Peyton Manning Rumors: Most Important Thing Titan Fans Are Forgetting about

As of now, I am totally undecided on the issue with Peyton Manning. There are so many pros and cons that it is hard to really put them all together. Heck, we don't even know if he will choose to play for the Tennessee Titans. It's really up in the air at this point.

Some factors are age, ability and, more importantly, tradition. I mean, really, Manning is a legend in Tennessee. Wouldn't everybody love to have him back in his old stomping grounds? 

Well actually, maybe not. There is something that people keep forgetting about that could make or break Manning coming to the Titans. 

That something is Jake Locker.

Having been selected in the first round of the 2011 NFL draft, many assumed that Locker would take over starting duties after a year of studying under Matt Hasselbeck. In limited time, Locker looked very good. So good that people had him labeled as their franchise QB, which is what he was intended to be.

With Manning entering the fray, the waters get even muddier. Sure, he is a legendary QB (certainly a Hall of Famer), but is he really what the Titans want? 

As much as I love Manning, there are still questions about how much he has left in the tank. In all fairness, he is getting older and at his age, injuries tend to mean a lot more than they did when he was younger. 

If the Titans give the keys to Locker, they are set for years. However, just like Manning, there is still uncertainty with Locker. He looked good when he played, but he didn't play that much. They also might want to get another offensive weapon before he is fully comfortable with taking over.

That is the dilemma the Titans face. The old work horse or the new stud? Experience or youth? I have to hand it to the front office, they do have a tough decision.

Some will counter that Manning will only be there for a few more years, so Locker can just wait a little longer. But that raises a whole new batch of issues.

We have seen how good backups are treated in the market. Teams are always trying to snatch them up and give them major money. Even if Manning was only there for a short time, Locker would be a viable candidate in free agency.

I also wonder how much Locker is willing to wait. He does seem to be a nice guy, but I know that a lot of players would be a little annoyed if they were kept on the bench for a long time. It wouldn't help the dynamic of the team if he started to have a problem with Manning.

Then again, Manning might be just what the Titans need to energize the fanbase. He would be regarded as a hero in Tennessee lore, next to people like Davy Crockett. Yes, football is that serious in Tennessee. I would know.

I would have to say that I do like the idea of Manning being a Titan, but I would be happy with Locker, too. I just wanted people to consider another side to the discussion. 

By tomorrow, Manning may have decided which team he will play for, making this article irrelevant. Still, it is worth noting and considering.