The Indianapolis Colts will release the cornerstone of their franchise for the past decade tomorrow, according to AP, ESPN and other outlets: quarterback Peyton Manning will not be a Colt anymore. While this news doesn't directly affect the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, there's a ripple effect to this development that could negatively affect the Bucs. Simply put: Peyton's availability on the market will make it significantly less likely a team will be willing to trade up for the Bucs' first-round draft pick to select quarterback Ryan Tannehill.
With Peyton Manning a free agent, he's sure to garner significant interest from a number of quarterback-needy teams, such as the Seattle Seahawks, San Francisco 49ers, Kansas City Chiefs, Miami Dolphins and others. Whichever team lands the veteran quarterback likely won't trade up for the Bucs' first-round draft pick - while the Bucs could certainly benefit from moving down in the draft and picking up some extra selections. Of course, that's assuming Peyton Manning is healthy enough to play this season - or ever again.
With former Green Bay Packers quarterback Matt Flynn also on the market, a few teams could fill their quarterback need in free agency - leaving the Bucs with the unenviable prospect of selecting a player who likely doesn't represent great value with the fifth overall pick.