Peyton Manning: 10 Reasons a New Deal from the Colts Could Get Delayed

In 2010, Peyton Manning set a new career high with 4,700 yards. He also set the NFL record for completions in a season with 450.

He led the Colts to a record-tying ninth straight playoff appearance and had them ahead with under a minute to play in the Wild Card game against the New York Jets.

But the Colts defense couldn't make a stop, and the Jets hit a field goal on the final play of the game, ending the Colts' season and Manning's contract.

It's widely anticipated that the Colts will re-sign Manning sometime soon, and they've reportedly already made an offer.

However, there are several factors that could delay a new deal between Manning and the Colts.

No. 10: Peyton Manning-Reggie Wayne Disagreement

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JANUARY 08: Reggie Wayne #87 of the Indianapolis Colts is tackled as he makes a reception against Darrelle Revis #24 of the New York Jets during their 2011 AFC wild card playoff game at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 8, 2011 in Indianapo

In the Colts' playoff game, star wide receiver Reggie Wayne had just one reception for only one yard.

After the game, Wayne lashed out, saying, “It’s bull. It’s bull, man. I give everything I’ve got no matter what. Every day, I give it everything. And, one ball, that’s all...I shouldn’t have even suited up. I should have watched the game like everybody else. I was irrelevant.”

Manning responded by saying, “It was just a matter of throwing to the guy that was open on each progression.”

Both players have fair points. Wayne was really well covered by Darrelle Revis throughout the game and wasn't open much. At the same time, Wayne had the second most catches in the league, and Manning should have found a way to get him the ball.

While it's highly unlikely there's a big problem between them, Manning could probably get a deal throwing to Larry Fitzgerald in Arizona if he decides not to sign with the Colts.

No. 9: Joseph Addai Leaves

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JANUARY 08: Joseph Addai #29 of the Indianapolis Colts is tackled by Jason Taylor #99, Trevor Pryce #93 and David Harris #52 of the New York Jets during their 2011 AFC wild card playoff game at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 8, 2011 in I

The Colts had the 29th-ranked running game in the league last season. Their best back, Joseph Addai, is an impending free agent, and if he decides to test the market, Manning might take some extra time to think about re-signing.

No. 8: Peyton Manning Contemplates Retirement

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NASHVILLE, TN - DECEMBER 09: Peyton Manning #18 of the Indianapolis Colts stretches before the NFL game against the Tennessee Titans at LP Field on December 9, 2010 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

While it doesn't appear to be the situation, Manning will soon turn 35 years old, and he wouldn't be the first professional athlete to take some time while contemplating retirement.

No. 7: Peyton Wants to Test Free Agency

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HONOLULU - JANUARY 30: Peyton Manning, #18 of the Indianapolis Colts, passes against the NFC team during the 2011 NFL Pro Bowl at Aloha Stadium on January 30, 2011 in Honolulu, Hawaii. (Photo by Kent Nishimura/Getty Images)

Peyton Manning may not want to leave the Colts, but he might want to see what other offers he would have.

There are plenty of teams that would probably be interested, including the Dolphins, Vikings and 49ers.

No. 6: Changes in the Colts Staff

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OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 26: Peyton Manning #18 of the Indianapolis Colts looks on with head coach Jim Caldwell against the Oakland Raiders during an NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on December 26, 2010 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Jed J

If any of the Colts coaches or upper management leave the organization, it will surely delay contract negotiations for Manning.

There have been rumors that head coach Jim Caldwell could be fired, but they have been denied by Colts officials.

No. 5: Manning Wants to Play with a Great Defense

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CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 26: Brian Urlacher #54 of the Chicago Bears tackles Tony Richardson #49 of the New York Jets at Soldier Field on December 26, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bears defeated the Jets 38-34. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

If Peyton Manning is tired of playing with a Colts defense that isn't very good, he could decide he wants to test the market to try to sign with a team with great defense, like the Chicago Bears.

The Bears defense allowed the second fewest rushing yards and fourth fewest points in the league, and the Bears would probably be willing to move Jay Cutler in order to add Manning.

No. 4: Salary Cap Changes

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INDIANAPOLIS - NOVEMBER 28: Peyton Manning #18 of the Indianapolis Colts waits for a play to come from the sidelines during the NFL game against the San Diego Chargers at Lucas Oil Stadium on November 28, 2010 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Chargers won 3

While 2010 was uncapped as the final year of the previous collective bargaining agreement, the salary cap will almost certainly be back in 2011.

The Colts are willing to make Manning the highest-paid player in the league, but they've expressed the need to show reasonable financial constraint to fill out the rest of the team with talent.

In 2009, the cap was set at $128 million per team, and Manning's deal is expected to be worth upwards of $23 million per season if the Colts use their franchise tag on him.

No. 3: CBA Uncertainty

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DALLAS, TX - FEBRUARY 04: NFL commissioner Roger Goodell speaks during a press conference at the Super Bowl XLV media center on February 4, 2011 in Dallas, Texas. The Green Bay Packers will play the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl XLV on February 6, 20

The looming question of whether or not the NFL and NFLPA can reach a new CBA is delaying many contract negotiations around the league.

The Colts haven't delayed negotiations yet, but the lack of a new CBA could delay the deal from being completed.

No. 2: League Year Ends

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FOXBORO, MA - NOVEMBER 21: Peyton Manning #18 of the Indianapolis Colts looks at the clock in the second half during a game against the New England Patriots reacts in the second half at Gillette Stadium on November 21, 2010 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Ph

The league year ends on March 3, at 11:59 p.m., at which point no new contracts can be signed without a new CBA.

If Manning and the Colts can't agree to terms before then, the deal will be delayed at least until there's a new CBA.

No. 1: There Is a Lockout

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FOXBORO, MA - NOVEMBER 21: Peyton Manning #18 of the Indianapolis Colts celebrates a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the New England Patriots on November 21, 2010 at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts. The Patriots defeated the Colts 31-2

If the NFL and NFLPA can't get a new agreement in place before the 2011 season is scheduled to start, Peyton Manning might not ever get another contract.

If the lockout extends for a full season, or two, Manning might not come back to the NFL. He certainly doesn't need the money, and it would be difficult to bounce back after missing a full season at his age.