This season the NFL has had to deal with a lot of issues, all of which are linked to the extended lockout, and the many negotiations and secret meetings it took to get the team owners and the NFL Players Association to reach an agreement upon the terms of the new collective bargaining agreement. Once the storm had been weathered, it was only a matter of time before the strongest teams began their frantic battle to sign new talents and to secure the continuity of their biggest assets, all in a multimillion dollar signing of star players. Perhaps the most talked-about signing of the weekend was that of 4-time MVP, Peyton Manning of the Indianapolis Colts. This was a key signing. The Colts organization knew very well that in order to secure their success in the next few seasons, they had to build their team around one man: Peyton Manning. For a while, Indianapolis Colts owner, Jim Irsay, was tempting Manning with a $100-million five-year deal, making Manning the most expensive player in NFL history. Still, despite how lucrative this offered seemed, Peyton Manning refused this approach and actually settled for much less. On Saturday, Peyton Manning singed a $90 million, or 18-million a year, deal with the Indianapolis Colts. That puts him right in the top of the class, as he will be making just as much as the New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady. Peyton Manning’s deal comes nearly five months after the Indianapolis Colts used the exclusive franchise tag to prevent Manning from negotiating with any other teams. It was a clever move by Irsay and his board. Had Manning signed the one-year offer, he would have made $23.1 million this season, making him the most expensive player in NFL history. It’s not a bad deal. As it is the usual case in this sort of contracts, most of the money will end up in Mannings hands quite quickly. Manning will earn $69 million of his deal in the first three years. Irsay wrote on Twitter that Manning's deal will reduce his salary cap number this season to $16 million, and that it was his franchise quarterback’s idea not to accept the $100 million offer. Truth is that Manning will rather spread Irsay’s love around a bit more hoping that the organization can secure a few other key-players. The Colts immediately found a use for some of the money Manning passed on, getting running back Joseph Addai to re-sign with the team. Addai's return leaves left tackle Charlie Johnson and defensive tackle Dan Muir as the next big items on the Colt’s wish list. The Indianapolis Colts have not signed their first three draft picks, either, tackles Anthony Castonzo and Ben Ijalana or defensive tackle Drake Nevis. Whether they are going to keep them or let them lose, the Colts need to start moving fast as this is going to be one frenetic free-agent market period. It is still uncertain when Peyton Manning is going to be back on track. He is still working on the rehabilitation of his neck. In May Peyton Manning underwent surgery to remove a portion of a bulging disk that was causing nerve malfunctions and pain. Colts coach Jim Caldwell expressed confidence Friday when he was asked how he expected Manning to approach the uncertainty of his injury. He said that Manning was a fighter, a man who worked the hardest for his team. Perhaps this time around it is rest and not hard work what Peyton Manning really needs to get back to his best form.
Please Rate this Article 5 out of 54 out of 53 out of 52 out of 51 out of 5
Not yet Rated
