Peyton Manning: 10 Reasons the Colts Shouldn't Franchise Tag Him
Just like the dubious fate of the 2011 NFL season as a whole, Peyton Manning's future next year is shrouded in uncertainty.
With all of the labor talk swirling, it's easy to forget that the future Hall of Famer is no longer under contract.
Manning is still capable of playing at an extremely high level, and wherever or whatever contract he signs it will put him among the highest paid players in the NFL.
Of course, the Indianapolis Colts want nothing more than to retain the face of their franchise.
If the two sides can't come together on an agreement, Indianapolis could opt to franchise tag the most polarizing player in team history.
Would it be a smart move? Read on to find out.
No. 10: He Could Get A Long-Term Deal
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Sources reported to ESPN that the Colts have offered Peyton Manning a contract that exceeds the $72 million contract with $48.5 million in guaranteed money that the Patriots and Tom Brady agreed to.
There should be no problem here, right? Just sign the deal and get on with it.
Well...
No. 9: Time to Move On?
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...there are also reports that the Colts want to maintain some level of financial flexibility for next season—as well they should.
The Colts have done a tremendous job of building through the draft. Since 2004 the Colts have signed just four free agents—an obviously effective strategy.
However, Peyton Manning is 35 and the window is closing. The Colts need to do everything in their power to win now.
No. 8: Pay Me Now Vs Pay Me Later
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To maintain financial flexibility for next season and sign Manning to that aforementioned contract the Colts would have to defer the majority of his payment.
This is something you would expect Peyton Manning to do. He has to have plenty of cash on hand, and you would expect he wants the Colts to be as strong a team as possible for next season.
However, he has yet to sign the contract....
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No. 7: Have The Colts Set a Deadline to Franchise Him?
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It is reported that the Colts are prepared to place the franchise tag on Manning should they not get a deal done before the CBA expires on March 3rd.
Once a player is "tagged" they can still continue to negotiate a deal with their current team. The Colts did this in 2004 before they inked Manning to his long term deal.
No. 6: Pay Me Now
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With the kind of money being reported the only possible sticking point keeping Manning from signing the deal would be the time the funds are dispersed.
That would mean Manning is demanding that he receives more of his money up front than the club is willing to offer, and as a consequence severely damage the Colts ability to better themselves.
No. 5: Will There Even Be Football Next Year?
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Without a Collective Bargaining Agreement in place for the 2011 season, there is no guarantee that the franchise tag will be included in the new one.
The NFL maintains that the franchise tag is still a viable option for teams. This seems a bit cocky going into a negotiation. Especially considering the majority of players who are franchised hate it.
There is also no telling how much they will agree the franchise tag is worth. Currently franchised players receive the average of the top-5 players at their position from the previous season.
No. 4: Negotiations: The Great Unkown
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Let's just say as a concession to the players, for having an 18 game season, the owners agree to get rid of the franchise tag.
This would then set free every player who had the franchise tag placed on them before the agreement was reached.
If the Colts did franchise Manning and this happened he would now have the bitter taste in his mouth of a failed negotiation.
Teams like the Titans and Redskins would then be swooping in like preying vultures to try and purchase his services.
No. 3: The Small Window to Negotiate
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Whenever the new CBA is reached it is likely going to be a mad dash for free agents.
There will likely be little or no training camp and a much smaller window to sign guys and get them integrated into the system.
Every day that goes by, after the new deal is reached, in which they have Manning under the franchise tag is a very crucial day they miss at trying to lure a free agent to the team.
No. 2: Manning Could Make Some Concessions
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The Colts have reportedly made a very fair offer to Manning.
Now, they need him to agree to defer enough money to allow them to pursue free agents in 2011.
If he is unwilling to do this before March 3rd the Colts cannot allow him to hold a position of power over them.
On the one hand placing the franchise tag on Manning will allow them to exclusively negotiate with Manning. On the other hand not placing the tag on him will not preclude them negotiating with him.
The Colts have laid out there plan to Manning he can either get on board or not.
They need to make Manning adjust to their plan and not the other way around.
No. 1: The Conclusion
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No team, or fans of a team, wants to see a franchise player walk away, but the ultimate goal is to win a Super Bowl.
Unless Manning leaves some money on the table, the Colts will never be able to pursue some free agents.
And never able to contend for the Super Bowl.
Placing the franchise tag on Manning would leave them with the most money tied up for the 2011 season of any of their options.
But, there is no reason to believe Manning might not be amenable to taking a hometown discount to finish his Hall of Fame Career in Indianapolis.
Can you really imagine Manning suiting up for the Redskins?
Don't expect him to bolt the Colts.
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