Video Exclusive: Archie Manning Says Peyton, Andrew Luck Can Work Together

So maybe Andrew Luck and Peyton Manning on the same team would work. At least the football world now has the blessing of Archie Manning.

In an exclusive interview with Bleacher Report, Archie Manning recanted his earlier statements concerning the future of the Indianapolis Colts' quarterback position. The defining statement of Archie's first comments was, "I doubt if either one want to play on the same team." Manning says his earlier comments were "blown out of proportion" and gave us a new take on what the Colts should do with the first pick in the 2012 NFL draft.

While Archie did little to quiet conspiracy theorists who claim he's working hand-in-hand with Oliver Luck (Andrew's dad) to force the Colts to pass on Luck or trade the No. 1 overall pick, his rewording regarding the Colts' plans will go far in easing concerns of fans in Indianapolis who don't want to see Manning leave. 

Manning makes another valid point—and that's how great a prospect Luck is. Archie points to Cam Newton and Andy Dalton and then says Luck can be better. Couldn't agree more, Mr. Manning.

While credit should be given to Mr. Manning for rethinking his first comment and perhaps realizing the weight of what he's saying, the important thing to note is that he's right. Manning and Luck can co-exist, and they will. There's really no other option in Indianapolis.

The Colts owe Manning a $28 million signing bonus in early March that activates the final four years of his five-year, $90 million contract. The fact that the bonus is due in early March means the Colts cannot trade Manning. Erase all those thoughts of Manning in South Beach leading the Dolphins in exchange for draft picks—it won't happen. Trading Manning after he's been given the bonus would be salary cap suicide. 

Some have argued that Indianapolis can't afford to keep both Manning and Luck, but that's just not true. Manning's 2012 cap number, after the bonus is paid, would be $17 million. Going off of Cam Newton's $22 million deal as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2011 draft, Luck's cap number would be roughly $4 million based on average increases. That's $26 million of a projected $120 million salary cap. To put it into perspective, Indianapolis' 2011 quarterback total was $19.86 million. Not a huge jump to have the best quarterback to come out of college since John Elway back in 1983.

There's the argument that Indianapolis could trade the pick and hope to bolster its roster through multiple selections in the 2012, 2013 and even 2014 drafts. That theory is solid, but what's not is that projecting long-term value in those drafts is a horrible gamble. No player in the last 28 years has been the sure-thing that Andrew Luck is, and it could be a very long time before we see another player of his ability enter the draft. 

The biggest issue is this—no one knows if Manning will be healthy in 2012, or if he is able to start the season how much of it he can play. Insurance in case the then 36-year-old quarterback suffers another injury is the only way to move the franchise forward. The first step is drafting Andrew Luck with the first pick in the 2012 NFL draft.