Peyton Manning was officially cut from the roster of the Indianapolis Colts on Wednesday and in a period of just several hours his representatives received calls from 12 of the NFL’s 32 clubs.
According to ESPN senior NFL analyst Chris Mortensen both the Arizona Cardinals and Seattle Seahawks contacted Manning about a potential deal.
Other teams suspected of calling on Manning’s services were the Denver Broncos, Miami Dolphins , Tennessee Titans, Washington Redskins and the New York Jets.
Manning won’t be able to announced a decision until Thursday at which time he will clear waivers and be eligible to negotiate and sign with a new team. He will not however have to wait until the free-agent period begins next Tuesday.
Speaking about his next move Peyton Manning told a group of reporters in South Florida:
“I have no idea who wants me, what team wants me, how this process works … I don’t know if it’s like college recruiting where you go take visits. I mean, this is all so new to me.”
Manning added:
“I literally have not had one conversation with anyone about these teams. It’s been so hard for me trying to figure out some closure with my situation with the Colts. I haven’t thought about teams, and I don’t know who is interested. I really don’t.”
Sources close to Manning says the star quarterback will hold significant talks with teams of interest.
Manning missed the entire 2011 season after a neck injury led to three surgeries including the fusion of two vertebrae. Team and independent doctors have since cleared Manning to play and the nerves in his arm have continued to heal, creating greater strength in his throwing arm over the last month.
During Wednesday’s news conference in Indianapolis Manning said of his throwing arm:
“I’m throwing it pretty well. I’ve still got some work to do; I’ve got some progress to make … But I’ve come a long way. I’ve really worked hard. I can’t tell you the hours and the time I’ve put in.”
Who would you like to see grab Peyton Manning for the 2012-2013 season?
