National Football League

Crennel 'crazy not to' consider Manning

Published Feb. 25, 2012 12:00 a.m. ET

Ross Jones

Forget NFL rules about free agent tampering: New Chiefs coach Romeo Crennel says he would absolutely entertain the idea of bringing Peyton Manning to Kansas City if the Colts release the four-time NFL MVP quarterback.

"With a talent like that, I would be crazy not to consider it if he were available," said Crennel at the NFL Scouting Combine.

Although it is unknown of Manning’s future playing status, longtime Colts teammate Jeff Saturday assured everyone that Manning will be playing in the 2012 season.

“He’s my guy so I communicate with him regularly,” said Saturday on the NFL Network. “He’s doing his deal and he’s getting ready and he’ll be playing football.”

Crennel, who went from interim to permanent head coach after a 2-1 finish to the season — including a win against the then unbeaten Green Bay Packers — credited backup QB Kyle Orton for helping him score the job.

“If it wasn’t for Kyle (Orton), I probably wouldn’t be standing here right now," he said. “I’m very appreciative of him.”

Orton filled in for Matt Cassel after the Chiefs starter suffered an injury to his throwing hand.