Irsay: Colts would welcome back Manning
Posted February 14, 2012 5:40 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Peyton Manning could end up staying in Indianapolis, after all.
Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay said he’d love to retain the services of the future Hall of Fame quarterback, but only if he lowers his price tag.
“I want him to be able to make the choice,” Irsay told the Indianapolis Star. “We would love to have him back here if he can get healthy and we can look at doing a contract that reflects the uncertainty of the … healing process with the regeneration of the nerve.”
The Colts have a looming decision to make on Manning. Irsay is expected to meet with the 36-year-old within the next two weeks to discuss Manning’s future with the franchise.
He has a roster bonus of $28 million that is due on Mar. 8. If the Colts do not pay the bonus, Manning will hit the open market and become an unrestricted free agent.
“We can make it work if he wants to be here,” Irsay said. “We’d be excited to have him back and finish his career with us.
Manning, who missed the entire 2011 season after several neck surgeries, has been reportedly cleared by doctors to resume his NFL career. The four-time MVP has been intensely rehabbing and working out to try and regain his arm strength.
It is unclear if Manning would be willing to accept a lesser or incentive-baased deal with the Colts.
