If Indianapolis Colts Draft Andrew Luck, Should They Trade Peyton Manning?

For Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning, the walls may be closing in on a surefire Hall of Fame career.

On one side is Stanford phenom Andrew Luck, who is a lock to be the No.1 pick in the 2012 NFL draft. Sitting at 0-10 this season, the Colts are likely to have that first pick.

At the same time, the sand in the hourglass of Manning's career is dwindling as he reaches the age of 35. His skills are beginning to depreciate, and the talent in Indianapolis is not improving.

The question now becomes: what to do with Manning from a general manager's perspective? Should Bill Polian retain Manning as a mentor to Luck? Or should Polian trade the franchise signal caller?

We have all the bases covered as we project the best decision for the future of the Colts and Manning. 

Andrew Luck

Is Andrew Luck the prodigy experts claim him to be?

Will he buffer the loss of Peyton Manning for Indianapolis Colts fans?

Luck is the most hyped college quarterback since fellow Stanford alum John Elway. His combination of football intelligence and physical makeup represents the ideal model that scouts crave in the National Football League.

During his Cardinal career, Luck has amassed 8,850 yards and 76 touchdowns. He has a career completion percentage of 66.4, which translates very well to the NFL.

The one unknown surrounding Luck is how he will handle the gargantuan expectations that are placed directly upon his shoulders.

If Manning is dealt on account of Luck's selection in the NFL draft, the pressure multiplies exponentially. The weight he will endure is unfair for a rookie coming out of college.

Regardless, the Colts must accurately project the intangible qualities of Luck before trading Manning and putting the hopes of the franchise on an unproven rookie.  

What Does Peyton Manning Have Left?

The common perception seems to be that Peyton Manning's skills have declined in recent seasons.

I am skeptical that Manning's prime is in the past.

In 2010, his last healthy season, Manning accumulated the highest yardage total of his career. He accrued an astounding 4,700 yards with 33 touchdowns. He completed 66.3 percent of his passes—higher than his 64.9 percent career average.

Manning did throw 17 picks, his highest amount since 2002, but that can be chalked up to deteriorating ability around him. He had virtually no running support from the aging Joseph Addai. Favorite target Dallas Clark was injured halfway through the season.

There is really no evidence that Manning cannot return to prime form once he is healthy.

IF he can get healthy... 

Peyton Manning's Health

Health is the big question mark for Peyton Manning.

His neck injury is so mysterious and rare that it's difficult to tell how long it will linger. There has been little to no word of a timetable for Manning's return this season or next.

Health, incidentally, is the main incentive for getting Manning back on the field this year.

Its important for Manning's psyche to return to form prior to the offseason. He certainly wants to do his part to avoid a winless season for the only franchise he has called home.

More importantly, the Indianapolis Colts and potential suitors are eager to see Manning's physical status before making any moves to retain or acquire his services. 

Manning's Role as a Mentor

What if Peyton Manning does not want to play the role of mentor for Andrew Luck?

Could you blame him?

Manning still has the ability to lead a team to the Super Bowl. When healthy, No. 16 is still a top-five quarterback in the NFL.

While it would be a feel-good story for Manning to tutor the rookie signal caller, Manning's attention is rightfully on his career prospects and helping his team win.

The good thing for the Colts is that Manning doesn't have to teach the Stanford product to be successful.

Fellow great Brett Favre is an example of a quarterback who refused to mentor his future replacement. Favre's relationship with Aaron Rodgers was tenuous at best during his last years as a Green Bay Packer.

Luck can still learn by studying Manning's work ethic and limitless preparation. For the future of the Colts franchise, this would be the best-case scenario. 

Colts Without Manning

Things are not pretty in Indianapolis with Peyton Manning holding the clipboard.

An understatement to be sure.

However, the Colts must not forget the struggles of its team when deciding on the future of its relationship with Manning.

Andrew Luck is heralded as a future franchise quarterback. It would be foolish to insert Luck into an aging, hopeless roster and expect him to excel .

Actually, that scenario sounds eerily similar to the one Manning inherited in his rookie season when he went 3-13 as a starter.

While it eventually worked in that case, the Colts should execute a better plan lest Indianapolis permanently impede the progress of a promising young talent. 

Opportunities Elsewhere

Indianapolis Colts personnel better keep all phone lines open if Peyton Manning is placed on the trade market.

Many suitors will be calling general manager Bill Polian for the services of one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history.

Leading bidders for the all-time great may include the Washington Redskins, Miami Dolphins and the Seattle Seahawks. Keep an eye out for the Tennessee Titans who would love to welcome the former Tennessee Volunteer for a potential Super Bowl run.

There will be no shortage of players in the Manning sweepstakes should the Colts choose that route. Indianapolis will surely be tempted given its desperation for quality draft picks.

 

Verdict

The Indianapolis Colts should not trade Peyton Manning. 

Manning has a handful of great seasons left in the tank and will give the Colts the best possible option in the short term.

This is not to say the Colts shouldn't draft Andrew Luck. Luck will provide the long-term answer for the Colts franchise and will learn from the best the NFL has to offer at the quarterback position.

The huge success story that is Aaron Rodgers proves there is precedence for this type of progression. If Luck can develop into a signal caller anywhere near the talent of Rodgers, this will be the correct move.

Retaining Manning is the only solution that keeps the Colts respectable in the short term while simultaneously sustaining the future of the quarterback position in Indianapolis.