What IF the Redskin's signed Peyton Manning?

by jamesumd on Feb 1, 2012 3:20 PM EST

I was listening to Mike&Mike this morning talking to Adam Shefter and then Trent Dilfer about potential landing spots for Peyton, which got me thinking along those lines. The Redskin’s were one of four teams they focused on (Miami, Arizona, Was, and TN) as the strongest destinations.

I am not advocating the signing of Peyton Manning, nor am I necessarily against it. I do see some pros to that direction though, based on what Shefter/Dilfer said and below is my off-season plan to that end.

Assumptions:

Adam Shefter

Indicated Peyton has been working out and fully expects to play
He could potentially get released next week, which means he can sign immediately with another team.
Shefter indicated Manning won’t wait until the start of the next NFL season (middle of March I believe)
Said teams would look at a package deal to entice Manning

Trent Dilfer

Said Manning will want to go where he is comfortable with the O coordinator
Go somewhere we he can have freedom to change plays and run a no huddle to dictate the tempo of the game.
Wants to run multiple TE sets which helps him keep a defense off balance
Doesn’t want to play many 2 back sets (FB) unless short yardage

General assumptions

No trade ups or downs
I only have 1 underclassman drafted (#6 overall) as I read on a couple occasions Shanahan/Allen’s lack of drafting underclassman since arriving in Washington.

Draft valuations use this list (not saying I agree with all those values): http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/prospectrankings

Redskin’s Sign Peyton Manning (I’m not focused on money for this scenario)

One HH discussion yesterday focused on who/what would attract free agents on offense and Manning fits that bill. Folks mentioned that receivers like the route trees the Redskin’s use but Grossman/Beck detract from that value.

Manning’s accuracy, ability to dissect defenses, and ability to run an up tempo offense will also help both our offense and defense. The speed he gets through reads and makes throws will make our offensive line look much better.

Free Agency

1. Sign WR Reggie Wayne (Package deal): Still a Pro Bowler and Manning’s favorite target. It would also give us a trio of Hurricanes at WR (not as flashy as signing VJax, or Dwayne Bowe mind you).
2. Sign C Jeff Saturday (Package deal): Immediate (not necessarily long term) upgrade to Montgomery pushing Montgomery back to oline depth.
3. Sign G Russ Hochstein: Nicks and Grubbs are the premier guards on the market. Under this scenario I just don’t think we will have the money for either one of them. Hochstein I believe was drafted by Shanahan and therefore understands the ZBS and would come in at a moderate price tag.
4. Sign CB Tracy Porter: As Football futures indicates, “Porter's biggest problem is the inability to complete a 16 game season. When healthy, he's a consistent starter for the Saints and another good number two cornerback. I like Brent Grimes better but think Atlanta isn’t going to make it easy for him to leave (they will show him the $$).
5. Sign S Tyvon Branch: I am advocating bringing back Landry but Branch could play into a starting role should we deem Atogwe a failure or Landry’s injuries continue to plague him.

Re-sign: Fletcher, Landry (unless he is talking crazy talk $$), Fred Davis, Lichtensteiger, Montgomery, Carriker, Hightower, and Westbrook (for his ST play)

Keep: Cooley and DeAngelo Hall (only mentioned because I have heard folks say they cost too much.

2012 Draft (remember no trade downs)

1st round: OT Reilly Ratliff (Jr)

2nd round: CB Chase Minnifield (Sr)

3rd round: OT Nate Potter (Sr)

4th round: DT Alameda Ta'amu (Sr)

4th round: ILB Audie Cole (Sr)

5th round: WR Jairus Wright (Sr)

6th round: QB Russell Wilson (Sr)

7th round: C William Vlachos (Sr)

What are folks thoughts? I know this isn’t the first “Manning” post J but I tried to game plan for the entire off-season based around that premise just for fun.

I feel like this plan will give us some front line starters, some guys to compete for time, and some guys to provide depth/backfill for the future.

I guess I am just getting a little too anxious for the off-season and draft to begin.

