In the end, Irsay would have had to pay Manning $35.5 million without knowing for sure Manning is healthy. (Getty Images)

By Pat Kirwan

In the end it wasn't salary cap space but real cash that ends the Peyton Manning era in Indianapolis.

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The $28 million bonus due the last second of the last day of the 2011 league year and the $7.5 million salary in 2012 is a $35.5 million hit without proof positive that Manning can play again. The 2011 portion of the new contract that had a $20 million signing bonus as well as a $3 million roster bonus and $3.4 million salary without a physical was his "legacy" money for a HOF career.

It didn't hurt that the Colts wind up in the spot to draft Andrew Luck and make the transition from Manning a little easier to tolerate.

The Dolphins are still looking for the Dan Marino replacement. The way the Colts structured the contract really indicates that the line in the sand was drawn for March 2012 as to how much more risk the Colts would take. Without playing a down in 2011 and not really ever being able to practice, it is over. I believe Manning will play again and now he hits free agency.

No modern day quarterback in the Hall of Fame that left his original team and joined another club ever took that new team to a Super Bowl. Joe Montana got close with the Chiefs but lost in the conference championship game. Could Peyton be the first to do it? I wouldn't bet against him.

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