2011 NFL Trade Speculation: Peyton Manning's Price for Every Team
First, let me be clear. This is purely trade speculation. Key word? Speculation.
The lockout has created a situation for writers on Bleacher Report, and throughout the web where there is little to no "news." When the biggest news for NFL writers is Twitter quotes and lawsuits, you know things are slow.
So, I would like to apologize, in advance, for an article of speculation. This article has little to no value in terms of news, but is meant to be a fun slideshow pinpointing just how valuable Peyton Manning is to the Indianapolis Colts.
The Colts are built around Manning, and he makes them a Super Bowl contender every single year. Thus, in order to trade him, the Colts must receive a package that would keep them a Super Bowl contender, or give them the pieces that would make a dynasty possible for the future.
Of course, the Colts would likely never trade Peyton Manning. He is the franchise. He is Indianapolis.
But let's pretend they might, for the right price.
Arizona Cardinals
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Arizona Cardinals Package: Larry Fitzgerald WR, Adrian Wilson SS, Patrick Peterson CB, Dan Williams DT, 2012 first-round draft pick
The Colts would need to revamp their defense if they were to compete without Peyton Manning. The weakest spot for the Indianapolis Colts defense right now is strong safety, where Bob Sanders must be replaced. Adrian Wilson would do that nicely, making a great combination with Antoine Bethea.
Cardinals 2011 draft pick Patrick Peterson would round out the secondary, turning a weakness last year into a strength in the future.
Also, 2010 rookie Dan Williams would bring some much-needed beef to the Colts defensive line, bringing more young blood to the Colts.
With Peyton gone, the Colts desperately need firepower on offense and Larry Fitzgerald would bring that. Bringing in Fitzgerald would provide Reggie Wayne's eventual replacement, and give Manning's replacement more to work with.
Even with all that, the Colts would need to find a serviceable quarterback, which they may not find in free agency. Still, with the Cardinals' 2012 first-rounder, they are in play for Stanford's Andrew Luck.
Atlanta Falcons
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Atlanta Falcons Package: Matt Ryan QB, Julio Jones WR, William Moore SS
With this package, the Colts get both immediate contributions, and hope for the future as well.
While Matt Ryan is no Peyton Manning, he has the tools to be an elite quarterback. Throw in Julio Jones with Reggie Wayne, Austin Collie and Pierre Garcon and Ryan is placed in a position for success. Ryan would be a great quarterback in Indianapolis, but he would need to improve his playoff record with the Colts.
Julio Jones provides the perfect replacement for Reggie Wayne, and would be a great aid for Ryan as he grows. Wayne would be a great receiver to work under, helping Jones to become the monster he has the potential to be.
Moore is the key piece here. He panned out wonderfully for the Falcons this past year, hitting hard and picking off five passes. If he continues to develop, he would be a key piece in boosting the Colts defense.
Baltimore Ravens
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Baltimore Ravens Package: Joe Flacco QB, Haloti Ngata DT, Ed Reed FS
Again, the Colts take a promising, young QB to replace Manning. If a team has a solid quarterback, the Colts are going to need to take him, considering current backup Curtis Painter is terrible. In this case, Flacco has the ability to take over for Manning if the defense improves.
Ngata and Reed shore up the Colts' two biggest defensive weaknesses, safety and defensive tackle. While Reed is a free safety in the Ravens defense, the Tampa 2 safeties are fairly interchangeable, allowing him and Antoine Bethea to work together. Ngata would give Dwight Freeney, Robert Mathis and Fili Moala plenty of room to work with on the line, making the defense a strength for the Colts.
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Buffalo Bills
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Buffalo Bills Package: Ryan Fitzpatrick QB, Steve Johnson WR, Donte Whitner SS, Kyle Williams DT, 2012 second-round draft pick
The Bills don't have much to give, but they manage to have enough serviceable players at the Colts' needs to get a deal through.
Fitzpatrick would be the replacement for Peyton, albeit a poor one. He has failed to impress during his time as a starter, but new weapons on the Colts might be able to jump-start his career. Bringing in his favorite 2010 target in Steve Johnson could help that transition. Johnson emerged as the Bills' best receiver in 2010, catching 82 balls for 1,073 yards and 10 touchdowns. He would be a great addition to a receiver corps with injury questions.
Donte Whitner and Kyle Williams would provide much-needed security for the Colts' two weakest defensive positions. Whitner is a solid tackler for the safety team, and Williams is a top-flight tackle to shore up the line.
