Andy Reid downplays idea Eagles had Peyton Manning interest

Andy Reid acted swiftly to deflect the notion that the Philadelphia Eagles were interest in joining the Peyton Manning sweepstakes.

Shortly after a report from Sam Farmer of the Los Angeles Times spread this morning that suggested the Eagles’ efforts didn’t get far because Manning didn’t want to be in the NFC East with his younger brother Eli, Reid responded.

The Eagles released a statement from Reid: “We look into everything, as all teams do. And I have the highest regard for Peyton Manning. But as I said publicly last month, that wasn’t the direction we were heading in. Michael (Vick) is our guy.”

Farmer also reported Reid would have walked away from the Eagles following the 8-8 season if he didn’t get more say in personnel matters.

“As far as the personnel control, I have had final say on personnel matters for quite some time here and that’s never been an issue or a point of contention,” Reid said in the statement. “Our front office works very well together and that’s one of our strengths.”

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Brad Biggs covers the Bears for the Chicago Tribune