Peyton Manning Neck Surgery Gives Colts Leverage They Need to Release QB

All the chatter in Indianapolis has led Colts owner Jim Irsay to finally take a stand. That stand, however, has little to do with him at all.

The controversial owner basically told Peyton Manning that if he wants to stay in Indianapolis, the Colts would be open to working on an incentive-laden contract that hinges on the QB's recovery.

Essentially, all the power rests with No. 18.

Irsay, meanwhile, cannot lose in the public eye as he'll have done everything possible to get Manning to stay. The power move not only forces Peyton's hand, but exonerates Irsay from blame if the future Hall of Fame signal-caller decides to leave.

Knowing no other team in the league will give Peyton a $28 million roster bonus in his current state, the Colts made the only move they could make.

On top of that, news broke of Peyton having a secret, fourth surgery, last year on his neck. According to SI.com, via the Indianapolis Star:

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Citing unnamed league sources, the website reported the Indianapolis Colts quarterback needed a follow-up procedure last summer after his May 23 surgery performed in Chicago to repair a bulging disk in his neck.

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The Colts officially cannot lose in this potential divorce.

There will be fans irate with the possibility of seeing Peyton in another uniform, but if the QB doesn't restructure his deal he'll be the only one to blame for his release.

The organization needs a medical reason for which to cut ties with Peyton before paying him on March 8th, and they now have all the leverage they need.

Irsay put his long-time franchise quarterback under center with an offensive line. The time has now come for Peyton to either take the sack, or call a time out and think things over.

Either way, the Colts can't lose.