It’s highly unlikely that the Colts will ever allow Peyton Manning to hit the open market (especially if they win the Super Bowl this Sunday), but it’s interesting to note that his contract does void after the 2010 season.
From the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel:
Manning’s contract, which he signed in February 2007, will void after next season. Every move the Colts make from a fiscal standpoint revolves around what they intend to do for Manning.
His current deal averages $14 million. However, in the last year, quarterbacks Eli Manning of the New York Giants, Philip Rivers of San Diego, Jay Cutler of Chicago and Ben Roethlisberger of Pittsburgh all have shot past Peyton Manning.
On an average-per-year basis, Eli Manning leads the quarterback pay scale at $16.25 million. Rivers averages $15.3 million, Cutler averages $14.668 million and Roethlisberger averages $14.664.
I would imagine that if Manning wins owner Jim Irsay another Super Bowl, then the Colts will lock Peyton up with a contract in the $20-mil range. And even if Indy doesn’t win this weekend, Manning is worth every penny that he’ll eventually sign for.
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