Peyton Manning’s big payday is right around the corner. Now that the 2010-11 season is over for Manning and the Colts, the team will turn it’s attention to free agents, most specially Manning.
His previous contract signed in 2004, was at the time the largest in NFL history for $98 million. The two contracts Peyton will most specifically compare his numbers to are little brother Eli ($16.25 million a year) and New England’s Tom Brady ($18 million a year).
“I think the market’s out there and you know it’s something we’ll work on. The offer will reflect him being right there with Brady and being at the top,” Colts owner Jim Irsay said. “We look forward to getting something done.”
Both sides are anxiously wanting to get this done but with the expiring collective bargaining agreement expiring March 3rd, the two sides have 41 days to get something done until the probably lock out.
There’s zero question that Peyton Manning will play for the horseshoes next season. If they do not come to a long-term agreement, the Colts will franchise Manning for well over $20 million next season.
The big concern is how will Manning’s new contract affect the money available for other free agents…and there are some key Colts names: running back Joseph Addai, kicker Adam Vinatieri, linebacker Clint Session, and safety Melvin Bullitt. On the positive side, none of these guys can sign with another team until a new CBA is in place.
Indianapolis can’t sign Manning for an astronomical number. What’s going to be left over to compliment 18? We saw this year that while Peyton is great, 18 players on injured reserve and many others wounded truly caught up with the team.
The Colts however do deserve the right to pay him what they wish and still field a team. Bill Polian has proved in his time here what he can do (despite a few misses in the last couple years).
Should Manning skip the franchise tag and opt for a long-term deal, something to consider would be a back-loaded contract for more years than 18 thinks he will play. That way the contract would be the largest in history but wouldn’t damper the team and would be able to sign other free agents.
In the end, a Peyton Manning team is much better with than one without. Given the parameters of all that goes on, I’m the confident the Colts will lock number 18 up for as long as he wants.