Photo: AP Images
- Troy BallardWith the possibility of Peyton Manning being released by the Indianapolis Colts and entering free agency, Washington Redskins fans are jumping for joy.
The idea that Manning would enter free agency and go anywhere but Washington is ludicrous, right? There's not even another contender in the NFL for Manning's services. It's Redskins-Redskins, and then Redskins.
Well, Skins', I'm going to hit you with some very bad news -- future Hall of Famer Peyton Manning won't be going anywhere within the air space of Washington to become a member of the Redskins.
But, but, they have the cap space! Yes. That the Redskins do. Washington actually has more cap space than most teams in the NFL with a nice chunk $47 million to throw at various free agents. That's quite a large lump sum to entice Manning to Washington, but the Skins' have much more than a quarterback as a huge need.
The Redskins desperately need a receiver, offensive lineman, secondary players, and arguably help over the middle with London Fletcher flirting with retirement. As good as Washington's pick is, (sixth overall), there is no chance they can address all these needs through the draft, and the team will have no choice but to look into free agency to find serviceable replacements.
With that, why would Manning want to go to a team that has less offensive talent than the Colts do? Washington, aside from the emergence of Roy Helu at running back, is as bad offensively as any team in the NFL. Manning worked with less in Indy, and at times, his frustration was visible on the field with the Colts' lack of a supporting cast.
Although, if Manning went to the Skins', wouldn't other big name free agents follow him? Possibly. But with the amount of money Washington would have to shell out to Manning they, again, would have no remaining cap room to sign those big names. Not to mention, the team would be stealing from Peter to pay Paul by ignoring the obvious needs on defense and on offense.
Lastly, is anyone in Washington aware of Manning's age? For those wondering, or who are aware and are simply denying it as fact, he will be turning 36 in March.
There is no remaining time in Manning's career to be part of a rebuilding project. And for those who say that the Redskins aren't in rebuilding mode, Manning or no Manning, they are in a state of complete denial. Washington has been on the bottom of the NFL for the past five years, and since the departure of Jason Campbell, the organization has taken a massive step back.
The fact of the matter is -- even if the Redskins have the cap space to sign Manning to a huge deal, he will have no interest in playing in Washington due to a lack of base talent and that it will likely take more than a few years to get the team back into contention.
I've said this since the end of last year, and despite how difficult it will be to trade-up in the draft, for Washington it has to be Robert Griffin III or bust.
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