Peyton Manning and the Kansas City Chiefs Are a Perfect Fit - a Fan’s Take

How much do the Kansas City Chiefs want to revive the fan base and become instant contenders again? Even if it is for a 2 to 3 year time period. Enter Peyton Manning, who it appears will be released tomorrow, Wednesday March 7th. The Chiefs have done this before. Does Joe Montana ring a bell? Montana didn't get the Chiefs that much needed Super Bowl appearance, but he didn't have near the weapons that an aging Peyton Manning would acquire. Any team that takes Manning is taking a gamble, that is very obvious. It is a gamble that Kansas City should make though. A healthy Manning would bring instant credibility to a team that sent their head coach packing just a year ago. The Chiefs have a great young nucleus that would buy into anything Manning brought to the team. Imagine what this offense could look like. Manning throwing to Dwayne Bowe and handing the ball of to Jamaal Charles. Screen passes to speedster Dexter McCluster, this could be fun. That isn't all the Chiefs offer though. Tony Moeaki, Steve Breaston and Jonathan Baldwin would all create havoc for opposing defenses.

Granted this might somewhat inhibit the immediate long term future of the team if they end up having to part with incumbent quarterback Matt Cassel. I would bet that Chiefs fans would give the franchise a pass if they make this move. Best case scenario is that Manning is healthy for the next 3 seasons and the team makes a Super Bowl appearance or two during that time. Worst case scenario would be if Manning couldn't remain healthy and the Chiefs had to sign a veteran free agent to help get them through the season. There are some good quarterbacks in the coming draft that Kansas City can pick up in the 3rd or 4th round that could be the quarterback of the future. Cassel is overpaid anyway, freeing his salary could help the team in other areas. Eventually the Chiefs have to pick the right guy in the draft. Right? If somehow the Chiefs can restructure the contract of Cassel, which is doubtful, that would be a best case scenario. That would give Kansas City a backup they could trust and, who knows, he just might learn a few things from Manning.

Manning in Arrowhead will create more ticket sales and the Chiefs would benefit greatly from apparel sales all across the country. Fans of Manning will remain loyal, they will follow his career in Kansas City. When a guy as good as Manning gets ran out of town due to unfortunate circumstances like this, it is hard to not root for him. You also can't blame the Colts, they have the chance to pick up a new, younger face of the franchise. This just might be the jolt Manning needed anyway. A new start. A new team. All of the NFL will watch in anticipation to see where Manning ends up. I am betting there isn't one team that wants to see him join their division. The AFC West wouldn't have an answer if he stays healthy, it hasn't been the most dominating conference the past few seasons anyway. Let's just hope Manning will be in a Chiefs uniform next season. It may seem like a long shot, but just one year ago there was a zero percent chance.

Kevin was born and raised in Nebraska and currently lives in Kansas. He has always stayed local and rooted for the Royals and Chiefs.

Sources

http://sports.yahoo.com

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