BY SEAN DONOVAN
ESPN's Chris Mortensen is reporting that the Colts are choosing to release the four-time NFL MVP instead of paying him a roster bonus of $28 million to remain with the team. Colts owner Jim Irsay will make the official announcement on Wednesday.
Manning became expendable after Indianapolis finished with the NFL's worst record in his absence due to injury and can now pick Sanford's Andrew Luck first overall in April's draft.
The Dolphins are the expected front runners for Manning's services because of Manning's fondness of South Florida and Dolphins owner Stephen Ross' desire for a star quarterback. Other teams considered to be in contention are the Cardinals, Jets, Redskins, Chiefs, 49ers and Seahawks.
Manning leaves holding every major quarterback record for the Colts and brought the franchise a Super Bowl victory in 2006, its first since 1971. He also was not only the face of the Colts, but one of the most recognizable and marketable players of the past decade.
While it was largely assumed Manning would be released, Manning himself made it known that he wished to stay in Indianapolis. The other variable to the equation is Manning's recovery from four surgeries to help regenerate a damaged nerve in his neck.
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Manning leaves holding every major quarterback record for the Colts and brought the franchise a Super Bowl victory in 2006, its first since 1971. He also was not only the face of the Colts, but one of the most recognizable and marketable players of the past decade.
While it was largely assumed Manning would be released, Manning himself made it known that he wished to stay in Indianapolis. The other variable to the equation is Manning's recovery from four surgeries to help regenerate a damaged nerve in his neck.