Of course, this may not keep the Colts in a playoff position, but an extra second-rounder in 2012 could push them over the edge.
Carolina Panthers
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Carolina Panthers Package: Cam Newton QB, Steve Smith WR, Sione Fua DT, Ryan Kalil C, 2012 first-rounder
Like the Bills, the Panthers don't have much to work with—I suppose that's why they had the first overall draft pick.
On offense, Newton is a risk, but the 2011 first overall pick has a very high ceiling, and would be better than the alternative in Curtis Painter. Steve Smith still has some left in the tank, and would give the Colts another weapon to stretch the field. Kalil would provide an excellent replacement for aging Jeff Saturday, completely revamping the offensive line.
Sione Fua is a player the Colts looked at before the draft, and would give them a solid player for their 1-technique defensive tackle rotation. Again, this wouldn't keep the Colts in Super Bowl contention, but it would give the Colts a solid, young core and would give them an extra pick for 2012.
Chicago Bears
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Chicago Bears Package: Jay Cutler QB, Gabe Carimi T, Stephen Paea DT, Danieal Manning SS
With this trade, the Colts would receive a good quarterback in Jay Cutler, as well as Gabe Carimi to finish up the offensive line makeover. Many Colts fans were rooting for Carimi or Castanzo for the 22nd pick, and I had them as No. 1 and No. 2 for the best fits for the Colts in my draft preview. Carimi and Castanzo could help keep the offense running at a high level.
Paea and Manning would boost the defense, with Paea being a coveted 1-technique DT before the draft. Manning would be a huge upgrade over Melvin Bullitt, and with luck, the Colts would stay in Super Bowl contention.
Cincinnati Bengals
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Cincinnati Bengals Package: Carson Palmer QB, A.J. Green WR, Jonathan Joseph CB, Robert Sands, Tank Johnson DT
Carson Palmer doesn't have a ton left, but he would be an above-average quarterback for the Colts, especially when you throw in weapons like A.J. Green. With those two added to the Colts offense, it can keep humming along at an elite level.
The big part of this trade is the defensive additions. Jonathan Joseph is a lockdown cornerback, and would be a huge upgrade to the Colts defensive backfield. Sands is no lock for a starter spot, but could be a solid starter in the Colts system (better than Aaron Francisco anyway).
While Tank Johnson has questions, he could allow the Colts' talented 3-technique tackles to shine as he eats up space.
Cleveland Browns
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Cleveland Browns Package: Colt McCoy QB, Peyton Hillis RB, Joe Thomas T, Phil Taylor DT
While Colt McCoy hasn't proven himself as a worthy starting quarterback, surrounding him with weapons would help his development. Hillis would be a very good addition to the Colts running back coalition, and Thomas would be a great addition to the Colts O-line, helping them re-establish their running game.
The prize here is Thomas, who is arguably the best left tackle in the NFL. Taking him would allow Castanzo to take right tackle, Ijalana to take guard and then the other guard spot would be Charlie Johnson.
Phil Taylor is an unproven rookie, but would add great potential and ability to the Colts defensive line.
Dallas Cowboys
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Dallas Cowboys Package: Tony Romo QB, Miles Austin WR, Leonard Davis G, Terence Newman CB
Once again, the Colts get a decent replacement in Romo, who brings along Austin and Davis to stabilize the offense. Austin provides a deep threat either out of the slot or in Reggie Wayne's spot, pushing him to the inside. Davis fills the weakest spot on the offensive line, making it a strength for the Colts.
Newman is a good addition for the secondary, bolstering the cornerbacks, and giving the Colts four solid, starter-worthy corners.
Here, the Colts still have weaknesses on defense, namely at safety and tackle, but the offensive firepower may be able to offset that. Plus, the addition of Newman may allow one of the corners to transition to safety, such as Kelvin Hayden.
Denver Broncos
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Denver Broncos Package: Kyle Orton QB, Brandon Loyd WR, Champ Bailey CB, Brian Dawkins FS, Quiton Carter FS
The Colts don't get a ton of help on offense with Orton, but he should be serviceable in Indianapolis. Lloyd presents a true stretch-the-field-type of player, something the Colts haven't had since Marvin Harrison. With 18.8 yards per catch last year, he was far above any of the Colts receivers.