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Comments

if the Redskins sign Manning

They’d return to their reputation of making bad FA signings.

by TheDeepBall on Feb 1, 2012 3:22 PM EST reply actions 1 recs

that is not a good reason to not sign him

the skins should be looking at the basics, like whether he can help the team.

by Donnio1234 on Feb 1, 2012 7:13 PM EST up reply actions

As I indicated

I am not for or against, only taking the off-season in that direction, should it come to pass, but I don’t see that signing him would be worse than say, trading our 1st and 2nd this year and 1st next year to move up to get RGIII either.

by jamesumd on Feb 1, 2012 3:57 PM EST reply actions

I just don't see this happening...

by mbedner on Feb 1, 2012 4:14 PM EST reply actions

This blog needs an intervention and therapy.

I see it as more cushion for the pushin'

by iH8dallas on Feb 1, 2012 4:26 PM EST reply actions

Well

i agree, that there is a chance ( less than 50%) that Manning will land here. And if he does Saturday and Wayne will be redskins as well. I’m just not sure how Manning’s need for freedom to change plays and run a no huddle will fit with the Shannys. I do think we could afford grubbs if we do end up bringing in Manning and his cohorts

When I was a kid, my father told me, "Never hit anyone in anger, unless you're absolutely sure you can get away with it." -Russell Ziskey

by Redskin44 on Feb 1, 2012 4:50 PM EST reply actions

I'd like to point out that Jeff Saturday is not a free agent.

Sign C Jeff Saturday (Package deal): Immediate (not necessarily long term) upgrade to Montgomery pushing Montgomery back to oline depth.

You’ve also added 140 years to the opening day roster with just FOUR players! We are also now bankrupt.

Editor at Hogs Haven - Redskins Blog
Twitter: @RVAparks Check it out for the latest Redskins news and opinions

by Parks Smith on Feb 1, 2012 4:50 PM EST reply actions

Saturday is a free agent

and Wayne and Saturday would be cheaper than Myers and Bowe

When I was a kid, my father told me, "Never hit anyone in anger, unless you're absolutely sure you can get away with it." -Russell Ziskey

by Redskin44 on Feb 1, 2012 5:24 PM EST up reply actions

My bad I thought he one more year left. The decision isn't Wayne/Saturday vs. Myers/Bowe, its...

Colts dumpster diving vs. everything else

Editor at Hogs Haven - Redskins Blog
Twitter: @RVAparks Check it out for the latest Redskins news and opinions

by Parks Smith on Feb 1, 2012 6:21 PM EST up reply actions

The Colts dumpster alone is 8-10 wins better than their whole team.

I’m not advocating for us to go after Manning, but let’s not pretend he is all of the sudden a below average QB.

Skins rule

by Horcasitas4 on Feb 4, 2012 2:26 PM EST up reply actions

if he is healthy and we cant get rg3 because some1 out bids what we want to offer. then i wouldnt mind getting manning

by munson21502 on Feb 1, 2012 4:53 PM EST reply actions

For the 1,897,763rd time...

FREE AGENCY IS BEFORE THE DRAFT. A decision would have to be made well in advance of the draft. You don’t have the luxury of saying, “welp we missed out on RG3, give Peyton a call”

Editor at Hogs Haven - Redskins Blog
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by Parks Smith on Feb 1, 2012 4:59 PM EST up reply actions

Agreed

We will certainly will know by the time FA roles around if we could possibly swing a deal for RGIII.

When I was a kid, my father told me, "Never hit anyone in anger, unless you're absolutely sure you can get away with it." -Russell Ziskey

by Redskin44 on Feb 1, 2012 5:45 PM EST up reply actions

Redskin44 - Really? I don't think so

we will know about 8 March if Manning is a FA, and probably where he is going about 13 or 14 March. I.e., I think it will all happen fast, unless Peyton is BSing us about his health.

by Donnio1234 on Feb 1, 2012 7:19 PM EST up reply actions

I agree

But to Tiller’s point in the other post, I think by the time Manning becomes a FA, Shanny will have made inquiries to the Rams to at least get a feel of what the cost will be to trade up. And yes, I realize that the Rams demands could change between early March and late April

When I was a kid, my father told me, "Never hit anyone in anger, unless you're absolutely sure you can get away with it." -Russell Ziskey

by Redskin44 on Feb 2, 2012 9:18 AM EST up reply actions

Colts Dumpster diving

With those three, if it’s considered dumpster diving, it must be at a posh restauraunt in Beverly Hills.

