NFL Draft 2012: Peyton Manning's Potential Impact on QB-Needy Teams

It is highly unlikely that Peyton Manning will be playing quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts in 2012.

His lingering health issues, $28 million roster bonus and the Colts' opportunity to reboot with the No. 1 overall pick all give Indianapolis reason to end the long-standing relationship.

Although owner Jim Irsay has vehemently denied it, there are reports stating the Colts' expected move is to release their future Hall of Fame quarterback before the March 8th bonus is due.

Irsay, Peyton and the organization can deny it all they want for now, but there is no question that the best move for all parties involved is the release of No. 18.

The question, however, is what Peyton's availability means for the quarterback-needy teams in the draft.

Cleveland Browns

The Browns won't land Peyton, but if they choose to go after a QB in the draft, or Matt Flynn via free agency, they'll have strong competition from all sides.

Cleveland has to hope that a truly needy team like the Redskins or Dolphins lands the QB rather than a merely unhappy team like the Jets or Cardinals.

They own the No. 4 overall pick.

Washington Redskins

The 'Skins aren't a terrible team, but they aren't a ready-to-contend team either.

Coach Mike Shanahan's inability to find a quarterback he can win with has to end this year one way or another.

Washington owner Daniel Snyder will certainly go after Peyton should he hit the market, but they're more likely to to have a shot at Flynn or a rookie.

They own the No. 6 overall pick.

Miami Dolphins

Reports out of Miami already indicate owner Stephen Ross has heavy interest in Peyton (who wouldn't?).

The Dolphins have been searching for a franchise quarterback since Dan Marino retired and have only made the postseason three times since 2000.

They desperately need to find a signal-caller this offseason.

Of the three teams mentioned thus far, the Dolphins are the most-ready to compete and do stand a legitimate chance at landing No. 18.

They have a solid two-headed rushing attack, a dominant No. 1 receiver, an elite left tackle, a second-year center and they own the No. 8 or 9 pick (depending on a coin flip) in the draft.

If they fail to land Peyton, or he doesn't become available, they will try and sign Matt Flynn and hope he can continue to progress under his former offensive coordinator and the Dolphins' new coach, Joe Philbin.

If they miss on both veterans, they would likely be forced to reach for a QB in the first round or wait until the second round. Unfortunately, they've struggled mightily when drafting a signal-caller on day two in recent years.

Arizona Cardinals and New York Jets

These two ball clubs don't have immediate needs under center. The Cardinals seem to realize they made a terrible mistake with Kevin Kolb though and have been a rumored landing spot for Manning.

As for the Jets, both the organization and fans are simply never satisfied. Their current QB is a former No. 5 overall pick who has struggled at times, but is still very young.

The Jets, more than the Cardinals, are a legitimate option for Peyton, though. They have a defense capable of winning games by itself and sport a talented group of pass catchers.

Neither of these two teams is expected to make a move for a quarterback other than Peyton.