In the secondary, the Colts receive huge upgrades, with Bailey solidifying the Colts rotation at cornerback. The acquisition of Dawkins and Carter makes it easier for the Colts to let Melvin Bullitt walk, saving them cap space. Dawkins will prove an excellent safety in the Colts system, and Carter is a player that could grow into his replacement.
Detroit Lions
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Detroit Lions Package: Matt Stafford QB, Calvin Johnson WR, Ndamukong Suh DT, Louis Delmas FS
With this package, the Colts get just about everything that they need. With Stafford, they receive a good quarterback who has the potential to be great (if he can stay healthy). With Johnson they get a premier receiver to add to the arsenal. Stafford and Johnson have already been great in Detroit, adding Reggie Wayne to the field can only help that connection.
The Colts also get Suh, the great, young defensive tackle, which automatically makes their defensive line one of the best in the league. That should help both their rush defense and their pass rush. The addition of Delmas takes care of their safety problem as well.
The great thing about this trade is that all of the players are fairly young, giving the Colts a promising future.
Green Bay Packers
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Green Bay Packers Package: Aaron Rodgers QB, Nick Collins FS
Another very good group of players for the Colts, as they replace Peyton Manning with an elite quarterback with Rodgers. He should be able to power the offense to similar levels as Manning did last year, albeit with a very injured group of weapons.
While Rodgers isn't at Manning's level, he is younger, which is great for the future.
The Colts also gain a great player who fills the Colts safety need wonderfully. If the Colts can fill the safety spot adequately, then they will continue to be a Super Bowl contender. If not, they're merely a playoff team.
Houston Texans
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Houston Texans Package: Matt Schaub QB, Andre Johnson WR, Brandon Harris CB
The Colts bring in some very fair replacements for Peyton Manning here, with Matt Schaub and Andre Johnson coming in. Schaub has proved to be very capable in the last two years, especially with having Andre Johnson, one of the top three wide receivers in the league, to throw to. However, neither has led his team to the playoffs yet.
Brandon Harris gets thrown in as well, to help the cornerback rotation. With him and Justin Tryon backing up Jerraud Powers and Kelvin Hayden, the Colts don't have to worry about injuries in the secondary quite so much.
Again, this still leaves a lot of weaknesses for the Colts, especially at DT and S.
Jacksonville Jaguars
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Jacksonville Jaguars Package: Blaine Gabbert QB, Tyson Alualu DT, Rashean Mathis CB, Sean Considine FS, 2012 first-round draft pick, 2012 fourth-round draft pick
While Gabbert isn't much of a replacement for Peyton Manning, he does have potential, and could grow into a good quarterback.
However, because Gabbert brings so little to the table offensively, the Colts must retool their defense. Alualu brings another solid defensive tackle into the mix for Indy, and Mathis gives the Colts their fourth starter-worthy cornerback. Considine wasn't great this past season, but would easily start for the Colts.
Still, the Jags don't have much to work with, and a couple 2012 draft picks would be needed to seal the deal.
Kansas City Chiefs
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Kansas City Chiefs Package: Matt Cassel QB, Jonathan Baldwin WR, Glenn Dorsey DE/DT, Brandon Flowers CB
Again, Matt Cassel brings little to the table in replacing Manning, but bringing in a young weapon in Jonathan Baldwin helps ease the pain. Hopefully with the Colts' improved offensive line, Cassel would be serviceable. Baldwin has the potential to be a future No. 1 receiver, and studying under Reggie Wayne would help that process.
Dorsey would be an immediate upgrade over the Colts defensive tackles, helping shore the abhorrent rush defense. Flowers is on his way to being an elite cornerback after another solid season, and would help the secondary return to its 2007 form.
Still, the Colts would likely need a draft pick to sweeten the deal, possibly a third- or fourth-rounder.
Miami Dolphins
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Miami Dolphins Package: Chad Henne QB, Brandon Marshall WR, Jake Long T, Yeremiah Bell S, Vontae Davis CB
While Henne himself does little to replace Manning, Marshall and Long help bolster the offense enough to soften the damage. Marshall would make a fine replacement for Reggie Wayne in coming years, and Long can be a cornerstone on the offensive line.
Defensively, the Colts make their secondary into a powerhouse with Bell replacing Bob Sanders and rookie Vontae Davis providing much-needed depth at corner. Bell is an underrated safety, and Davis could challenge Hayden for the starting spot opposite Jerraud Powers.
