via www.timescolonist.com

I'm going to piss off a lot of people by saying this, but I just have to. I don't want Peyton Manning in KC, because there's just too much uncertainty that comes with him. His injury is a major concern and the fans are just willing to write that off because he's been the best QB (or 2nd best) in the NFL for the last decade. Fans need to stop stop looking at what he WAS and instead look at what he is capable of NOW. The problem? We have no idea what he is capable of. Sure, we saw a youtube video that gave us a good idea that he is on his way to a positive recovery. But teams need to see this firsthand. There's so much competition for Manning, though, that it appears most teams are willing to overlook that aspect in order to speed things up. It doesn't help that Manning wants to make a decision by Tuesday. He's playing it the right way, certainly, but teams should not be foolish in such an important decision.

Here is what I'm seeing currently in this ongoing process. Remember when we all speculated that Manning would not command much in terms of guaranteed money, that his contract would mostly contain incentive clauses such as playing time. Throw all that out the window at this point. The competition for Manning is intense and the team that can offer more guaranteed money will probably be the one who signs Manning. Now, I'm not saying that Manning is only interested in the money, but players need to protect themselves. Guaranteed money protects Manning in case he doesn't fully recover or reaggravates his neck injury early in the season. I think Pioli and Hunt realize this and most likely offered him a contract that contained little in terms of guaranteed money. They were smart to do so, but teams like the Broncos and Dolphins, who will do whatever it takes to get him, are willing to overlook the caution that comes with Manning.

Like most of the fans, I would love to see Manning as a Chief. He would do a lot for Kansas City and I'm not just speaking in terms of his play on the field. He would bring a renewed passion to the fans. We certainly need that given our lack of success for many years. But don't be upset if Manning fails to visit the Chiefs and consequently signs with the Broncos/Dolphins. Pioli/Hunt did the right thing. They were interested, but not willing to forfeit at least half of their remaining salary cap for such an uncertainty. We can win with Orton, and hell even with Cassel, but we need to continue to build this team the right way. The smart way.