Los Angeles Rams still have a shot at Peyton Manning

A week ago, there were numerous reports that Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning is retiring. As a matter of fact, the legendary quarterback was supposed to announce it this week. But no such announcement has come because Manning still wants to see if it’s possible for him to play.

According to NFL insider Jason Cole of Bleacher report, Manning is willing to compete for the Broncos’ starting job. And if he were to lose the battle, he would even be okay with being a backup. But as Cole reported and we all already know, the Broncos want to move on from Manning in 2016.

And of the six teams that have obvious needs at quarterback, Cole reported four had no interest. And when Cole asked a Rams official if they had interest in him, he heard crickets (no comment). Sometimes, silence is golden and other times, silence is platinum, like the platinum Manning will get for signing with the Rams.

Magic Johnson wasn’t just playing when he tried to recruit Manning on The Tonight Show. It may have come in the form of a joke but there was an element of seriousness and the Rams were behind it. You’ll see Johnson, the Rams first season ticket holder when the team came back, recruiting more as the years go on with big-time free agents.

But right now, the Rams are trying to begin their second stint in Los Angeles with a bang. And if Manning can get himself healthy enough for the 2016 season, the Rams become an instant Super Bowl contender. With the defense they have and running back Todd Gurley in the backfield, Manning can be the first quarterback to win back-to-back Super Bowls with two different teams.