After 14 seasons, Peyton Manning is leaving the Indianapolis Colts.
The Colts reportedly opted to pass on a 28 million dollar bonus owed to the four-time league MVP, and didn’t pick up the four remaining years of his contract. A press conference was scheduled for the official announcement, and Manning’s older brother Cooper confirmed the split, according to USA Today.
A Super Bowl MVP, Manning sat out the entire 2011 season while recuperating from neck surgery, and speculation of his future became a hot topic after the Colts won the number 1 draft pick, which they’re likely to use on former Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck or Robert Griffin III from Baylor.
The Colts may not want him, but Manning’s future as a free agent could serve him and his next team well. According to sources, the historically durable Manning was throwing at full strength last week, and many teams including the Jets, Dolphins, and Redskins may benefit by signing the 35 year old veteran.
