Or at least finish in last place, Do they: A) Trade away the #1 pick for picks/players B) Trade away Manning to create cap space, get players/picks and draft Andrew Luck C) Draft Andrew Luck, Keep Manning and have him mentor him for 2-3 years knowing he is going to be the replacement. This one could be fun. If i was the GM of the Colts, i would trade away Manning, get a TON of compensation, say a #1 this year, a #1 next year and a marquee player, and draft Andrew Luck. Manning has 2-3 years left, and with how dominant this young Packers team is its going to be a stretch to win a Super Bowl in that window. But drafting Luck should set them up for another decade of good play. Its the move that makes the most sense IMO. Now they could go with option C), but they would be losing the extra #1 picks and potential to get players if they keep Manning, and with Manning having the highest contract of all time, would they even be able to sign both? They could draft Luck and trade him straight up, but thats risky business.
So is it worth it to lose all games to get that #1 pick? Instead of trying to find a replacement for Painter during this season, cause he's horrible!!!
At this point, whats it matter? Colts go 4-12 and get the 6th pick then they are really screwed, no possible compensation for Manning or Luck. They have an opportunity to get compensation thats never been equaled if they finish dead last...
I'd go with C. You don't trade away a top 5 QB of all time who spent his whole career winning at your franchise, ESPECIALLY when his play hasn't declined in the least bit. You also don't pass on a special player in Luck. Draft him, keep him, and by the time the rookie contract is up and it's time for bigger money for Luck, Manning will be near/at Retirement.
Also for the last part, you can't ask your players to "Suck for Luck" but as the GM you would be secretly crossing your fingers at this point that it works out that way.
I'd go with C. To hijack this for a bit, what would you do if your the Rams, and you get the #1 again? We already have young QB on the rise, but Luck seems to be a can't miss talent...
I trade Manning. He is one hit away from being a full time QB coach. I don't like his chances of that neck injury holding up next year. Trade him and get all you can for him. It's just smart business.
Man no loyalty out there! Manning IS the Colts, same reason the Yanks didn't let Jeter go elsewhere even though the money they spent could have possibly got better possibilities elsewhere. When an all time great is the face of your franchise and still not a liability yet (Read Favre) you don't pedal him off for cash.
Thats what im saying... Manning is not going to lead the Colts to a championship ever again. He had better teams that didnt win. But Luck can secure stability for the next 10, 12, 14 years... (possibly) Its like a harsh breakup...but one that might be for the better.
Trade that #1 pick for a receiver and another #1 pick. Bradford needs some help. Hes got Jackson, but a elite WR would be great for him.
Before this neck injury, Manning was consensus top 3 QB in league, easily. Favre was not even close when Rodgers came a knocking, and to think anything differently is lunacy. I kind of hope the Colts DO diss him in that way, as I can't stand Manning. Although I could easily see a team like Baltimore picking up Manning, and instantly being Championship ready. Manning is elite. Colts might not win another ring with Manning, but it won't be due to inadequacy at the QB position or some new dominance enforced on the game by the Packers. We all saw how much starting out as the best team of all time talks and making it to 18-0 can work out for a team just a few short years ago. Tough call I guess. Colts D won't allow them a championship no matter who is slinging the pigskin IMO.
I say B. Load up all the talent you can and dump manning to a team looking for a piece to their puzzle. Still has market value to someone and someone will pay the price to get him. Draft Luck which is your future for a lot of years and give him the tools to work with via the manning trade. No brainer business decision IMO.
Personally, I think the fact that the colts are even able to draft luck is an argument for the lottery. How is it fair that the colts go from one star QB to another while there are many teams that have been waiting years for one? Then again if these same teams didn't trade away draft picks then maybe they would have an opportunity at a better quarterback. I think I just talked myself out of wanting a lottery...:D
So here's the thing. Most everyone in Indy wants Luck at this point. Painter, well he's not bad, but he's not ready to be a full time QB. However, he has a cannon of an arm, just needs to up his consistency and decision making. I am a fan of Painter and so is the team. Reggie Wayne publically stated he was upset over bringing in Collins, and you have to realize how big that is, Wayne (and basically all Colts players for that matter) are very quiet and never address the media for matters internal. You have to realize how many of his throws are under pressure. Most of the offensive line is a hodge-podge of a couple guys they could find healthy enough to play between the roster, practice squad or people on the wire. The colts are really in a tough spot. Eric Cartman could run open in their secondary, their d-line is getting too small, special teams (with the exception of the kickers) is a total joke, and their o-line is always injured. There's a lot of speculation here as to why, most believe it's because of the practice and leadership at the practice (Caldwell). However, seeing how the colts conduct business over the years, he's likely not going anywhere. Now, on to the original question, what to do with Manning. Well a number of hall of fame quarter backs didn't finish their career where they made fame. Manning may be one of those. As for now, no decision on him can be made. Best case scenario is this (IMO): Manning is done. He simply cannot recover from the surgery and is forced to the sidelines, hopefully becoming a coach. The player he gets to coach is Luck. Talent like that doesn't come around often. Use other draft picks and Manning's salary cap to get some defense and maybe a reciever, but more than likely a tight end. The Indy recieving core, if healthy, has the talent to put up huge numbers. Wayne is still simply a phenom. I'm not at all a garcon fan but he can come up with catches when he has to. Addie isn't a great runner, but having a solid QB in place helps him out. Lastly, as part as my best case scenario is that the colts address the head coaching position. Bill Cowher. He's looking for a job. He said he wants to coach. Where this won't come to fruition, the colts head office want a say in what happens. Polian will have nothing to do (and he should get out anyways) and I think Irsay wants a say as well, and Cowher has said, he will not go anywhere where he does not have full control and free reign. Jeff Fisher maybe? OR... there's a coach in the office looking at film... Jim Tressel??? Personally, I say get Cowher or snipe Harbaugh out of San Fran. Indy would be a great situation for him, he gets to re-unite with Luck, and come back to the city he spent most of his career. No matter what happens though, I was born a Colt and I'll die a Colt. It will be a very interesting off season.
