Peyton Manning Reportedly Isn't in Play for Colts' GM Opening

Peyton Manning reportedly won't rejoin the Indianapolis Colts in a front-office role.

After the Colts fired general manager Chris Ballard, longtime radio host Dan Patrick said the Colts called Manning about the open job. However, a new report downplayed that possibility.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Colts never contacted Manning about the GM job. Furthermore, the legendary quarterback isn't believed to be interested in the position anyway.

Manning is staying busy in retirement, running his Omaha Productions media company and hosting Monday Night Football's "ManningCast" alongside his younger brother, Eli Manning. Schefter suggested the five-time MVP could set his sights even higher than GM, noting that the Atlanta Falcons hired Matt Ryan as president of football operations while longtime rival Tom Brady bought a minority stake in the Las Vegas Raiders.

"Manning would be willing to listen and consider any NFL opportunities at any time, but the Colts have not discussed any of those possibilities with him, according to sources," Schefter said. "It's possible that some could come in the future, sources said, but those discussions likely would involve higher-profile positions similar to the ones that other former NFL quarterbacks have accepted with other franchises."

Ed Dodds, the Colts' longtime assistant general manager, will finish the season as interim GM. He could face some pivotal decisions before the Nov. 10 trade deadline.

Schefter and Ian Rapoport said Sunday morning that the 2-4 Colts could "deal resources and build for the future" unless they improve in their next three games. Running back Jonathan Taylor, wide receiver Keenan Allen, guard Quenton Nelson, and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner are among the most notable potential trade candidates.