By: Breanna Jacobs
The Indianapolis Colts are planning to release star quarterback Peyton Manning, according to sources. The official announcement is expected to come Wednesday at a press conference in Indianapolis. According to sources, both Manning and Colts owner Jim Irsay will be there. The Colts have chosen to pass on the $28 million bonus that Manning is owed and on the remaining four years of his contract. With his release, Manning will become one of the hottest free agents on the market. The Colts have until 4 p.m. on Thursday to officially release him.
Manning, who sat out all last season recovering from multiple neck surgeries, has been with the Colts for 14 years; he has not played for any other teams in his NFL career. Manning is a four-time league MVP and has led the Colts to the play-offs 11 times. Last season was the first time he had missed a start since his NFL career began in 1998.
Manning’s release is a surprise, as Irsay recently said that he wanted to come to an amicable deal with the Superbowl winning quarterback and keep him with the Colts. However, with the firing of former head coach Jim Caldwell, most of Caldwell’s staff and general manager Chris Polian, it is clear that Irsay is looking to take the team in a different direction.
It is uncertain where Manning’s future lies, or what team it lies with, but sources say that he wants to keep playing and that he is ready to continue his NFL career.
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