In an effort to make inroads on what is expected to be the richest player contract in NFL history, the Colts and Peyton Manning's agent Tom Condon met face-to-face Thursday in Indianapolis and for the first time the team presented a proposal to its quarterback in these negotiations, according to team and league sources. The two sides met for hours, trying to accelerate a process that has generated much speculation but until this week, no discussion. During the meeting, the Colts extended their first offer to Manning; it was more lucrative than the four-year, $72 million contract that included $48.5 million in guaranteed money that Tom Brady signed in September, according to sources. While the Colts are willing to make Manning, 35, the highest-paid player in NFL history, sources say the Colts are expressing the need to show reasonable financial constraints on a five-year deal. Sources say team president Bill Polian presented a pitch Thursday that the Colts want more cash flow to build the talent around Manning with a more aggressive offseason that could include a few key free agent signings. Source: ESPN
