What was Jim Irsay thinking?

On March 7th, Jim Irsay announced to the Colts faithful that after 14 happy years, he and Peyton Manning were going their separate ways.  It was not personal.  It was just business.   Irsay started dismantling the Colts squad by getting rid of the one player whose absence transformed the team from a contender into a bottom-feeder.   Manning was scooped up by the Denver Broncos and awarded a five-year $96 million contract.  The contract guarantees Manning $18 million for 2012.  This deal shows the Broncos are confident Manning’s health is not going to hold him back from playing next season.   The contract allows for the Broncos to back out of the agreement after the first year if Manning’s neck injury flares up again.  The shear fact that they were willing to sign him to  $18 million guaranteed is an admission on John Elway’s part that the former Colt has still got it.   So what was going through Irsay’s head when he decided to let Manning go?   Business said Irsay.    Manning was...