The Indianapolis Colts are back in the middle of another major reset, and this time the name floating to the top is one that still carries enormous weight in the city: Peyton Manning.
After a fast start that had Indianapolis sitting No. 1 in the AFC standings, the wheels came off once Daniel Jones went down. What looked like a team ready to battle in the AFC South with the Houston Texans and Jacksonville Jaguars instead slid hard over the last two weeks. The Colts entered Week 5 at 2-2, then dropped back-to-back games to the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tennessee Titans to fall to 2-4.
That downturn cost Chris Ballard his job. Indianapolis fired the general manager after the losses, and team owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon made it clear where the organization stands.
“The Colts’ standard is “to compete for championships,”” she said in a statement, adding that “a change in leadership is necessary to meet that standard.”
Now the conversation has shifted to who comes next, and Dan Patrick, via Evan Sidery on X, reported that the Colts are aiming high. According to that report, Indianapolis is planning to pursue Manning as its next general manager.
“The Colts are planning to pursue Peyton Manning as their next general manager, per @dpshow. Indianapolis is attempting a Hail Mary to bring back their franchise legend to run the show.”
It would be an eye-opening move, but not one that comes out of nowhere. Sources said six years ago that Manning could one day run an organization, particularly if he had an ownership stake. If that idea still holds, the timing may finally be right.
Manning has already built a major media presence through the Manningcast, and Tom Brady has shown how much influence a former star can have in a front office setting since joining the board of the Las Vegas Raiders. If Manning’s view on stepping into a team role hasn’t changed, this would be a fascinating path for him.
For now, it’s still speculation. But the possibility of Peyton Manning back in Indianapolis is enough to get attention immediately.
In Other News...
Chiefs Receiver Search Just Opened Another Interesting Possibility
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Godwin has still been a useful piece for the Buccaneers, but the conversation around him now sits at the intersection of need and opportunity for another team. One NFL executive pointed out that Kansas City likely cannot solve its receiver problems with just one addition, even if Hill were to return, which only adds to the intrigue around a player like Godwin. For the Bucs, the question is not whether he can help, but how much interest his current market will generate if the Chiefs keep digging for answers. [Read more 🡒]
Buccaneers May Finally Be Ready To Unleash A Rookie Playmaker
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Todd Bowles and offensive coordinator Zac Robinson are weighing ways to get Hurst more involved, and the timing matters with Baker Mayfield working back into the mix after the dislocated thumb that sidelined him. Mayfield recently returned to practice, and his availability could shape how quickly the Buccaneers open things up for a young receiver who has already shown he belongs in the conversation. [Read more 🡒]
Bucs Suddenly Face A Yaya Diaby Decision That Says Everything
With the Buccaneers sitting at 1-5, the front office is weighing a move that would say plenty about where this season is headed. Yaya Diaby, once viewed as part of the pass-rush future, has become a name to watch ahead of the trade deadline as Tampa Bay looks at ways to add draft capital and keep building for what comes next.
The edge rushers production has dipped this year, and the Bucs have other defenders beginning to carve out bigger roles, which makes the decision even more complicated. If they believe a trade is the best path, Tampa Bay may prefer to get something back now rather than risk watching the situation drift toward free agency, with Dallas among the clubs that could make sense given its defensive needs and Jerry Jones recent hints about being active. [Read more 🡒]