Martin: Peyton-Jets a good fit

Former Jets running back Curtis Martin says his old team should pursue Peyton Manning if the Colts quarterback becomes a free agent.

"That's a great opportunity," Martin said yesterday in an interview with ESPNNewYork.com. "I'm not saying anything against Mark Sanchez, but Peyton Manning . . . I have a lot of respect for the guy. I played against him for a number of years. I wouldn't care who was on my team -- if Peyton Manning was available, I would go after him."

The 2011 Jets went 8-8 after Rex Ryan proclaimed that his team would win the Super Bowl after losing to the Steelers in the AFC Championship Game last January. Ryan has said the Jets would be interested in signing Manning if the Colts do not pick up the 36-year-old's contract option.

Manning missed the 2011 season while recovering from his third neck operation in two years. Regardless, Martin thinks he is the right man for the Jets.

"I'm very bullish on taking that chance," said Martin, who retired after the 2006 season and is a finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. "I don't care if he's 38, 36, whatever, I would be interested in taking that chance. At 35, 36, I'm definitely interested. You're literally talking about one of the best quarterbacks to ever play the game."

The Bears have hired Chiefs director of college scouting Phil Emery as their general manager. Emery replaces Jerry Angelo, who was fired after an injury-riddled 8-8 season.

Emery and Patriots director of pro personnel Jason Licht were finalists and both interviewed twice. The Bears also interviewed Chargers director of player personnel Jimmy Raye, Giants director of college scouting Marc Ross and current director of player personnel Tim Ruskell.

Emery's hiring comes after a collapse marked by season-ending injuries to quarterback Jay Cutler and running back Matt Forte, as well as a drug scandal involving receiver Sam Hurd.