"I love it here," Manuel told WGR 550. "I love it here, and I want to stay here."
While he may have one more shot to prove himself to Rex Ryan -- Ryan has hinted that he'll rotate all three starters during the all-important third preseason game -- Manuel just may be saying the right things on the way out.
The truth is that he shouldn't want to be there. The team drafted him knowing his game would need fine tuning, but waited until 2015 to pair him with an experienced quarterbacks coach in David Lee (his first two pro seasons were under the guidance of first-time NFL quarterbacks coach and first-time NFL offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett). By then, the organization, riding a temporary wave under Rex Ryan and a flurry of new signings, wasn't in the mood to be patient anymore.
For Manuel, an outright release may be the best thing that happens to him. He will have options and he can pick his next destination, a place where he is comfortable and a place where he can develop on schedule.
At this point, staying in Buffalo, no matter how much he loves it, may only continue a downward spiral.
The latest Around The NFL Podcast discusses Jordy Nelson's knee injury and gives its winners and losers from Week 2 of the preseason.
