Warner sees Peyton staying in AFC

If anyone knows that Ken Whisenhunt would like to shape his offense around a proven, veteran quarterback it’s Kurt Warner.

Warner, who came over from the Giants after the 2004 season, guided the Cards to an NFC Championship and Super Bowl appearance in 2008 before retiring two years later.

Since Manning and the Colts mutually parted ways Wednesday, he has been linked to teams from coast-to-coast, including the Cardinals who shuffled quarterbacks last year between frequently-injured Kevin Kolb and second-year back-up John Skelton.

Warner said Manning has plenty of things running through his head as he continues to weigh his options.

“It’s going to be a whirl-wind,” Warner told Brad Cesmat Thursday on ‘Big Guy on Sports.’ “I’m sure he’s done his homework on where he wants to go. It will be interesting to see how quickly he makes a decision and who all is involved and what it takes to get [him] to sign with their team.”

Reports say Manning is hoping to get a deal done within the next week.

Although the Cards have been mentioned to be at, or near, the top of Manning’s list and there have been conversations between the two parties, Warner said it’s far from a guarantee that we’ll be seeing #18 in Cardinal red this fall.

“When you look offensively, there’s a few questions there,” Warner explained to Cesmat. “Yes, you have Larry Fitzgerald, but beyond that you have a very young group of wide receivers. I think there are questions on the offensive line. What are going to be the pieces up front? Is he going to be protected?”

Warner said the Cardinals are certainly in the conversation, but ultimately sees Manning staying in the AFC.

“I think the two front-runners will be Miami, who’s made it known they’ll do whatever they can to get him and have some nice pieces in place,” Warner said. “The second-best fit would be the New York Jets. New York City would be tremendous for he and his brother [Giants quarterback, Eli]. The AFC fits better for who he is as a quarterback.” 

For now, we’ll play the waiting game.