Appearing on Mike and Mike in the Morning on Monday, ESPN’s Chris Mortensen reiterated that free agent quarterback Peyton Manning is “exhausted” after his weekend flights to Denver and Arizona, and not ready to make a decision.
Mort said he’d be “shocked” if Manning picked a new team by Tuesday’s 4 p.m. opening of free agency, and even went so far as to suggest Manning may not sign with a team at all this week.
“He wants to get back into his throwing regimen,” Mortensen stated. “I will be shocked if he has a decision by 4 p.m. tomorrow when the new league year starts. And I might even be surprised if he has a decision this week.”
A week-long delay could hurt the Arizona Cardinals’ chances of landing Manning. Holdover quarterback Kevin Kolb is due a $7 million roster bonus next Saturday. Denver isn’t in such a bind.
Mort didn’t say much about the Dolphins. He seems to agree with colleague Adam Schefter that the Denver Broncos are the favorites to sign Manning.
Regardless, it appears no decision is imminent.