There has been quite the uproar over the possibility of the Washington Redskins signing Peyton Manning (neck) once he is released by the Indianapolis Colts. Some fans, and pundits alike, do not see this as a wise move for the 'Skins.

On the surface, I tend to agree. Manning will be 36 years old March 24, and he has yet to prove that his arm strength is anywhere near acceptable for an NFL quarterback. Some reports have described him as having "noodle arm." I am not even convinced that Manning will ever play again.

A common argument against Washington signing Manning is that the team is rebuilding. That is only partially true. They have enough pieces in place to think that the addition of someone with Manning's ability could put them over the hump and at least send them to the playoffs as soon as 2012.

Enough left to improve the 'Skins?

The running game is competent, especially if Roy Helu Jr. can remain healthy, and the NFL Draft is chockfull of talented midround backs. Mike Shanahan has shown he can make anyone a star with adequate blocking.

Therein lies the biggest problem for the Redskins: The offensive line needs to improve and improve in a hurry. Again, the draft is loaded with offensive line talent, especially at guard and tackle.

Washington's receiving corps is better than average, and, assuming Fred Davis returns in free agency, their tight end position has the potential to be lethal. Santana Moss, Jabar Gaffney and Anthony Armstrong all should return; each player offers a somewhat varying stable of attributes.

Youngsters Terrence Austin, Niles Paul, Leonard Hankerson and Aldrick Robinson have promise but remain raw.

A few tweaks and the Redskins could be a viable playoff team this year. While that is optimistic, stranger things have happened. The NFC East is a tough division, and the conference has become increasingly stronger in the last half-dozen years or so.

Manning, if his arm is right, will immediately upgrade the entire offense, as well as the D, since it won't be on the field as much. The Redskins can add a midrange quarterback to groom for a few years behind Manning, and they have the salary cap room to add him. The reality is, only time will tell if Peyton is ever Peyton again. If he is, Washington has a two- to three-year window of getting the most out of him.

Maybe this is all for naught, but wouldn't it be fun to see Peyton versus Eli twice per year?!?! 

KFFLians are saying....

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1

ferrall, at 05:51 on 02/09/12, says: As a redskins fan i agree. This is a win now league and getting a QB of Mannings caliber, even if for 3 years would do wonders for this team. Draft the best lineman and grab a WR in free agency, IE. Bowe, Jackson, Colston.

Report!

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2

Davekn, at 11:43 on 02/09/12, says: Redskins receiving corp is "better than average". Are you kidding? And I'm a Redskins fan.

Report!

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Cory J. Bonini is a senior editor at KFFL. In late 2002, Bonini joined the KFFL staff as a research analyst. He vaulted himself into one of the industry's leading fantasy analysts.

Bonini has been involved in fantasy sports since 1996. A member of the Fantasy Sports Trade Association as well as Fantasy Sports Writers Association, he has been featured in print, on the radio and is also a published writer on scores of sites. Bonini co-hosted Big Lead Sports on SiriusXM Fantasy Sports Radio from 2011 to 2012.

Bonini was recognized with the 2010 Best Article in Print Award from the FSWA and was a finalist for the same award in 2011. In '11, he finished first overall in the FSWA NFL experts challenge that featured 60 of the industry's best competitors.

Follow him on Twitter @CoryKFFL

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