Peyton Manning: Jets Coach Rex Ryan Must Keep Manning on His Radar

If you're thinking it's been too long since we've heard from New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan, you're in luck. He has spoken.

Courtesy of Jason La Canfora of the NFL Network, we know that Ryan spoke about a couple of topics on Thursday, including his team's quarterback situation.

Before you ask, Ryan still has faith in Mark Sanchez, but La Canfora noted on Twitter that Ryan is keeping his options open:

Might Peyton Manning be an option?

According to La Canfora, Ryan didn't say yes. However, he didn't say no either:

The exact quote, per Pro Football Talk, was this: “We will do what’s in the best interest of our organization. That means we’ll . . . look at all the possibilities.”

Admittedly, there's nothing here to suggest that Ryan and the Jets are intent on snatching Manning up in the event that the Indianapolis Colts cut him loose. That said, this is definitely a series of comments that makes you go "Hmmm..."

Though Ryan can't come out and say it, he most certainly should be interested in Manning. His team is a star quarterback short of being a Super Bowl contender. And let's face it, Sanchez is not a star quarterback.

Assuming the Colts cut him loose and assuming he gets a clean bill of health, Manning would be an immediate upgrade over Sanchez. The Jets would be a good fit for him because they're in a position to win now. Given all the dramatic reports that have come out since the end of the 2011 season, you also have to think that the rest of the Jets wouldn't mind it if the team brought in Manning and started him over Sanchez.

If the Jets were to bring Manning in, it will be obvious that Ryan's repeated defenses of Sanchez were not what they seemed. But Ryan should not be afraid to contradict himself. If Manning becomes available, the Jets skipper should not hesitate to endorse his signing.

At the very least, it's a possibility. A lot has to happen for it to become a realistic possibility, but Ryan and the Jets would be fools if they didn't entertain the notion of signing Manning down the road.