Peyton Manning Rumors: Miami Dolphins Appear to Be Early Front-Runners for QB

Forget Matt Flynn—why not go after future Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning?

With the Miami Dolphins hiring former Green Bay Packers offensive coordinator Joe Philbin, many figured that Flynn would be on his way to South Beach as well—it only makes sense, right? 

However, according ESPN Insider Adam Schefter's mailbag, the Dolphins are the front-runners to acquire Manning if he released by the Indianapolis Colts by March 8, when he's owed $28 million by the team. 

Schefter believes that Miami can offer Manning a "favorable contract." The warm weather in sunny South Beach will certainly be attractive to Manning, as he's played half of the games in his career in a dome. 

There have been no concrete reports regarding the Colts actually deciding to part ways with their franchise quarterback, but one can only assume that if they draft Andrew Luck this April—which is expected—that will force them to end the Peyton Manning era in Indianapolis and start the Andrew Luck era. 

At 35 years old, Manning has reportedly been cleared to resume playing football, and according to another report, if the Colts do cut Manning, he will be willing to accept a contract with non-guaranteed money—which will be appealing to all teams that would have any interest in Manning. 

If and when Manning is released by Indianapolis, I wouldn't be surprised if Manning pays a few visits to Miami to meet and speak with Philbin and even possibly throw a few passes with Miami's Pro Bowl wide receiver Brandon Marshall. 

Be sure to check out Tony Santorsa's blog: PatriotsPlus