To Redskins44, originally I had Nicks in place of Hochstein, because I think NO is less likely to have the ability to re-sign him given some of their other impending free agents, along with the contract they gave Jahri Evans last year. Grubbs I felt Baltimore will/would lock up before Free Agency begins.

Admittedly, I may have been in the minority but really loved the draft and then free agency timeline reversal last year.

With the roster getting old through signing Manning, Saturday, and Wayne amongst others is actually buoyed by the fact this scenario has us using all 8 of our draft picks on young guys (unless we drafted Weeden).

by jamesumd on Feb 1, 2012 7:10 PM EST reply actions

I’d be happy with nicks. I think Saturday would only be good for a year, so we could still draft a center like molk. Trade gaffney for a 7th, and replace him with Wayne. Stock up on picks this year, move up to draft bray or barkley next year.

When I was a kid, my father told me, "Never hit anyone in anger, unless you're absolutely sure you can get away with it." -Russell Ziskey

by Redskin44 on Feb 1, 2012 7:22 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

Gaffney > Wayne

Editor at Hogs Haven - Redskins Blog
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by Parks Smith on Feb 1, 2012 7:25 PM EST up reply actions

You're acting like we're getting these players circa 2006.

This is a 35+ year old QB, who no one has seen play in over a year and has beyond serious health issues. A 37 year old center and a 33 year old WR who just had his worst year in 9 years.

Editor at Hogs Haven - Redskins Blog
Twitter: @RVAparks Check it out for the latest Redskins news and opinions

by Parks Smith on Feb 1, 2012 7:25 PM EST up reply actions

we can re-sign Portis and LJ and we'll be set for weeks to come.

"Please don't dominate the rap, Jack, if you got nothin' new to say."-Robert Hunter

by MagicHat on Feb 4, 2012 7:55 AM EST up reply actions

hold on

Manning at 45 years old is better than REX,Wayne is better option than Moss.We need a QB bad!!!!Draft Foles,Wilson or another so Manning can tutor him for a few years.You all that say we go backwards by signing Manning are not thinking this through at all.The skins are not very far from being a competative playoff team.

by fatazfoot on Feb 1, 2012 8:09 PM EST reply actions

i agree i posted that on another article foles could be a stud with the right teaching and who better then shanny and manning

lohaus #54

by lohaus#54 on Feb 4, 2012 1:05 AM EST up reply actions

Can't Half way Manning

I don’t see the logic of singing Manning, if the intent is to sacrifice the future for the present. The Redskins are not a QB away from being a Super Bowl Champion, even if that QB is Peyton Manning. My main concern about signing Manning is that management will continue the policies of the past and try to sign an over the hill free agent, mortgaging the future for the present.

If we sign Manning we have to go all in. What’s the point of waiting for our young guys to develop when Manning only has a three year window. Do we really think we are going to win a championship with a rookie tackle playing significant minutes down the stretch. Will Manning be able to develop enough chemistry with the wr’s/ and te’s to compete for a super bowl.

Signing Manning is not something you do half-way. You don’t sign a guy like Manning, while still trying to build for the future. I like Manning and I think he’s a top 5 QB ever, but I feel like if we sign Manning and try to win now we will end up not winning now and not winning in the future. If you think the Skins are good enough to win a Super Bowl with Manning as our QB, we’ll simply agree to disagree and I would love to be proven wrong.

by bigmikeemike09 on Feb 1, 2012 10:28 PM EST reply actions

Ah, I see now!

All the Peyton posts to throw the Browns off of our path (because you can’t be serious)….mighty clever of you

by Bryan Black on Feb 1, 2012 10:45 PM EST via Android app reply actions

If the Colts cut Manning today, he’s not free to sign with any team right now. The free agency period doesn’t start til March. I’d be OK with Manning if he was cheap, but that’s not the case and he for sure would be a distraction.

Imagine how many prime time games we’d get!

"Marge, it takes two to lie. One to lie and one to listen." --Homer Simpson
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by Kevin Ewoldt on Feb 2, 2012 8:04 AM EST reply actions

Shefter indicated otherwise

My understanding of what Shefter said, is if a team were to “cut” a player under contract right now they could immediately sign with another team. If a player in in the last year of their contract and going to hit free agency on March 8th, then that player until March 8th, is technically under contract.

