I know some folks are over the Peyton Manning chatter before it even begins, but there is enough going on that I think it is worth tracking to a certain extent. I don't think Peyton Manning ends up with the 49ers in 2012, although I would imagine the front office will at least kick the tires and do their due diligence.
The latest news on Manning came last night before the Pro Bowl as Peter King indicated Manning is still struggling in his attempts to return to full health. The Colts have until March 8 to decide whether or not they are prepared to pay Manning a bonus of $28 million. I would imagine if they do want to keep him they are negotiating around that bonus, but otherwise, it seems more and more likely that Manning is cut by that date.
In his Monday Morning Quarterback column, Peter King mentioned how even though we'll be clubbed over the head with (Peyton) Manning stories this week leading up to the Super Bowl, we should still give the process time to develop. I've got to say, there is a certain level of irony in his comments today given that he will be chattering about this until the cows come home.
Nonetheless, the next month will be both interesting and feeling like we're banging our head against a wall. If Manning's neck remains a question mark, it makes any decision that much easier. Whatever the upside of Manning, if there is concern about the neck, this is really a non-starter of a decision. We'll try not to overload you with Manning chatter, but again, it remains sufficiently pertinent that occasional updates are warranted.