Peyton Manning Rumors: Manning Would Thrive with Arizona Cardinals

After 14 seasons with the Indianapolis Colts, it becomes all the more difficult to imagine Peyton Manning with any other NFL team.

Yet, shortly after reports from ESPN's Chris Mortensen saying Andrew Luck will be taken No. 1 overall, the Arizona Cardinals could possibly have interest in acquiring the veteran QB next season.

According to a tweet from Indy Star Sports, CBS's Charley Casserly reports the Cardinals could have interest in Manning if he does not play with the Colts next season.

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@IndyStarSports "CBS's Charley Casserly says Arizona Cardinals could be interested in Peyton Manning if he's not with Colts next season."

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If the Cardinals were to make a move to bring Manning to Arizona, the Cardinals would automatically be a top contender in the NFC.

For one, Manning is a QB who, despite being an aging veteran in the league, is only putting up better numbers. His 4,700 yards in 2010 were a career-high, while his 33 touchdowns were tied for the second-most of his career.  

Not to mention, in spite of his season-ending injury, Manning was still able to prove just how valuable of a player he was. With essentially the same team in 2011, the once AFC-contending Colts were just 2-14 with Manning sidelined.

Talk about an MVP-type season without taking a single snap.

The other factor that makes Manning a promising fit in Arizona will be the strong offensive talents this team boasts. Manning would have significant weapons in WR Larry Fitzgerald and up-and-coming RB Beanie Wells.

Even with quarterback Kevin Kolb having a poor season this year, Fitzgerald still managed to post 1,411 yards and eight touchdowns. Meanwhile, Wells recorded his first 1,000-yard season of his career, averaging an impressive 4.3 yards per carry.

With a couple of young, talented offensive weapons and easily one of the better QB's to ever play the game, there is no question the move to Arizona will have Manning in a promising situation.

Following up a season of career-best numbers, there is no question the Cardinals would make a positive move in acquiring Manning in 2012.