When quarterback Andrew Luck shocked the football world with a unexpected retirement announcement on Saturday night, it created an interesting ripple in the matrix.
The Indianapolis Colts now find themselves in need of a high-quality quarterback, and while they could just ride it out with Jacoby Brissett, it’s more likely they seek someone with more experience.
What about New York Giants veteran Eli Manning?
Yes, Manning has a no-trade clause, and yes, Manning has been named the Giants’ starting quarterback for Week 1, but what if a phone call was made and a trade was discussed? Might Manning be willing to wave that no-trade clause to finish out his career with the same Colts team his brother, Peyton Manning, had so many successful seasons? In the same stadium Eli won one of his two Super Bowl titles?
A trade of Manning to the Colts would be the most dignified way for the Giant to split with Eli and usher in the Daniel Jones era, which is something that could materialize either this season or next. It would also give Manning a less stressful opportunity to chase a Super Bowl title in the twilight of his career.
As painful as the thought may be for some, it legitimately makes sense for both sides.
With only a week remaining until the regular season, any potential trade would have to materialize in short order. The good news for Indianapolis is that general manager Dave Gettleman is open to wheeling and dealing anyone if the price is right, so should the Colts opt down that rabbit hole, the phone will at least be picked up.
A trade of Manning to the Colts would be an unceremonious end to a brilliant New York career, but it would present an opportunity to continue his NFL career — something Manning has repeatedly stated is years from being over.
While Manning has desired to end his football career where it began, ending up with the Colts would be almost poetic and even he couldn’t deny that.
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