Peyton Manning Says He Doesn’t Need to be Highest-Paid Player in League

Peyton Manning is 35, recovering from neck surgery, and received the franchise tag. He’s instructed his agent and the Colts to get a new contract finalized before the season begins, and he’s publicly taking the pressure off them. Specifically, he’s saying that being the highest-paid player in the league is not a priority to him.

“While I appreciate Jim Irsay offering to make me the highest-paid player,” Manning told The Indianapolis Star, “I told him I’d rather he save that money and keep whoever it is . . . Joe Addai, Charlie Johnson, whoever that may be.

“I’m willing to take less than they’ve offered if they are going to take that money to keep players we need to keep and go get other players. All I want is for them to have the cap and the cash to keep the players they want to keep and to sign other players.”

Given what teams like the Eagles have done in free agency and what the Patriots have done with trades, he better have that attitude. The Colts are falling behind some of the other contenders in the league and they need to have all the flexibility possible to improve. It’s also no surprise why Peyton wants a deal done immediately. Not only does he not want a contract distraction, but I’m sure the combination of his age and neck injury has left him uncertain about his future. He needs get that financial commitment now before it’s too late.