The Indianapolis Colts are expected to announce the team has cut long-time quarterback and likely Hall of Famer Peyton Manning on Wednesday. Though the St. Louis Rams are perhaps one of the least likely suitors for Manning, the release ultimately could affect their plans heading into the 2012 NFL Draft.
According to Jeff Gordon of STLToday.com, teams currently interested in trading for the Rams' No. 2 overall pick may instead choose to sign Peyton Manning.
After finishing the season with a 2-14 record, the Rams earned the second pick in the draft, but it has become widely anticipated that two of the draft's top quarterbacks -- Stanford's Andrew Luck and Baylor's Robert Griffin III -- will go within the top three picks. As such, the Rams, who have a young franchise quarterback in Sam Bradford, might look to trade their pick to the likes of the Washington Redskins or Cleveland Browns.
The Peyton Manning release could put a damper on the trade market, but it remains to be seen where the veteran quarterback will land.
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