4 Changes the Miami Dolphins Would Need to Make to Accomodate Peyton Manning

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Among an abundance of other franchises, the Miami Dolphins are one of those teams who could use Peyton Manning.

And according to Omar Kelly of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, the Dolphins appear to have good odds:

An NFL source says Miami is on the short list of teams Manning would like to play for when/if the Colts release him to avoid paying a $28 million bonus, which is due on March 8.

That being said, here are some things Miami must do to accommodate the NFL's only four-time MVP.

Keep Cap Space Saved

It's not so much a change as it is maintaining the current state.

The Dolphins financially are in a better position to bring in Manning, so instead of really having to make room, they simply must save that cap space.

Getting back to Omar Kelly's piece from before, Miami does have this luxury:

Unlike most of Manning's suitors, the Dolphins have the cap space (roughly $15 million) to get a multi-year deal down without making major moves.

So it's really that simple. Keep that cap space open for Manning and if he becomes available, make a move.

Miami is in a fortunate spot, because this area tends to be a major reason why we see some teams miss on big potential free agents. Well, lest we forget that at its core, pro football is a business.

Sign a Free Agent WR or Draft One Early

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It's not so much that the Miami Dolphins need a stud receiver as they need talented-depth.

Manning would obviously make anyone around him better. However, it only makes life easier on the field with an experienced, reliable target along with Brandon Marshall, Reggie Bush and Anthony Fasano.

A guy like New Orleans' Robert Meachem is a great fit as he would allow Miami to run a four or five-wide set every down. Include Bush's dual-threat ability as a receiver and there's no need to sub in a reserve receiver.

But if signing a reputable wide out isn't part of the plan, then drafting a stud prospect early (not round one) would just be another step in the right direction. The Dolphins have their primary return man in Davone Bess, so let him perfect special teams.

Bring in a stud receiver to complement Marshall and Miami is that much close to becoming a complete team in each phase of the game. After all, look how important special teams were in the postseason alone.

Release Chad Henne, Make Matt Moore Backup

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Although it's a great idea to bring in Peyton Manning, we know he's not going to play another five-to-seven years.

That being said, based on how quickly he developed and performed in 2011, Matt Moore is the long-term answer for the Dolphins. He stepped in for Chad Henne and played quite well considering Miami hadn't won yet when Moore took over.

With Manning at the helm though, Moore could learn and develop to another level for the Dolphins. Then, whenever Manning were to retire, Moore would hit the ground running (so to speak) at a much higher level than he did when filling in for Henne.

Speaking of Henne, he hasn't been the answer in Miami since being drafted in 2008. After 2009 and 2010 where he played in 29 games, Henne threw just 27 touchdowns to 33 interceptions and a rating of 75.3.

Moore may be a year older, however, his potential based on 2011 alone is much greater.

Look to Improve the Offensive Line

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No matter how it's done, the Miami Dolphins desperately need to improve the offensive line, provided that Peyton Manning becomes available.

Last season the Dolphins allowed 52 sacks which ranked No. 3 in the NFL. Only the St. Louis Rams and Arizona Cardinals of the NFC West allowed more sacks.

That also clearly affected the passing offense as the Dolphins ranked No. 23 in averaging just 193.2 passing yards per game. And had it not been for a late season surge by running back Reggie Bush, Miami may not have finished No. 11 on the ground (averaged 124.2 rush yards per game).

So, regardless of who's under center for the Dolphins in 2012, it is imperative to improve pass protection. Whether it's drafting an offensive lineman round one (Stanford guard David DeCastro would work) or looking to free agency.

All that said, if Manning becomes available and is willing to sign with Miami, he would certainly be able to assist in the decision-making process. For as high of a football IQ as Manning has, you don't have his kind of success without having an eye for talent across the board.

 

John Rozum on Twitter.