Titans Owner Bud Adams Steals a Page (and a Manning) from John Elway's Book

Bud Adams wants Peyton Manning in a Tennessee Titans uniform.

He's so anxious to bring Tennessee legend Peyton Manning to Nashville that he's willing to offer lifetime job security.

Some have wondered if he'll give away part of his team in order to land the four-time MVP. While that would be a patent violation of NFL rules, Adams can promise Manning a job after he retires (with certain restrictions):

• The job has to be for fair market value. They can't pay him $20 million to be a "quality control assistant";
• The details have to be approved by the NFL management council;
• The deal has to be in writing.

It's ironic that Adams would try to lure Manning away with a pot-sweetening side deal. It's just such an agreement that landed the Denver Broncos in hot water near the end of John Elway's career. Denver gave Elway cash under the table to avoid the salary cap, and the result was stiff punishment from the league.

Unlike the shady Elway handshake agreement, Bud Adams hasn't (yet) violated any league rules by offering Manning guaranteed employment when his playing career is done.

The larger question is why such an offer would even appeal to Manning. Manning will have his pick of virtually any job in or out of football. No one is as respected for his work ethic and intelligence as Manning.

Essentially, Adams is offering Manning something that he can have anyway.

The real force of the offer isn't the actual job, and I certainly doubt it's any kind of wink-wink "I'll give Archie a share of the team" kind of deal. What makes Adams' pitch so compelling is that it's a full-on commitment.

Manning and the Colts parted ways in large part because Jim Irsay was unwilling to fully commit to Manning. Adams is appealing to Manning's ego and emotions.

I'm all in with you. I trust you. I believe in you.

Those are powerful and seductive words. Peyton Manning doesn't need a job. He needs a team that is willing to do whatever it takes for him.

That's the commitment Bud Adams is making.