New York Jets: Top 6 Reasons Peyton Manning Should Play in New York

The moment that we have all been talking about for weeks now is finally here: Peyton Manning is officially a free agent. 

With that being said, it is important to note that he is most certainly the biggest name in free agency that the NFL has ever seen. Currently holding on to some of the most coveted quarterback records and anxiously waiting to break a couple more in this upcoming season, Peyton will be desired by almost every NFL team without a franchise quarterback. And while he may only have one Super Bowl ring to his name, Peyton Manning may quite possibly be the best quarterback to have ever played the game. 

The now pending decision that 35-year-old Manning has to make is one that will affect the NFL drastically. The services of a quarterback with the talent, will, brains and experience of Manning can make almost any team a Super Bowl contender. If you need any proof of that just look at the Indianapolis Colts from 2010 to 2011. In 2010, with the services of a healthy Manning, the Colts posted a 10-6 regular season record along with a second consecutive AFC South championship and a ninth consecutive playoff appearance. In 2011, a Manning-less Colts team finished 2-14 and became the second team in NFL history to begin a year 0-13.

With the immensity of the impact that Manning can make on a team, let us now convince him to come where he will truly be loved, the greatest city in the world, New York.

6. Compete Against Tom Brady

The first reason that should sway Peyton Manning to the Jets is the ability to compete against Tom Brady twice a year in his rival city. Manning and Brady have been constantly compared against each other throughout their careers. No media member is ever able to decide on a definite superior. If Peyton were to come to New York and challenge the dynasty that Brady has created in New England, it would add a great accomplishment to a deep trophy case.

5. Play in the Same City as Eli

The next reason to come to Gang Green is that Peyton would have the opportunity to be in the same city as his brother. Can you imagine a Jets team led by Peyton and a Giants team led by brother Eli, all playing in the same brand new stadium? 

4. Tom Moore

Peyton has played his entire career in the same organization and under mostly the same cast of coaches. Now that the time has come for him to leave his comfort zone, it will be nice to see a familiar face.

Tom Moore, currently an offensive consultant for the New York Jets, was the overseer of Manning's quarterback development for his entire career in a Colts uniform. Both Moore and Manning entered their tenure with the Colts in 1998 and were together up until Moore's retirement from the Colts in 2009.

At least one important familiar face will be around if Peyton decides to bleed green and white.

3. Willingness to Put Pieces Around Peyton

One of the most important aspects of the New York Jets is the aggression of their front office. In recent years, the Jets have shown their willingness to go out and seek the most attractive talent that is out there. The Jets have gotten their hands on multiple big name acquisitions such as Braylon Edwards, Santonio Holmes, Bart Scott, Brett Favre, Plaxico Burress and LaDainian Tomlinson.

The ability to acquire these players says something, not only about the front office's view on the team's ability to win in the near future, but also the attractiveness of the Jets to potential big names that may come on the market in the upcoming weeks (Vincent Jackson, Reggie Wayne, Marques Colston, Mike Wallace).

2. New York Sports Market

The second most important reason for Peyton Manning to come play for the New York Jets is the ability to play in the largest sports market and the greatest city in the world.

Simply put, there is no city like New York in the entire country, and to win in the New York spotlight is the pinnacle of the sporting world.

1. The Ability to Win Now

The most important criterion that Peyton Manning should use to select his team of the future is the ability to win right now. Manning, at 35 years of age, is coming off the first full season injury of his career. He must realize that it is essential that the team he chooses has the ability to win immediately.

That being said, I believe that the Jets have by far the best ability to win in the near future compared to the other options that have been thrown around. The Manning-less Jets have been to two AFC Championships in the last three years, but they constantly come up short because of that one missing piece. With the addition of a quarterback like Peyton Manning, the Jets immediately become Super Bowl contenders more firmly than any other team on Manning's short list (Chiefs, Redskins, Dolphins, Cardinals).