Arizona Cardinals gives roster bonus to Kevin Kolb, not pursuing Peyton Manning now – NFL News
The Arizona Cardinals might have seriously considered acquiring former Indianapolis Colts’ quarterback, Peyton Manning, but that possibility is over now as the management has decided against pursuing Manning and gave a $7 million roster bonus to their regular
quarterback, Kevin Kolb, on Friday, March 16, 2012.
The development has certainly brought satisfaction to Kolb, who is already facing a tough competition in the presence of John Skelton, Cardinals’ second quarterback.
Kolb, who started his professional National Football League (NFL) career in 2007 with Philadelphia Eagles, joined Cardinals in 2011.
Owing to injuries, Kolb could only play nine games and his performance stayed below par. In his absence, Skelton took the starting role and sent the alarm bells ringing for Kolb.
In such a scenario, Peyton’s acquisition would have seriously damaged Kolb’s chances, but that is not the case now.
Cardinals’ coach, Ken Whisenhunt, said:
“Since the end of last season we made it very clear that our plan was to head into 2012 with Kevin Kolb and John Skelton, let the process play out and -- like at every position -- go with the quarterback who gives us the best chance to win.”
He added:
“Regarding today’s developments and our quarterback position, acquiring Peyton Manning is no longer an option for us.”
However, Whisenhunt did not deny chasing any option that would be in the team’s interest. He said:
“We’ve said it many times: if there’s an opportunity to make our team better we’ll explore it.”
Whisenhunt informed that as soon as Cardinals got an opportunity to pursue Manning, the organisation chalked out a plan to go after the player. However, the coach also added that the organisation did not have any regret after failing to reach terms with
Manning.
Earlier, both Skelton and Kolb had expressed a desire to stay with Cardinals for many seasons. Since Peyton is out of the way now, Cards will have to rely on both of them, but it is yet to be determined who will take the starting role.
By the looks of the things, Kolb will apparently be the starting quarterback for the team in the next season, but Skelton will also be given an opportunity to prove his strength during the offseason and preseason games before the coach makes his final call.
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