Peyton Manning Rumors: Legendary QB Best Served to Leave Indy

The time is now for the relationship between Peyton Manning and the Colts to end. If Manning hasn't taken his last snap for Indianapolis, it will be a bad thing for both player and franchise. 

If you're living under a rock and aren't aware of the situation, read what Clifton Brown of Sporting News said:

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Manning is still due a $28 million bonus on March 8. Manning’s health is still a concern. And with the Colts having the No. 1 overall pick and a chance to draft either Andrew Luck or Robert Griffin III, the odds of a Manning-Colts divorce still appear high.

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It isn't hard to draw opinions on Manning and what the Colts should do with him. But why would Manning want to stay in Indianapolis? 

We have to face facts, people. The Colts are a bad team, and 2012 is not going to be any better. Manning is going to be 36 in March, and he has had four neck surgeries in the last two years. That isn't exactly the recipe for a long career from this point on. 

If Manning is going to play in 2012 (and beyond), it needs to be for a contender. There is absolutely no purpose of coming in to be a part of a 5-11 rebuilding project. 

I know it's hard, but we have to remove sentiment from this. Yes, Manning has done a lot for the franchise and city, but that is irrelevant. Going forward is what matters, and there is no reason for either Manning or the Colts to want No. 18 to be quarterback that franchise anymore.

From the Colts' perspective, they have the No. 1 pick and will have a hard time paying Manning and Luck while also building a team. From Manning's perspective, there is no way he wants to finish his career out with a team that wont even make the playoffs, let alone win the Super Bowl. 

Teams like the Jets, Redskins, Dolphins, Cardinals and Seahawks are all much closer to contention than the Colts, and every one of those squads should at least give strong consideration to bringing in a quarterback. That isn't even factoring in playoff teams like the Saints and 49ers that have a free agent at the position. 

For a person that has nothing more than three years left in his career, any one of those locations would be a better fit for Manning.

The fact that Manning and the Colts are in negotiations is baffling. This is a perfect opportunity for both parties to go their separate ways. Both sides would be making the best move looking forward. 

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