NFL Rumors: Peyton Manning and Jim Irsay Already in Negotiations for Return?

As the Peyton Manning saga continues to play out, rumors and rumblings are coming fast and furious. On Thursday night Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay indicated that he and the four-time MVP quarterback are already in negotiations regarding the player's possible return to the team.

Count me among the people surprised at this development if it does indeed prove to be true. I have been of the opinion that Irsay had all but already released Manning, and had essentially moved on in his mind to Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck.

Earlier in the week Irsay claimed he would be willing to welcome Manning back to the team if the two sides could come to some sort of financial agreement. But frankly, I'm still not convinced that is actually true. I believe Irsay is just saying that sort of thing to make it look like Manning walked away in the end and was not forced out.

But if the Colts are actually involved in some sort of actual contract negotiations with their long-time signal-caller, things may be far different than we've been led to believe. Maybe Indianapolis is considering moving the No. 1 overall pick to stockpile draft picks and players that are sorely needed on the team's thin roster. Maybe Irsay actually believes Manning could be fully healthy by the start of 2012.

Then again, maybe tomorrow will bring another random tweet from Irsay's very active Twitter account that will throw the whole process up in the air yet again. 

While last night's news certainly is promising for anyone who would like to see Manning back under center in Indianapolis, it could just be another turn in this roller coaster ride. 

I get the feeling it's going to be a long three weeks until the March 8 deadline for the Colts to decide on what to do about Manning's $28 million roster bonus.