The news of lingering neck problems that eventually would result in season-ending surgery for Peyton Manning first arose via a couple of Indianapolis radio hosts. And so it’s fitting, we suppose, that the first semi-concrete report regarding Manning’s next destination would come from a Kansas City radio host.
Bob Fescoe of 610 Sports writes via Twitter that he is "[h]earing” the Chiefs and agent Tom Condon “have spoken twice” about Colts quarterback Peyton Manning, and that Fescoe is “told” the financials are a “good fit” for the Chiefs.
Technically, no team may talk to Peyton or Condon until the Colts release Manning. But tampering happens all the time at this time of the year, and it becomes nearly blatant at the Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.
Manning makes sense for the Chiefs for various reasons. They have more than enough cap space, a relatively strong defense, a great young running back in Jamaal Charles, and competent receivers (who’d look a lot better with Peyton Manning throwing the passes). Last year, even after Charles, safety Eric Berry, and tight end Tony Moeaki were lost early to torn ACLs, the Chiefs pulled it together and nearly pulled off a second straight AFC West title.
The fact that the Chiefs play in the AFC West would make Peyton’s path back to the postseason easier than elsewhere.
With the AFC West teams playing the AFC North and NFC South teams in 2012, eight or nine wins will likely once again result in a playoff berth. Apart from the Ravens (home), Bengals (home), Steelers (away), Browns (away), Falcons (home), Panthers (home), Buccaneers (away), and Saints (away), the Chiefs play the Bills in Buffalo and, yes, the Colts at Arrowhead Stadium.
And so, 19 years after the Chiefs acquired Joe Montana for a late-career second act, it’s time to add the Chiefs to the list of teams that possibly could provide Peyton Manning with a place to chase another Super Bowl title. Or two.