One of the biggest stories of the offseason is the eventual landing place of Peyton Manning. As the relative face of the NFL prior to last season, as well as his consistent production over the last few years, Manning is a coveted piece for a struggling team. The issue is that after four neck surgeries, as well as potential career ending nerve damage, he may not be what he was previously.

Much to my surprise, his year off really didnt hurt his card values all that much. What is even more shocking is that they have even rebounded a bit after a few sources have reported him getting back to playing shape. His rehabilitation is not without question, however, and there are not many people who can say if he will ever be the same. Hell, there are not many people who can say if he will ever step onto the field again.

1998 Contenders Peyton Manning Auto Rookie Ticket

1998 Bowman Auto Peyton Manning Auto Rookie

1998 Stadium Club Peyton Manning/Dan Marino Dual Auto Co-signers

Obviously, his resume is strong enough to make him valuable regardless of whether he plays another game. It is much more likely that he comes back with another team, plays a few productive seasons and retires without another playoff win. The Colts will be moving on with or without him, much like the Packers did with Rodgers and Favre. Favre did have a championship game left in him, but couldnt make it work.

Manning is one of the greatest QBs to ever play the game, that is a fact that few would deny. Yet, without a sparkling end to his career, he may never get the kind of recognition needed to be a top quarterback on the value spectrum for a long time to come. Brady has won 3 Super Bowls and set records alike, and his place in history is solidified. Without more championships, or even another season of top production, Manning may not maintain the type of collectability he used to possess.

With Manning being a relatively common signature, his cards are not worth as much as Rodgers or Brady’s. Despite this fact, I think he deserves to be on that level accompanied by Drew Brees. Manning has done everything other than winning multiple titles, and that is where I would guess he has value to be made. As of right now, he is one step above great, but not quite Elite.

Marino is probably the only quarterback to not win a championship, still on the Elite level. He needed to break every record in the book to do it, but his autograph is still on a very valuable level. Manning has the championship, but this injury prevented him from breaking any records in all likelihood.

Is he a hall of famer? No doubt about it. He deserves a bust right there next to Montana and Elway. On the other hand, I am not sure he can break the upper echelon of the sport’s history without making another run.