Good Manning Morning! Here is today's Kansas City Chiefs news. Remember all of those stories about how great a fit Peyton Manning would be for the Chiefs? Where did they go? Enjoy.
The suitors for Peyton Manning can now start lining up.
Manning will become a free agent immediately following his expected release from the Indianapolis Colts on Wednesday, almost a full week before the start of the NFL free-agency period. Several league executives of teams who have interest in Manning told NFL Network insider Jason La Canfora Tuesday they will begin contacting the quarterback's agent, Tom Condon, immediately.
Dolphins, Jets Among Teams With Expected Interest In Manning from NFL.com
In my opinion, Manning would be crazy to consider the Chiefs. Yeah, they have a big-time halfback in Jamaal Charles (coming off a torn ACL), a potential star in talented wideout Dwayne Bowe and some good players on defense, but there are plenty of reasons for Manning not to come to K.C. The first is the presence of newly hired offensive coordinator Brian Daboll - ask the Browns' Colt McCoy how he thinks Manning might enjoy playing for such a coach. Another is general manager Scott Pioli, whose control-freak tendencies likely wouldn't allow for a quarterback who desires near autonomy. (If nothing else Manning, were he to sign with the Chiefs, should keep his cell-phone number a secret.) I'm sure Manning is also thrilled that Pioli decided to waive veteran offensive lineman Brian Waters before the 2011 season. Waters jumped to the Patriots and made the Pro Bowl blocking for Tom Brady. Bottom line: I don't see Manning in a Chiefs uniform, at all.
Peyton Manning Derby: Ranking 12 Potential Landing Spots For QB's Services from Yahoo! Sports
KC Star Video: Teicher | Why making Bowe a franchise player makes sense
5. Kansas City Chiefs
Why this fits: Romeo Crennel says it would be crazy for the Chiefs not to consider Manning. That's hard to argue with. But does Manning return the affection? The Chiefs made the playoffs in 2010, and they have some nice young players. Maybe Manning looks this way if some other options fall through.
Where Will Peyton Manning Land If He Leaves The Indianapolis Colts? Seven Possible Destinations from SportingNews
On Wednesday, the Indianapolis Colts are going to announce that they are releasing their franchise quarterback for reasons they say don't surround dollars. The fact that Manning is owed $28 Million on Thursday they claim doesn't play a part in their decision.
That's probably not accurate but who really cares. I don't nor does any other Kansas City fan.
All anyone wants to see is Manning in a Chiefs uniform. Even if the Chiefs don't have all the pieces that Manning would need to bring an AFC West championship back to Kansas City, they can buy them in free agency.Dollars Cents And Common Sense from Warpaint Illustrated
There are holes in the roster, at both the top and bottom of the 53-man list and they could use veteran help on the offensive line, running back, defensive line, tight end and quite possibly quarterback.
We'll start with the offensive side of the ball. We'll cover the defense later Wednesday. Here are the best free agents available as of Wednesday morning.
Top Offensive Free Agents For 2012 from Bob Gretz
The Chiefs announced the release of veteran linebacker
Demorrio Williams Tuesday afternoon. It's the first such transaction the team has made this off-season. Williams was a marquee member of the Chiefs 2008 free agent class, coming to Kansas City as an unrestricted free agent from Atlanta.
Chiefs Part Ways With Veteran Linebacker Demarrio Williams from The Mothership
The Chiefs just used the franchise tag on wide receiver Dwayne Bowe, and Coach Romeo Crennel indicated that his squad will make a run at Manning as well. The team is a little short on playmakers after Bowe, and Seattle might not have as much talent to entice Manning with, either.
With Release On The Way, Peyton Manning Will Have Plenty Of Options from The Washington Post
The Chiefs have plenty of salary-cap room, so this move was not made out of necessity, although it does save the team nearly $2 million. The main reason Williams was cut was the team simply decided he is no longer in its plans. The Chiefs will likely add linebackers in free agency and/or the draft.
Chiefs Jettison Demorrio Williams from ESPN
The change that is expected throughout the football operation under general manager Reggie McKenzie manifested itself Tuesday with the hiring of former Skyline High school product Lamonte Winston as the Raiders' director of player engagement.
Winston, who spent 17 seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs, including 14 as the director of player development, will consult with players on life skills issues including preparing for career after football.
Raiders Hire Skyline High Product For Front Office Position from The San Jose Mercury News
Brandon Carr, CB, Kansas City Chiefs -- How often do good man-cover players in their prime hit the market? This kid is about to get paid. His is this high because he plays a premium position well. He turns 26 in May.
Top 30 Free Agents: Insider's Guide To Best Players On The Market from CBS Sports
Manning -- who missed all of last season with a neck injury --plans to continue playing. He will be the premier free agent available.
How does this relate to the AFC West?
Manning could very well end up a Kansas City Chief or a Denver Bronco.
Does Manning Fit In The AFC West? from ESPN
8. Brandon Carr, CB
Some view Carr as the top corner on the market. Others see him as purely a No. 2 type who can't be trusted to go up against top receivers. Capable of playing very well, his best games tend to come against the worst quarterbacks. That is always a worrying trend.
PFF's Top *75* Free Agents from Pro Football Focus