Minnesota Vikings
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Minnesota Vikings Package: Christian Ponder QB, Sidney Rice WR, Kevin Williams DT, Lito Sheppard CB
Ponder isn't exactly the ideal replacement for a four-time MVP, but the addition of Rice gives him more than enough weapons to choose from. With the offense the Colts had this year, Ponder wouldn't have a chance, but with a new OL, Rice added in and a healthy squad, Ponder could flourish.
On defense, the addition of a top-three defensive tackle in Kevin Williams makes up for the drop-off at quarterback. Williams would allow the Colts to finally be able to stop the run, and Sheppard provides somebody to fight with Kelvin Hayden for that second starting corner position.
New England Patriots
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New England Patriots Package: Tom Brady QB, Vince Wilfork DT
While Tom Brady is a heck of a player, the Colts would never do a one-man swap with him. The Colts are built around Manning's ability to carry the team, whereas Brady has relied on solid, all-around teams for most of his career.
Brady would be a great replacement for Manning, but would need to change the offense. Hopefully the new offensive line would serve him well, giving him a running game to help him.
In order to build that all-around team, Wilfork is brought in with the trade. This would immediately vault the Colts into elite status, especially with the talent on the defensive line. Freeney and Mathis would be free to watch the quarterback, and the Colts' young tackles Nevis and Moala could grow immensely.
New Orleans Saints
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New Orleans Saints Package: Drew Brees QB, Jahri Evans G, Darren Sharper S
Similar to Brady, the Colts have far too much wrapped up in Manning to do a simple quarterback trade. Brees would be a very good replacement, but Evans would truly turn around a weakness by replacing Mike Pollak at guard (who was awful in 2010). The improved run game would really help Brees keep the offense humming.
Darren Sharper may not be good for much longer, but he would be a marked improvement over Aaron Francisco. Sharper has a knack for big plays and turnovers, something the Colts sorely lacked in 2010, leading to their defense's woeful performance.
New York Giants
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New York Giants Package: Eli Manning QB, Prince Amukamara CB, Antrel Rolle S
Eli is no Peyton, but he would be a very decent player if the rest of the offense were to stay healthy. If he was subject to the pressure Peyton was this past season, Eli would be a dead man, but hopefully that will improve in 2011.
The additions of Prince Amukamara and Antrelle Rolle instantly make the Colts secondary an elite one. Prince and Jerraud Powers would make a devastating starting corner pair, and that would allow Kelvin Hayden and Justin Tryon to come off of the bench. Meanwhile, Rolle and Antoine Bethea would be ball-hawking in center field.
Unfortunately, this doesn't help the run defense.
New York Jets
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New York Jets Package: Mark Sanchez QB, Darrelle Revis CB, Shaun Ellis DE/DT
Mark Sanchez is a very highly touted young quarterback, but he's hardly put up the numbers to be praised much yet. He definitely would not be able to replace Manning very easily. That being said, he could lead the offense to a "good enough" pace, if the defense were improved.
One way to get that improvement is by adding arguably the best defensive player on the planet: Darrelle Revis. Revis would be a lockdown cornerback, allowing the Colts secondary to be league leaders once again. Shaun Ellis could play a tackle in the Colts system, improving the run defense.
Oakland Raiders
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Oakland Raiders Package: Jason Campbell QB, John Henderson DT, Nnamdi Asomugha CB
This is almost an exact replica of the New York Jets slide, where the quarterback is okay, the lockdown corner makes the deal and the defensive tackle is the final push over the edge.
Philadelphia Eagles
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Philadelphia Eagles Package: Kevin Kolb QB, DeSean Jackson WR, Quintin Mikell SS, Marlin Jackson S/CB
Kevin Kolb would be a very good replacement for Peyton Manning. He's smart, can learn quickly and knows his role. Bringing Jackson along would make his transition smoother, and give the Colts a big-play threat. As long as the offensive line improves the run game for 2011, this would be a happy marriage.
Quintin Mikell would be the perfect replacement for Bob Sanders, providing all of Bob's qualities, without the injuries. Jackson brings a fan favorite back to Indy, and somebody who could battle for the SS spot.
Pittsburgh Steelers
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Pittsburgh Steelers Package: Ben Roethlisberger QB, Casey Hampton DT, Troy Polamalu S
Roethlisberger is known as an "elite" quarterback, but his production has not been impressive enough to carry the Colts (in my opinion). Plus, in Indianapolis he would not have the run game to rely on, at least, not right away. That could improve as the young linemen grow.
