Seattle Seahawks Plan to Offer Peyton Manning Big Money: Report

Watch out for the Seattle Seahawks in the Peyton Manning sweepstakes.

Rich Cimini of ESPNNewYork.com tweeted early Wednesday morning that a league source told him that the Seahawks will come out checkbook blazing for Manning once free agency begins on March 13. And, with Seattle having plenty of room under the cap thanks to the ability of teams to roll over remaining cap room from the previous season into the next season, Manning could very well get a lucrative, multiyear offer. However, it may not be one on par with his previous four-year, $90 million contract with the Indianapolis Colts.

Manning would undoubtedly represent a big upgrade to current starting quarterback Tarvaris Jackson, could take a breather once in a while with runningback Marshawn Lynch and work in developing a rapport with wide receiver Sidney Rice. But with the emergence of the San Francisco 49ers last season, especially their defense, the Seahawks even with Manning at the helm might still be hard-pressed to win the NFC West after having to face them twice a year.

Other teams such as the Miami Dolphins, Washington Redskins and Arizona Cardinals have been thought to be favorites in acquiring the four-time MVP. Cimini also reported that the New York Jets will explore the Manning situation, primarily to check on his surgically-repaired neck and contract demands.

After being officially released and announcing that he is moving on from the Colts after 14 years of service at a Wednesday press conference in Indianapolis, Manning will be stepping off of one emotional roller coaster onto a new one-the free agent frenzy.