I think this is why right now teams with impending free agents can still negotiate on new deals exclusively until. that date.

by jamesumd on Feb 2, 2012 10:09 AM EST up reply actions

I have mixed feelings but I don't think Shanahan wants to go that direction

As great as Peyton is, I think Shanahan wants to continue down the path of getting younger, not older. Maybe he’d go for it if the price was right. That’s what I think – it’s remotely possible but very unlikely.

I have mixed feelings on it – on one hand it’s been 2 decades since we were really competitive and bringing in a HEALTHY Peyton would instantly make us competitive so I can’t resist wanting to return to being a contender. On the other hand if he isn’t healthy and all he does is suck up lots of cap money cough McNabb cough then that would be the worst conceivable move as we’d go back to being known (especially by players) as the sucky team you go to to get your fat retirement check.

It’s just not worth that risk unless he is 100% healthy.

by aFan4Life on Feb 2, 2012 8:34 AM EST reply actions

McNabb and Manning are totally different in my opinion

Not a psychologist mind you, but from a career/personality perspective, I would compare McNabb and his approach to going to a new team more to Favre than I think Manning (projecting obviously).

I get the impression that Favre and McNabb both figured going to new teams would either 1) be a piece of cake to pick up the new system or 2) the coaches would reformat the offense to do only what they do best (to hell with the other 10 offensive players).

I think Manning understands moving means learning a new system of sorts and would put the effort in neccesary to succeed.

by jamesumd on Feb 2, 2012 10:14 AM EST up reply actions

I agree but physically Peytons injury is a bigger concern

I think the only real questions are if he is really healed and what will Peyton cost (cap impact). If he isn’t healthy then the rest is irrelevant. If he costs too much then it’s also irrelevant.

Then he has to decide if he’d even want to come here. Let’s face it, at his age he’s going to want to go to a SB contender, not a rebuilding team.

by aFan4Life on Feb 2, 2012 11:15 AM EST up reply actions

I should add

that if peyton did come here, the team as a whole would improve drastically but would we really be a SB contender? Maybe but not as much as teams like the 49ers.

by aFan4Life on Feb 2, 2012 11:16 AM EST up reply actions

to piggy back though

As I originally said I am not advocating signing Manning or not signing him. I just think doing so completely re-shapes the direction the front office would/could go as far as filling out the 2012/2013 version of the Redskins.

by jamesumd on Feb 2, 2012 10:16 AM EST reply actions

IF we were to sign Peyton...

I’d love to see us trade down and pick up a 1st rounder next year. Then possibly go for our QB of the future next year as it will have some nice prospects.

by Nobetterthenbob on Feb 2, 2012 1:14 PM EST reply actions

Plan B

I want RG3 in the worst way and want to them to give up picks to acquire him…but if they can’t swing the deal and Browns can put a more attractive offer then I would be happy with Manning with the emphasis we trade down for future picks so we have that ammo to manuever in the 2013 draft which sounds might have more blue chip QB prospects.

The Skins need to make a trade with Rams within the next month to see if that door is even available and if the Browns close the door for his rights then we must have a plan B at QB. The only reason why I say the Browns as an option is because they have a higher pick in the first round and have an extra first round pick. No other team should be able to outbid us for RG3.

by Deuce2one on Feb 2, 2012 1:54 PM EST reply actions

Manning maybe

but why Saturday and Wayne too ?
and why cant we simply trade down and get quality weapons and protection for him ?
or stay where we are at and make good picks ?
i also think the shanahan’s would welcome Manning’s imput on offense and would certainly let him control things at the LOS
are you guys telling me that manning cant get the best out of gafney , hankerson , paul , moss and a rookie wr ? that he wouldnt be happy with davis and cooley ?
or he wouldnt be happy with our defense ?

and why would we sign a guy we havent cleared medically ?
and our cap is as good as it gets

i am not saying sign manning , but hey lets look at it rather then go with rex/beck

by skinsdad62 on Feb 3, 2012 3:31 PM EST reply actions

The health issue with Manning does involve arm strength. He probably still has a quick release and his mind is

likely as good as it ever was. Arm strength is an aspect of the route tree and teams could defense the other routes more easily once it was determined what his current limitations are.

by Jefferson1935 on Feb 5, 2012 10:55 PM EST up reply actions