The concept of trading quarterback Peyton Manning would be a costly one for the Colts.
The Indianapolis Star reports that if the Colts retained Manning for 2012, then shipped him to another team, they would absorb a $28.8 million cap hit that year.
If Manning remains with the Colts through the 2013 season, and then is traded, the team would absorb an immediate $19.2 million cap hit.
Any scenario that includes paying Manning his March option bonus and then trading him away would generate a $38.8 million cap hit.
Trading Peyton Would Be Expensive For Colts