KANSAS CITY, Mo.– The first formal offer in the Peyton Manning sweepstakes has reportedly come from the Kansas City Chiefs.Â
According to MileHighSports.com in Denver, the Chiefs were ready with an offer Thursday, one day after Manning was released by the Colts.
Though the team has not confirmed any move, Kansas City was widely expected to make an aggressive bid for the four-time MVP quarterback.
The Chiefs were among 12 teams, including the Jets, to contact Manning shortly after he became one of the most sought-after free agents in NFL history.
The pursuit could come to a close quickly, according to ESPN, which reported Manning would like to have a deal done by next week.
The Cardinals, Dolphins, Redskins, Broncos, and Seahawks are said to be interested in Manning, who will turn 36 on March 24.
The process could be slowed, however, by teams demanding to see up close how the player throws before inking a deal.
Though a video was released last weekend showing Manning in an “aggressive” throwing session, teams will likely want a clearer picture of his health.
Sources told NFL Network that Manning’s agent, Tom Condon, has not yet decided whether his client will hold one workout for all teams or opt for private workouts before individual teams.
After four neck surgeries in a 19-month span, Manning is working on getting his arm back to full strength. There have been varying reports over the past month about his progress, with Manning admitting Wednesday he “still has some progress to make.”
He said he had no idea where he would end up next season, and had not spoken to teams.
“I have no idea who wants me, what team wants me,” Manning said at an impromptu news conference in Miami.
“I literally have not had one conversation with anyone about these teams. It’s been so hard to try to figure out some closure with my situation with the Colts that I haven’t really concerned myself with that.”