News broke earlier today that Peyton Manning has chosen to play for Denver Broncos. Although this only directly affects the teams that Manning will be facing this season, the shockwaves of this decision will reach every franchise. The New Orleans Saints will be impacted in ways both seen off and on the field.
The parameters for a Drew Brees contract have been set.
Early reports have suggested that Manning will sign a 5 year/$95 million contract with Denver. Obviously, the contract will be laden with clauses to protect the Broncos if, you know, Manning fails to physically endure a 17 week NFL season. Nonetheless, it offers a guideline for Drew Brees and the Saints to work from for a long term deal. Does 5 years/$95 million sound outrageous for a quarterback, albeit an elite one, who has come off of four neck surgeries and will be 36 at the beginning of the season? Arguably, yes. How about that same contract for an elite, younger, healthier quarterback that just broke a statistical mark that remained untouched for almost thirty years? Seems like a bit of a value, in my opinion.
The point is, with Manning signing a contract, both Brees and the Saints have a better idea of what seems reasonable. The ball is in Mickey Loomis’ court now. Let’s just hope that he doesn’t bounce it off of his foot.
The Saints will not get to experience Tebow-time.
The Broncos are expected to try to trade Tim Tebow, thus denying many a Saints fan from seeing the black and gold defense squander a 30 point lead in the final five minutes to a home-schooled quarterback that is made of pure magic. Oh well.
You can pencil in a Broncos/Saints primetime game.
A borderline conference title contender in Denver versus an (can’t believe I’m typing this) established conference title contender in New Orleans? Peyton Manning against his dad’s old team? Drew Brees against a sneaky good Denver defense? A possible “I’m back” statement game from Manning? This one reeks of Monday Night Football. Let’s put it this way: ESPN doesn’t want another Week 7 Jacksonville-Baltimore snoozefest. Manning vs. Brees will get eyeballs.
The Saints’ NFC title chances just got much better.
Be very thankful, Saints fans. If San Francisco had successfully landed Manning, I am almost certain Vegas would install them as Superbowl favorites instantly. If the Saints’ secondary can make Alex Smith look like Joe Montana, the though of a Manning led 49er offense should make you shudder. With Manning signing with Denver, the 49ers are left with Colin Kaepernick and Josh Johnson as the only quarterback options currently signed. San Francisco also managed to royally piss off Alex Smith, who met with the Dolphins over the weekend. Instead of being a possible juggernaut, the 49ers are back to where they were during years past: an talented team needing a quarterback to push them over the edge.
