As the Peyton Manning frenzy looking less and less likely in Arizona, ESPN's resident NFL insider Adam Schefter is reporting that the Arizona Cardinals will indeed give quarterback Kevin Kolb his $7 million bonus this afternoon, all but squashing Manning's chances as a Cardinal altogether.
Per Adam Schefter on Twitter: (Suzy Kolber reporting)
ESPN's Suzy Kolber reports Cardinals quarterback Kevin Kolb will receive his $7 million roster bonus, according to team source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 16, 2012
Not only that, Kolb is getting a new restructured deal from the team as well, according to Chris Mortensen (and Kolber), likely trying to help them get under the cap.
@SuzyNFL32 - Suzy Kolber - reports to ESPN that #Cardinals are signing QB Kevin Kolb to new (restructured) contract #NFL32 6 ET ESPN2
— Chris Mortensen (@mortreport) March 16, 2012
Arizona couldn't take the risk of letting him leave just to watch Peyton land somewhere else. Having a second year under his belt with a full offseason and training camp should help him out immensely for the 2012 season to build more continuity with his offense. Now he'll need to figure out a way to stay on the field.
Kolb finished his 2011-12 season with 1995 passing yards and nine touchdowns in only nine games for Arizona last season due to injury. He also had eight interceptions and seven fumbles.
For more on the Cardinals offseason and how you feel Kolb is progressing, make sure you head over to Revenge of the Birds to get in on the action.