On defense, Hampton and Polamalu are difference makers at their perspective positions. Hampton would provide a push from the middle every week. Polamalu is a one-of-a-kind player, who makes things happen, like turnovers and big plays—exactly what the Colts need.
San Diego Chargers
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San Diego Chargers Package: Phillip Rivers QB, Vincent Jackson WR, Quentin Jammer CB, Eric Weddle S
Rivers and Jackson would provide the offensive firepower in this scenario, replacing Manning's risk/reward with their own. One of the best young quarterbacks (albeit with no playoff credentials) and a big-play receiver are a big draw, although, they are not worth Peyton Manning.
That's where Jammer and Weddle come in. Both would start immediately, bringing that depth and security into the Colts secondary. Weddle, Bethea, Jammer and Powers—a secondary that would be like the Colts' record-breaking secondary in 2007.
San Francisco 49ers
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49ers">San Francisco 49ers Package: Colin Kaepernick QB, Frank Gore RB, Michael Crabtree WR, Nate Clements CB
Kaepernick was a player that the Colts looked into prior to the 2011 NFL draft. While they wisely passed on him, he may be a player that could replace Manning well. Bringing in Gore would be an upgrade from Joseph Addai, and Crabtree would upgrade an already dangerous receiver corps. These weapons would sincerely help Kaepernick's growing pains.
Adding Clements to the secondary would help boost the depth of the group, a much-needed security in a group that missed plenty of games last year.
Seattle Seahawks
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Seattle Seahawks Package: Matt Hasselback QB, Mike Williams WR, James Carpenter T, Lofa Tatupu MLB
The Seahawks wouldn't offer much defensively, but could offer a legitimate No. 1 receiver to replace Reggie Wayne, another first-round talent for the new offensive line and a savvy, veteran quarterback. Hasselback is a short-term prospect, but could hold the fort down for a limited time. Carpenter is intriguing though, and could be placed anywhere on the line, save center.
Now add a replacement for aging Gary Brackett on defense in Lofa Tatupu and you've got a deal that just might work. Still, this may not fill enough holes to be feasible.
St. Louis Rams
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St. Louis Rams Package: Sam Bradford QB, Austin Pettis WR, Robert Quinn DE
This trade would be the Colts looking to the future. Bradford is the most promising quarterback in the last three classes, performing great in his rookie campaign. In fact, he reminds me of Manning's early career. Pettis would be brought in as a replacement for injury-prone Anthony Gonzalez, or Austin Collie if he gets another concussion.
Quinn is an amazing talent, and would be the pass rusher of the future, along with Jerry Hughes. Hughes and Quinn could be tomorrow's Freeney and Mathis, if they worked at it and tutored under the masters.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
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Tampa Bay Buccaneers Package: Josh Freeman QB, Gerald McCoy DT, Sean Jones SS, 2012 second-round draft pick
Again, the Colts build for the future, but help their weaknesses at the same time. Freeman is a young, promising quarterback who needs to grow, but has shown promise.
McCoy and Jones provide young playmakers at the Colts' weakest positions. This likely wouldn't even be a playoff team, though, unless these young players and the Colts draft picks step up to the plate and contribute immediately.
Tennessee Titans
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Tennessee Titans Package: Jake Locker QB, Kenny Britt WR, Jake Scott G, Michael Griffin S
Bringing in Kenny Britt would help the first-year jitters of rookie Jake Locker, whose presence will not make up for losing Peyton Manning. However, Jake Scott returning to Indianapolis fills out the line with solid players, allowing the offense to not need a Peyton Manning-type player to run it.
Michael Griffin is a playmaking safety who could thrive next to a dependable guy like Bethea, making the defense more prone to cause turnovers, which is always a good thing.
The Colts may need a draft pick to seal the deal with this one.
Washington Redskins
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Washington Redskins Package: Donovan McNabb QB, Leonard Hankerson WR, LaRon Landry SS, DeAngelo Hall CB
Donovan McNabb is aging, and is slowing down tremendously, but Curtis Painter cannot run this franchise. McNabb certainly wouldn't be void of weapons, though, especially with rookie Leonard Hankerson replacing the chronically injured Anthony Gonzalez.
The secondary becomes elite with this trade, largely due to bringing in a top-five safety in Landry. Hall also helps with the lack of turnovers last year, as he had six interceptions. Both players are much-needed additions for depth in the secondary.
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