2012 NFL Free Agency: 6 Possible Landing Spots for Peyton Manning

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If you ask me, Peyton Manning is as good as gone.

The Peyton Manning era is all but over in Indianapolis.

The Indianapolis Colts will likely be selecting Andrew Luck with the first overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft and they'll have no choice but to part ways with Manning. 

A report was released by ProFootballTalk indicating that a source believes that Manning will be cut by Mar. 8, as that's the date he's owed $28 million and that he will play in 2012. 

With that being said, here are six possible landing spots for Peyton Manning. 

Arizona Cardinals

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Much like what Kurt Warner did back in 2006, Peyton Manning could wind up with Ken Whisenhunt and the Arizona Cardinals.

The tools are there for Manning to succeed in Arizona as he'll team up with All-Pro wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald. 

Another interesting factor that may play a huge role is that Arizona plays in a dome, just like the Indianapolis Colts—and a dome is definitely friendly to Manning and the passing game. 

Manning landing with the Cardinals wouldn't make them a Super Bowl contender, but he would certainly turn them into a playoff contender. 

Miami Dolphins

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The Miami Dolphins are one of several teams that will be looking for a quarterback this offseason and they could very well be possible suitor for Peyton Manning. 

The Dolphins have talent at nearly every position besides quarterback and adding Manning would immediately turn them into a playoff contender.

Miami may be an intriguing landing spot for Manning considering the great weather, as well as Pro Bowl wide receiver Brandon Marshall and running back Reggie Bush. 

New York Jets

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If the New York Jets do decide that Mark Sanchez is not the answer at quarterback and would like to move in another direction, then Peyton Manning would be the perfect fit. 

If you ask me, adding Manning to the Jets roster would immediately turn them into a Super Bowl contender. New York has an elite defense as well as talented pieces on the offensive side of the ball, including Santonio Holmes, Shonn Greene and Dustin Keller. 

Don't count the Jets out once Manning hits the open market. 

San Francisco 49ers

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If Peyton Manning wants to win immediately then the San Francisco 49ers are the best choice. 

Alex Smith had a solid season last year for the 49ers as he threw 17 touchdowns and only five interceptions, but adding Manning would be a significant upgrade over Smith. 

San Francisco has one of the NFL's top defenses as well as plenty of offensive weapons such as Vernon Davis, Frank Gore and Michael Crabtree. 

Joining Jim Harbaugh and the 49ers would definitely be appealing to Manning. 

Seattle Seahawks

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The Seattle Seahawks may not look all that appealing to Peyton Manning, but they could certainly be a landing spot for the future Hall of Famer. 

Let's put it this way: Seattle will likely be a sleeper in the Peyton Manning sweepstakes. 

Washington Redskins

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Taking into account Daniel Snyder's history of coughing up lots of dough for big name players, then reeling in Peyton Manning would not be all that out of the ordinary. 

Mike Shanahan would love to have Manning on their roster as Rex Grossman and John Beck are clearly not the answers at quarterback for the Washington Redskins.

The Redskins do have some talent, but definitely is not the most appealing destination for Manning.