worst situation to be in, considering a 2-14 record from a year ago.

John Rozum on Twitter.