The Peyton Manning Sweepstakes is in full swing with several NFL teams reportedly interested in the services of the future Hall of Fame quarterback. Where he will end up is still anyone's guess. New York Giants defensive end Justin Tuck knows, however, knows one team he does not want to see Manning playing for -- the NFC East rival Washington Redskins.
"There’s gonna be a lot of teams bidding for the services of Peyton Manning. Even with the injury, I think he’s still gonna come back strong and he’s going make whichever team he goes to an instant powerhouse,’’ Tuck told The Associated Press while at Barcelona’s Global Sports Forum on Thursday. "Hopefully he doesn’t come to the NFC East where I’ll have to play him twice a year.’’
The quarterback-needy Redskins have been expected to be among the primary bidders for Manning's services. However, one report indicates that Manning -- who apaprently prefers to stay in the AFC -- may have already ruled out the Redskins.
Per Redskins insider Chris Russell of ESPN 980, the four-time MVP has told the team he will not sign there.
"A couple of different sources inside the organization have told me that Manning's camp made it pretty clear to Redskins officials he doesn't want to come here," Russell said Thursday on SportsCenter.
Here are some of the other Manning stories making news on the second full day of the Manning Sweepstakes.
NFL.com Blogs " Blog Archive La Canfora: Teams waiting on Peyton Manning workout "
Imagine a Peyton Manning pro day. It could happen.
The Manning Sweepstakes are underway, but for now the teams who are interested are largely in the dark over his medical condition. Also unclear are Manning’s intentions to eventually work out in public, thus giving teams a chance to verify that he’s completely recovered from four neck surgeries.
Several teams who are interested in Manning told NFL Network insider Jason La Canfora they have contacted Manning’s agent, Tom Condon, wanting to see the quarterback throw. But they have received no feedback yet as to whether or not Manning will hold one workout for teams, hold individual workouts, or just make visits.
Trump, in South Beach to hype his $150 million purchase of the Doral Resort, betrayed his pal Woody Johnson’s Jets when he said Thursday he "would love to see" Peyton Manning sign with the Dolphins.
"First of all (Dolphins owner) Steve Ross is a very good friend of mine," Trump bellowed before a roomful of reporters and TV cameras at the WGC Cadillac Championship, where Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson and Rory McIlroy were fighting it out in the first round. "He’s a member of my club in Palm Beach and I think Peyton would be great for Miami. It would be a fantastic thing for this area."
Peyton Manning ready to play after neck surgery, experts say | The Indianapolis Star | indystar.com
Safety isn't Manning's issue, several spine specialists said. Arm strength is.
Manning's surgically repaired neck will be able to take a hit just fine once the fusion is healed, with the bone actually stronger than others in his neck. Nerves are delicate, however, and only time will tell if they'll recover enough for the 35-year-old four-time NFL MVP to be the quarterback he once was.
"His risk really is very low," said Dr. Robert S. Bray Jr., who has worked with NHL star Sidney Crosby and whose DISC Sports & Spine Center provides medical services for the U.S. Olympic team.
"If I was a team, I'd ask, 'Did (the fusion) heal? Do you have a CAT scan that showed it healed? Is the rest of neck in pretty good shape?"' Bray asked. "If those two answers are yes, then it gets down to, 'OK, get out on the field and show me you can perform,' because it will only get better from here with time."
-- Follow this StoryStream for continued updates on the Manning situation.