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WoW! This has turned into one wild and frenzied free agency this off season, no reason to pee around the bush, lets dive right in.
Unless you've been living under a rock, it is no secret that Peyton Manning will be playing for a new team next season after the Colts decided not to resign the QB great, leading to an all but confirmed move that Indianapolis will indeed take Andrew Luck with the first overall pick in the draft.
The big news has been, where will Manning play next season? 6 teams origionally rose up to be the main persuers for Manning, the Seattle Seahawks, Kansas City Chiefs, Denver Broncos, Arizona Cardinals, Tennessee Titans, and Miami Dolphins. Over the past few weeks Manning has had many work outs and meetings with these teams, eventually turning down the Seahawks (Who would later sign Packers back up Matt Flynn to compete for the starting job) Arizona (Who will go with Kevin Kolb) Kansas City and Miami. Oh it would be easy if it was just a two team race between Tennessee and Denver for Manning, but a new persuer has entered the picture.
The San Francisco 49ers origionally said they had no interest in Manning, and offered a 3 year, $24 million dollar offer to resign Alex Smith. But when Smith turned down the offer, the 49ers Dived head first into the Manning sweepstakes, leaving the three remaining serious contenders
Tennessee Titans Denver Broncos San Francisco 49ers
Though it is quite possible Manning may sign with a different team all together, most likely he will sign with either Tennessee or San Francisco.
Tennessee has made it no secret they would love to bring Manning, who was a college hero for the Tennessee Volenteers, back home. Even offering him an office position after he retires as a player. Going back to Tennessee is enticing, Manning would be closer to his home in Florida, Staying in the AFC where he wont have to play against brother Eli (Something he said he does not like doing) and he can return to familiar stomping grounds where he became a football hero before throwing his first NFL pass.
But what is Manning after? Money? He's loaded! Records? He's a first round HoF candidate and arguably thee best QB in NFL History, Why he wants to continue playing is simple, he wants another championship. The 49ers offer him a better chance at one last Superbowl before he hangs his cleats up for good. The 49ers were one game shy of a Superbowl apperance last season, Their weak points, Wide receiver which they upgraded immediately with signing Randy Moss and Mario Manningham to the roster. They are bringing back 11 starters to their all star defensive unit which was #1 in the league last year. This team is ready for a Superbowl run NOW! Signing Manning to lead the offense to compliment their top notch defense will make them an immediate favorite in the NFC. Signing with the 49ers would mean less money, and most likely playing against his brother Eli, but if he prioritizes Championship above all else, San Francisco is better suited than Tennessee or Denver right now.
After turning down the 49ers offer and hearing San Francisco entered the Manning chase, Alex Smith has met with Miami to potentially sign there. In other news, Houston Texans all star defender Mario Williams signed with Buffalo, hoping to become relevant again in the AFC East.
Where will Manning sign? This is so much better than Favre watch the past few seasons.
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