Though the Philadelphia Eagles never officially became a player in the Peyton Manning derby, it wasn't for a lack of trying.
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Eagles coach Andy Reid reportedly wanted to make a run at the four-time NFL MVP (now the starting quarterback of the Denver Broncos), according to The Los Angeles Times.
The Eagles never become serious contenders to land Manning, sources told The Times, because he did not want to play against his brother, Eli, at least twice a season.
The Eagles' desire to sign Manning is an interesting wrinkle to add to the Manning melodrama considering the financial commitment the team made to quarterback Michael Vick before the start of 2010 season. Vick is about to enter the second year of a six-year, $100-million contract. He has a base salary of $12.5 million for the 2012 season.
In a statement released by the team Friday, Reid denied the newspaper's report.
"We look into everything, as all teams do," Reid said. "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 is our guy."
The Times also reported, citing two NFL insiders, that Reid was prepared to walk away from the team if he was not allowed more control over personnel decisions. The Eagles have been active players this offseason, locking up wide receiver DeSean Jackson to a long-term deal and trading for linebacker DeMeco Ryans, among other moves.
Reid emphatically affirmed his role as the final decision maker in the Eagles front office.
"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. "Our front office works very well together and that's one of our strengths."
