Crennel talks openly and specifically about Manning, almost certainly violated the NFL’s tampering rules in the process. Pioli talks openly and specifically about improving the quarterback position. Clark Hunt talks openly and specifically about the enormous gap between what the Chiefs currently spend and what they’ll be required to spend in 2013 not being an issue.

So the talking points from the three most powerful men in the organization all point toward signing Manning to what would almost certainly be the highest annual salary in franchise history.