Old Man Manning and the Aging Quarterbacks
- Mar 9, 2016
- 4 min read
DOUG PENSINGER VIA GETTY IMAGES
Peyton Manning was able to ride off into retirement with his legacy secured. Numerous records, 5 league MVPs, and two Lombardi trophies have cemented Manning’s legacy. With Manning stepping away, it makes us wonder how the careers of his peers will play out.
In the next few years we’ll see even more great quarterbacks step away from the game. How will their respective careers play out though?
Tom Brady (Age at season’s start 39)
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Tom Brady during the Super Bowl last February.
The biggest question after Peyton Manning’s retirement is how much does his most compared contemporary have left in the tank. The Patriots are confident that the answer to that question is a positive one as they awarded Brady a two year contract extension.
Brady is locked up through 2017 at a number that should allow the Patriots some flexibility to remain competitive around him. Brady still looked sharp last year and has mentioned playing into his forties, so it isn’t a stretch to think that we may see Brady play out his current contract then re-up for another short term deal. Brady is tied with his idol Joe Montana in Super Bowl wins with 4, but I think Belichick and Brady ride off into the sunset after number 5.
Drew Brees (Age at season’s start 37)
Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images Brees and the Saints offense had another rough outing in Seattle.
Drew Brees is often mentioned as second fiddle to Tom Brady and Peyton Manning, but Brees currently sits at fourth all time on the all-time passing yardage list, third all-time in completions, and tied for third with Tom Brady on the all-time passing touchdown list.
With moving up the charts all but certain this year, the question is whether the Saints as a unit can become competitive in the NFC South. We saw the Falcons start off strong, the Panthers make the Super Bowl, and the Buccaneers improve drastically this past season. If the Saints want Brees to stick around (or even survive) they have to put a better team on the field. I sadly don’t see it happening.
Carson Palmer (Age at season’s start 36)
Rick Scuteri/Associated Press
The last two brilliant regular seasons for Carson Palmer have ended tragically. An injury in 2014 and lackluster performances in this year’s playoffs have led to questions about how long Palmer can hold down the starting job in Arizona. Palmer is no spring chicken by the way suffering numerous significant injuries throughout his career.
His play in 2015 was MVP caliber until the final weeks of the season which begs the question can Carson Palmer bounce back? His contract is up in 2017 so this season is make or break. Arizona represents Palmer’s best chance at a Super Bowl ring but sadly I think the NFC will prove to be too competitive for the veteran. Palmer will play out his current contract before fading into retirement.
Tony Romo (Age at season’s start 36)
Brandon Wade/Associated Press
He’ll be 36 by season’s start. Romo is scheduled to have surgery on his clavicle after breaking his collarbone for a third time. Jerry Jones recently guessed that Romo has four to five years left as the Cowboys starting quarterback, I’d aim low on that expectation.
The Cowboys are a Super Bowl contender with Tony Romo under center though the window is closing drastically. Romo’s is signed through 2019 but his security blanket Jason Witten (34 years old at seasons start) and his immaculate offensive line will not be around forever. I see Romo playing out most of his contract before an injury leads to his eventual back up taking over his starting spot.
Eli Manning (Age at season’s 35)
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Time will tell if Peyton’s retirement finally allows Eli to step out of his big brother’s shadow (probably not though). Eli has been underrated throughout his career despite holding numerous Giants franchise records and two Super Bowl MVPs. I see Eli’s career playing out similar to Romo’s and Palmer’s; the quarterback will end his career backing up his eventual replacement in The Big Apple.
Ben Roethlisberger (Age at season’s start 34)
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Big Ben is 34 years old but he’s got a lot of miles on him. We’ve seen the broken noses, the beaten body, the fractures, and the bruises over the years. At the same time we’ve seen Roethlisberger consistently show why he’s one of the best quarterbacks in the league. Realistically though, Roethlisberger is one big hit away from retirement. Sadly, I think that Big Ben is going to go out on his shield before he reaches 40.
Philip Rivers (34)
DENIS POROY
He’s been banged up but he hasn’t missed a game since 2006. I have to think though that at age 34 something has to give for Phillip Rivers. Rivers is still playing at a high level but if the Chargers don’t improve I think his days there are numbered.
Rivers is signed through 2019 but I don’t see him finishing that contract in San Diego. Either he’ll become sick of playing for mediocre teams and walk away from football or he’ll find himself chasing a ring with a new team in his twilight years.
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