Why Peyton Manning and the Kansas City Chiefs Are a Perfect Fit

The next chapter in the Peyton Manning saga is over, as the Indianapolis Colts officially announced his release at today’s noon press conference.

As we all speculate where Manning will line up under center next season, there are no wrong answers at this point, but by dissecting the entire situation, there are a handful of landing spots that are ideal for both Manning at this point in his career and his potential suitor.

The 2011 Kansas City Chiefs, despite losing starters at key positions—safety Eric Berry, tight end Tony Moeaki and running back Jamaal Charles—for the bulk of, if not the entire season, still managed to come one blocked field goal away from winning the AFC West and making a return trip to the postseason.

Comprised of teams either in transition or not deemed as serious playoff contenders, the AFC West will be up for grabs in 2012. And while the situation in Denver seems the most stable at face value, we are all familiar with the roller coaster ride that the Tim Tebow chronicle strapped us into last season.

Despite the fact that the Chiefs are going through a changeover themselves with a new coaching regime, led by new head coach Romeo Crennel, a clean slate could actually bode well for their chances of landing Manning, who is accustomed to being heavily involved with the offense from his days as a Colt.

New offensive coordinator Brian Daboll is sure to bring in his own system, but with a new setting comes tinkering, and with weapons like Jamaal Charles, Dwayne Bowe, Jonathan Baldwin, Steve Breaston and Tony Moeaki, the Chiefs’ offense has a chance to take a huge leap forward with the addition of Manning at quarterback.

As it stands, Peyton Manning just wants to prove he can still strap it up and play football.

I am sure winning games is his next priority, with money in a distant third place.

Not known for spending gobs of cash on free agents anyway, this allows the Chiefs to stay in the discussion while perennial spenders like the Washington Redskins try to bully out the competition.

The Chiefs are a projected $37 million under the salary cap, leaving plenty of room to work out a deal for Manning.

The only hurdle that would need to be cleared would be to decide what to do with current quarterback Matt Cassel, but with a salary cap hit at less than $5.5 million, releasing or keeping Cassel will not be an issue as much as his acceptance of the back-up role.

Despite their recent losing history, Kansas City still shows itself well in the stands with one of the most rabid fan bases in all of sports.

And as bizarre as it would be to see Peyton Manning in a uniform other than that of the Indianapolis Colts, just ask the Chiefs’ faithful how well they received Joe Montana before the 1993 season—coincidentally, the last season the Chiefs won a playoff game.

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