March 8, 2012
The marriage with Peyton Manning and the Colts had to end. Indy has the
No. 1 overall pick and will draft the next Peyton Manning in Andrew
Luck. Indy has a new coach, a new general manager, and it is a new day.
Manning didn’t play a down last year. He’s coming off of four reported
neck surgeries. The next hit could be his last.
So which NFL team
could truly afford the risk/reward with Manning’s health? Who needs
star power and a culture shock? What team could also sign Reggie Wayne
to play with Manning? What team has a backup who has won games for the
club whose ego wouldn’t be bruised by Manning’s presence? Good weather?
Dome stadium? Who has a playoff-caliber defense? A head coach and play
caller whom Manning liked when they were together in the Pro Bowl?
Try this on for size.
Meet Peyton Manning, starting quarterback for the Arizona Cardinals.
It just makes too much sense.
Sources
tell us the Arizona Cardinals want to sign Manning. They would
eradicate Kevin Kolb from the roster. John Skelton, a quarterback whom
Ken Whisenhunt likes a lot and won with in the second half last year,
would be the backup and insurance in case Manning got hurt. Manning,
according to different sources, has put out feelers about the Cardinals.
He is very intrigued by playing with Larry Fitzgerald and bringing
Wayne along as his wingman.
Make no mistake; part of the
Cardinals' plan would be to sign Wayne if they brought Manning on board.
It has been discussed at length internally. Manning is said to respect
and like Whisenhunt and has reached out via intermediaries to learn more
about him. Sources say Manning also likes Arizona’s young, talented
defense.
There is legit mutual interest in a Manning-Cardinals marriage. Arizona will be in play.
Excerpted from Adam Schein's weekly FOXSports.com column. Click here to read the rest of his Schein 9, including how Drew Brees' selfishness is crippling the Saints.
-- Adam Schein
