Report: Seattle will come out 'checkbook blazing' for Peyton

Popular thinking for the past few weeks (months?) is that the Miami Dolphins or Washington Redskins would emerge as favorites to land Peyton Manning if and when he became available.

Well, Manning will be available in a matter of hours. The Indianapolis Colts are holding a press conference at noon (EST) to announce that the quarterback and owner Jim Irsay are parting ways amicably, a decision that will make them both shine in the best possible light moving forward.

Then, the free-agent frenzy is on.

While the Dolphins and Redskins remain serious suitors for Manning – as best we can tell – the Seattle Seahawks and deep-pocketed owner Paul Allen could also be very much in the mix. Rich Cimini of ESPN New York reports that the Seahawks will come out “checkbook blazing” in pursuit of Manning. Other reports have indicated Seattle could try to lure Manning and Reggie Wayne as a package deal.

We’ll see what happens. This is far from over and the madness is just beginning. There are plenty of other teams that could be in the sweepstakes. Arizona, San Francisco, Houston, the New York Jets, Kansas City and others have all been mentioned.

Stay tuned.

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Brad Biggs covers the Bears for the Chicago Tribune

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