Hawks big spenders for Manning?

Published on March 7, 2012 by Tacoma News Tribune (Feed)     

According to Rich Cimini of ESPN New York, the Seattle Seahawks are willing to open their checkbook in the pursuit of Peyton Manning.

Cimini: “Hearing from a league source the Seahawks will come out, checkbook blazing, for Manning.”

I’ve heard from sources within the organization that the Seahawks definitely are interested in pursuing Manning. But just how much has been harder to figure out.

Manning is expected to be released by Indianapolis this morning in an announcement by the Colts. Once he’s released, Manning can be pursued by other teams before the official March 13 deadline for the opening of free agency.

So expect the bidding for Manning’s services to begin, with Miami likely at the front of the line.

And while money will be an important factor in Manning’s decision, it will not be the only factor. Scheme fit, personnel and location also will be important factors, and could work against Seattle.

So you might want to hold off on buying that Peyton Manning jersey.

Bob Kravitz of the Indianapolis Star provides some perspective on the situation in Indianapolis.

Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com has contract details on Marshawn Lynch’s deal. Basically the first two years of the deal are fully guaranteed at $17 million.

Dave Hyde of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel writes that Manning would be the perfect fit for Seattle Miami.

Clare Farnsworth of Seahawks.om talks with Brandon Mebane about his good friends Red Bryant and David Hawthorne returning in free agency. Mebane’s locker is between the two on the defensive side of the Seahawks locker room: Mebane: “I’m happy they were able to get Marshawn re-signed,” Mebane said. “But they’ve still got some things they’ve got to take care of.” Glancing to his left, and referring to Bryant, Mebane added, “They’ve definitely got to take care of that.” Glancing to his right, where Hawthorne has been since the Seahawks moved into Virginia Mason Athletic Center in 2008, Mebane said, “And there’s a decision to be made here, too.”

Pat Kirwan of CBS Sports has Red Bryant rated as the No. 2 overall free agent on his top 30 list. Kirwan: “When he crossed paths with Pete Carroll’s defense, his career exploded. Teams that have done their homework have him way up the free-agent board.”

Pete Prisco of CBS Sports also is on the Red Bryant bandwagon, listing Red as one of the five lesser-known free agents he likes. Prisco also says be wary of Matt Flynn.

Mike Silver of Yahoo Sports ranks the top 12 spots that Peyton Manning will land. Seattle comes in at No. 6.

via Morning links: Hawks big spenders for Manning? | Seahawks Insider.

Tags: Big Spenders, Bob Kravitz, Brandon Mebane, Contract Details, Dave Hyde, David Hawthorne, ESPN, Farnsworth, Front Of The Line, Indianapolis Star, League Source, Marshawn Lynch, Mike Florio, Peyton Manning, Peyton Manning Jersey, Rich Cimini, SEATTLE SEAHAWKS, South Florida Sun, Sun Sentinel, Virginia Mason