An injured Peyton Manning, for the last several days, has been resisting Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay’s moves to make him the highest-paid player in the NFL.
Manning was able to get what he wanted. Friday, he has agreed to a five-year deal for 90 million dollars (18 million dollars a year), which is equal to what New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady is currently making, according to ESPN.
Manning was noted that he had told Irsay a five-year, 100 million dollar proposal that was planned to be done for his re-sign was not necessary, which would have given him a 20 million dollar average that no NFL player has ever attained. The reason being was that Manning wanted the Colts to keep extra money so that they could have cap room space for their players.
Peyton Manning was quoted as saying in the Indianapolis Star, “While I appreciate Jim Irsay offering to make me the highest-paid player. I told him I’d rather he save that money and keep whoever it is … (running back) Joe Addai, (left tackle) Charlie Johnson … whoever that may be. I’m willing to take less than they’ve offered if they are going to take that money to keep players we need to keep and go get other players. All I want is for them to have the cap and the cash to keep the players they want to keep and to sign other players.”
Colts’ owner Irsay made his own comment; “Signing Peyton was a top priority for this organization and we are thrilled that the deal is complete. We feel that it is a salary cap friendly deal and it allows us more flexibility.”
As for the Manning injury, team neurosurgeon Dr. Hank Feuer stated “There is every medical indication that he is progressing steadily. While he looks fine, he still has some rehabilitation to go. Recovery from disc surgery is unpredictable and it is not a medical concern that he is not ready at this time.”
There should be no concern for whether or not Peyton will be ready to play. His Iron-man persona is given to him for a reason. Peyton has never missed a game since his first year at the University of Tennessee, so there should be no worries for the former Super-Bowl and Pro-Bowl Quarterback.
