Andrew Out Of Luck

Today we learned that the Indianapolis Colts have released Joseph Addai, Gary Brackett, and Dallas Clark among others in what appears to be a house cleaning of fire sale proportions. Addai last reached 1,000 yards rushing in 2007, but has remained a  threat both in the rushing and passing games of the Colts.

Dallas Clark leaves the Colts ranked 8th in all time franchise receptions as well as yards.

It seems the the decision to release Peyton Manning had far reaching ramifications.

Where Does Peyton end up?

Honestly, if I were Peyton I would go to a contending team and try to win two Super Bowl’s out of the next three. Money shouldn’t be an issue! He’s made over $180 million from the Colts alone. Sign a three year $15 million deal and go out on top. Yes, he could get more money; but what’s really at stake here…his bank account or his legacy? Peyton is already a Hall of Fame quarterback with an almost perfect career except for the 8-9 playoff record. Yes he has one Super Bowl against the Bears in 2006 and another appearance in a loss to the Saints in 2010. Yes, with a better defense and somewhat of a running game he could of had more. The Colts were a perennial 10-12 win team with Peyton and a two win team without him. That is what this guy can do for a team. People even brought up the fact he should have won the MVP last year because of what the Colts did without him. The fact of the matter is that he is going to have Thanksgiving dinner with the Manning clan this year and his brother is going to ask to pass the mashed potatoes with his two shiny Super Bowl rings and Peyton is not going to be happy about that. They are brothers and as we all know its always a competition in any family, much less the Manning family.

With all that in mind here are the teams ole number 18 should really consider:

1. Baltimore – Flacco has made it to the playoffs four years in a row and hasn’t gotten it done. Peyton would win next year with the Ravens no doubt. Great offensive line, Ray Rice, Anquan Boldin, Torrey Smith and two serviceable tight ends. Oh ya, Ray Lewis is leading that defense. Also, I hear Reggie Wayne wants to go wherever Peyton goes. Flacco is too inconsistent with a low completion percentage. The problem with the Ravens is that they need to win now with Ed Reed and Lewis almost at the end of their careers and an aging team all together. Flacco hasn’t done that…Peyton will. Could you imagine Manning and Lewis on that sideline together. Putting Joe behind Manning may lose him forever but they have to win now. This is a team that cannot afford to wait. Nobody has talked about them but I believe this should be his first consideration.

2. Houston – a roster loaded with talent from top to bottom. Arian Foster and Ben Tate, an unreal oline, Owen Daniels and a guy named Andre Johnson. Add a greatly improved defense under Wade Phillips and a history of solid front office decision making and this team would be a Super Bowl front runner. Schaub has missed 4 or more games every year except one with the Texans, he’s 31 and just doesn’t seem like a true leader. Cut Schaub, save $8 million, sign Peyton and Reggie, man this team would be good. Developing TJ Yates behind Manning for the future would be ideal and the franchise would be set for many years. I believe they would win at least one in next three years if not more.

3. 49ers – Uh, they almost got it done with Alex Smith…enough said. Add Peyton and Reggie to this team with that defense and they are locks to win one or more in the future. This almost makes too much sense.

If I were in number 18′s shoes I wouldn’t even listen to Cardinals, Seahawks, Redskins, Broncos or Dolphins. Go somewhere with a solid coaching staff and a talented roster. You are not trying to rejuvenate a team you are trying to go out on top. This is an unbelievable opportunity for Peyton and the NFL as a whole. He is probably the biggest thing to ever hit the free agent market and its not to often you get to choose your own destiny.

What’s Next For Peyton?

A few hours ago it was announced that Peyton Manning will not be returning with the Colts this next season. They have decided to let him go, making Peyton an immediate free agent. I think I, as well as the people of Indy and all Colts fans around the country, knew this moment was coming, but for it to now be a reality still makes it hard. Knowing that Manning and Irsay have stayed close through this all, and in fact, just flew back into Indy from Florida