The Jets are highly unlikely to seriously pursue Manning, according to a league source with direct knowledge of the situation.
Not only are the Jets unwilling to give up on quarterback Mark Sanchez, but they still believe he can be their long-term starter if his receivers step up their game. The Jets tried to surround Sanchez with talent in 2011 by extending Santonio Holmes' contract and adding Plaxico Burress, but neither player fulfilled expectations. Holmes was even benched in the regular-season finale for being such a malcontent.
The Jets have done their work on Manning, but they know a failed courtship of the future Hall of Famer would send a terrible message to Sanchez. Apparently, that's why a pursuit of Manning is a gamble the Jets are unwilling to take.
One wrinkle to the Jets' philosophy: If they believe Manning would be a shoe-in to play in New York by getting word through various backchannels, things could change.
Since this is shaping up to be one of the wildest storylines in the history of free agency, the situation could have a number of twists and turns throughout the process.
Have a question for Jeff Howe? Send it to him via Twitter at @jeffphowe or send it here. He will pick a few questions to answer every week for his mailbag.
