Quarterback Peyton Manning has a reputation for thorough preparation and careful thought. But that’s not how he’s treating his first foray into free agency.
It seemed like an embellishment at best, a flat-out fib at worst, when Manning said upon being released by the Colts that he hasn’t thought about his next destination. Apparently, it was the truth.
A source with knowledge of the situation tells PFT that Manning currently is “making it up as he goes.” Per the source, Manning never envisioned being in this situation, and he simply hadn’t planned for it.
And so, as reporters throw elbows in an effort to track down any sliver of insight regarding Peyton’s plans, the reality is that he has no plan. Friday’s trip to Denver was simply the first stop. And now Arizona is the second.
As a practical matter, it means that Peyton ultimately will be relying heavily on a gut feeling that will emerge after meeting with however many teams he decides to meet with before making his decision. Which means that it will be critical for the various suitors to establish with Peyton a real connection that will allow him to believe it’s the right move, wherever he ends up moving.
In this regard, there’s also a benefit to being the last team who meets with Peyton. If it’s a close call, the folks he’s with when he’s close to making up his mind will have a decided advantage.