As Alex Marvez puts together his list of possible destinations for Peyton Manning as he is released today, the Fox Sports writer has the Kansas City Chiefs on the list of suitors. He also says, however, that the team must invest in the right places to draw Manning to them.
The offensive line is an issue, the same one that has been a problem with the Indianapolis Colts for years. Some spots are cemented along the line, but issues at right tackle and need a guard should force the Chiefs to invest in at least one new free agent if not two along the offensive front.
Marvez writes, "Of all the cold-weather cities in the Manning scramble, Kansas City provides the most challenging environment for passing success in late-season games. The offensive line needs bolstering, which means the Chiefs would need to make the kind of heavy investment in free agency that general manager Scott Pioli has resisted during his previous three years in Kansas City."
Will Manning be willing to come to another team with an average offensive line? The potential is there for something above-average for sure. Jon Asamoah has been promising at guard and the team invested a second round choice in center/guard Rodney Hudson. Manning is familiar with Ryan Lilja's work at guard and Branden Albert has held down left tackle for years. The team is expected to choose a player like Riley Reiff in the NFL Draft to anchor the right side.
As for the weather, there's nothing KC can do about that. However, Scott Pioli can address the line and assure Peyton he'll take care of it. It's something on the Chiefs perceived wish list either way, so that shouldn't be the issue for Manning.