Peyton Manning and the Colts Officially Part Ways

For 14 seasons, Peyton Manning was the Colts. He carried that team for most of that time and help make football the biggest thing in the state. He won MVP's, a Super Bowl, and put up Hall of Fame numbers while there. That is all over now.

Almost every analyst and commentator predicted this back in the fall of 2011. Peyton Manning missed the entire 2011 NFL Season due to a neck injury. As a result, the Colts stunk with a 2-14 record which was bad enough for the first pick in the Draft. Luckily for them, the next supposed "Franchise QB" was going to be available in the upcoming draft. The thought then was that the team was going to let Manning go and pick up the new guy.

It is now March and the presumption has been proven correct. Earlier today, their was a press conference held by Owner Jim Irsay and Peyton Manning announcing that the Colts were going to release Manning from the team. Manning was emotional and Irsay was a bit as well. Manning thanked the fans of the Colts for all the support over the years. Irsay actually said as part of his statement "There will be no other Peyton Manning."

The two parties have broken up. Now what? The Colts will undoubtedly draft and sign Andrew Luck, of course, and rebuild their team around him for the next few seasons. What about Peyton Manning, pick where you want to go. About half the league would love to have you as QB but only a few teams would it actually make sense. Among those are the 49ers. It would be a dream for Manning to come play in San Francisco as this team was just a couple of mistakes from the Super Bowl. However, they are committed to keeping Alex Smith as their QB. Still not sure which choice would be the right choice but keeping Smith is what they will do.

So where will Manning end up? I'm leaning toward out in division rivals in Arizona. It's a dome, their team is solid but not great, and they have one of the best WR's to throw to in Larry Fitzgerald. Plenty of other teams have been mentioned like the Dolphins, the Broncos, and even the Texans but to me the Cardinals make the most sense.

Of course, no one is certain where Manning will end up but I know where he won't go: the New York Jets. Who wants to come aboard that sinking ship?

P.S. Now that I think about it, the 49ers must pursue Manning if my prediction holds true. The 49ers, who were so close to ultimate glory, cannot afford to be set back by Peyton Manning being in the same division as we they are.