Peyton Manning Rumors: Irsay Claims Manning Must Take Cut to Stay with Colts

The writing has been on the wall for Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts to part ways.

On Tuesday, that writing became even more bold.

Bob Kravitz of the Indy Star tweeted on Tuesday:

Owner Jim Irsay and the Colts made it rather clear on Valentine's Day that the love had faded with their legendary quarterback. By telling him he had to take a pay cut to be with the team, the Colts essentially shut the door on the Peyton Manning era and reopened a new one.

Irsay said, via the Indy Star:

"

We can make it work if he wants to be here. We’d be excited to have him back and finish his career with us.

I want him to be able to make the choice. We would love to have him back here if he can get healthy and we can look at doing a contract that reflects the uncertainty of the...healing process with the regeneration of the nerve.

"

Sure, who wouldn't want a future Hall of Famer to remain under center? But by chopping Manning's salary, the Colts are essentially displaying doubt in the 35-year-old.

I don't exactly blame the Colts. Who knows how Manning will perform after three neck surgeries? Plus, the team is obviously in rebuilding mode.

Anyone who saw their 2-14 performance last season knows they have issues all over the football field.

It's almost like a fail-safe way to ensure the fanbase doesn't retaliate against Irsay. No one wants to be the guy who sends Manning packing. He's an 11-time Pro Bowler and four-time MVP who led the team to a title in 2007.

Irsay and the Colts know Manning won't agree to a pay cut. Stating that "I want him to be able to make the choice" shifts the responsibility onto Manning's shoulders, while knowing they didn't want to re-sign him anyway.

It's a sad moment for the organization, which has become synonymous with Manning throughout his illustrious career. However, it's also a necessary move. Even with Manning next season, the Colts wouldn't be a prime contender for the Super Bowl.

Instead, the Colts can now go about drafting Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck at No. 1 overall in the draft. Meanwhile, Manning can go his separate way, possibly to the Miami Dolphins.

The writing on the wall can now be erased: it's time for a clean slate.