Peyton Manning to the Washington Redskins sounds like the dark days of Vinny Cerrato and Dan Snyder running the franchise. Chances of the Indianapolis Colts quarterback coming to the Redskins seem remote, but they’re not impossible. Indeed, the more the Redskins believe getting a passer with the No. ?6 pick in the NFL Draft is unlikely and the less they see in free agency may make Manning the best option for jumpstarting a team that’s 11-21 under coach Mike Shanahan.
It would be the short-term move and a big-time gamble. Manning’s an aging quarterback who missed the entire 2011 season with a neck injury and is one hit away from retirement. It’s also improbable the sure first-ballot Hall of Famer would surrender total autonomy to work under control freaks that would surely want to change things.
Forget the money. A probable five-year deal for salary cap reasons worth at least $25 million over the first two seasons is Snyder’s problem. It’s not like he’ll discount parking if he doesn’t do this deal. The cap would suddenly not allow signing some better free agents, but this is a quarterback league and the Redskins need a playmaker.
Shanahan clearly knows he needs a big move. Same goes for Snyder with a declining ticket base. Neither can take three more years of bad teams.
Shanahan has a borderline Hall of Fame resume right now. Two Super Bowl victories and a probable top 10 finish in career victories should earn an entry into Canton. Yet, failing to make the playoff his last three seasons in Denver combined with a five-year drought in Washington would drastically lessen Shanahan’s chances. Critics can say Shanahan’s success was all about Denver quarterback John Elway. An unfair argument, but probably an effective one and Shanahan knows it.
Snyder still makes mega-millions, but if the team doesn’t turn around soon ticket sales on StubHub may resemble that of the Wizards. FedEx Field is already relying on opposing fans to reach 70,000 per game. Sometimes, they’re the majority.
Manning could become a free agent in March. The Colts seem ready to draft successor Andrew Luck with the top pick and not pay Manning a $28 million roster bonus. Manning will first consider a contender he might ride to a second Super Bowl ring. But nobody outbids Snyder. The Redskins could also take aging Colts free agent center Jeff Saturday as part of luring Manning.
Picking up Manning doesn’t preclude the Redskins from drafting a quarterback. Maybe Texas A&M’s Ryan Tannehill will be available in the second round after he recently broke his foot.
It would also allow the Redskins to keep this year’s first-rounder and probably a handful of other high picks that would be needed to get St. Louis’ No. 2 overall selection to gain quarterback Robert Griffin III. While Manning’s money drains free agent depth, it increases draft depth.
Suddenly, the Redskins may be back as champions of the offseason.
Examiner columnist Rick Snider has covered local sports since 1978. Read more on Twitter @Snide_Remarks or email [email protected].
