Peyton Manning: 5 Factors That Will Decide QB's Fate

Former Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning is busy being courted by a number of NFL teams in hopes of wooing him to their roster. While a decision is pending, it’s worth examining the major factors that will determine where Manning ultimately ends up.

The biggest factor is health. Though Manning is a legendary quarterback with accolades longer than his face, one cannot ignore the fact that he’s undergone four neck surgeries in a year-and-a-half’s time.

Manning isn’t going to throw when he meets with prospective teams, so whichever squad brings him on will have to have faith that he’ll be 100 percent able to start come September.

Money is also a factor. Though Manning won’t get a mega deal because of his health concerns, he’s a four-time MVP with a Super Bowl ring, so he will still try to command the prettiest penny he can get.

The ability for a team to be competitive and reach the playoffs will also be a factor in Manning’s decision. He will need either a stable of established, high-quality receivers to throw to or a team willing to make the necessary additions at receiver via both free agency and the draft.

That team will also need to be a proven success; there’s no time for Manning to be part of a long-term rebuilding effort when he’s 36 years old and taking the field in Week 1.

Location is also important. Manning doesn’t want to play for a cold-weather team if possible and would prefer to remain in the AFC, where he’s spent his entire career. There’s no mistake that there’s just one NFC team in the running to snag Manning, and it’s Arizona—an indoor, warm-weather team.

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