Peyton Manning Rumors: Why Texans Are Wise to Avoid QB

Reports surfaced earlier this week that the Houston Texans might be prepared to get into the Peyton Manning sweepstakes. While this was perceived as a long shot, some thought there was some substance to that idea.

Texans owner Bob McNair has indicated that they have no interest in signing the future Hall of Fame quarterback.

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“We’ve got a quarterback whose foot’s going to be fine. He’s got a great arm, and he can take us to a championship. We’re in good shape in that regard."

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Of course, McNair was talking about Matt Schaub, who has been a really good quarterback for his franchise over the course of the last five seasons. 

There was absolutely no reason for the Texans to show the slightest interest in Manning. They have the nucleus to be a Super Bowl contender right now. It wouldn't benefit them to throw 25 million at Manning, setting off a situation where their roster expenses were primarily focused on a 35-year-old quarterback who missed the entire 2011 season.

Instead, Houston should focus on upgrading at a few positions of perceived weakness. They released Eric Winston, which means that right tackle could be an area of concern.

Houston has also shown interest in getting a reliable No. 2 receiver opposite Andre Johnson in the passing game. If they decide to bypass the draft at this position, the Texans could find some value in the free-agent market.

Of course, you have the Mario Williams factor. While he would have to take a discount to return to Houston, all indications are that they want him back on a long-term contract.

None of these moves would be possible if the Texans decided to make a strong push for Manning. Instead, they would be adding a player at a position where it doesn't seem they need an upgrade.

It makes more sense to build complementary players to the already strong foundation that this team has built over the course of the last few seasons.

After all, they were probably a Schaub injury away from contending for the conference championship in 2011.

You are looking at a championship-caliber team built around some of the best talent in the entire league. Arian Foster and Ben Tate dominate in the run game, while Johnson is one of the best receivers in the modern era.

On the defensive side of the ball the Texans are building something special. They have a tremendously gifted front seven with the likes of J.J. Watt, Connor Barwin, Brian Cushing and Shaun Cody. The Texans' defensive backfield has also improved, mainly due to the acquisition of Johnathan Joseph last offseason.

Why mess up a good thing by bringing in Manning? It just doesn't make much sense to me. I can bet most of you are happy that Bob McNair and Co. decided against getting involved in one of the most overhyped free agent chases in the history of the league.