Peyton Manning: Ranking 10 Teams Manning Should Consider If He Hits Free Agency

The public spat between Peyton Manning and Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay reached a new level recently, as conflicting reports came out about Manning’s future. Irsay went as far as calling Manning a politician, then a few days later claiming that if Manning is healthy, he will be a Colt in 2012.

One thing is for sure: Manning is doing his best to get healthy because he still wants to play the game. If Manning isn’t healthy by March 8, the Colts would be hard-pressed to keep Manning and owe him a massive bonus to the tune of $28 million.

The Colts are widely expected to take Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck with the first overall pick in the 2012 NFL draft. Luck is the best quarterback to enter the draft in a decade or more and could immediately start for the rebuilding Colts.

The situation between the Colts and Manning is quickly deteriorating, and it’s becoming more and more obvious Manning will hit free agency in March. Manning clearly still has a desire to compete for a championship, and will be free to sign with any team.

With a Super Bowl in mind, Manning will look for realistic options that have an opportunity to reach the Super Bowl in the next few years.

With that in mind, here are 10 teams Manning should consider if he hits the free agent market:

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10. Washington Redskins

The Washington Redskins are in tough spot right now, with a very important draft coming up. Owner Dan Snyder loves to spend the big money on big-name free agents, and would surely pursue Manning if he hit the open market.

Offering a massive amount of money to Manning would allow the ‘Skins to go a different route with the sixth overall pick in the 2012 NFL draft. The team could hope for receiver Justin Blackmon to fall, or address an issue on the defensive side.

If Manning joins the Redskins, he will not only be making a ridiculous amount of money, he will be contending for a Super Bowl. The defense is vastly underrated, and Manning can make any receiver look like a star.

9. Cleveland Browns

The Cleveland Browns are a very underrated option for Manning to consider if he hits the open market. Cleveland needs an elite quarterback desperately, and Manning could fill that void.

The Browns quietly had one of the best defenses in the league last year, ranked 10th overall. The team can also add a top-tier player in the 2012 draft to help Manning—either receiver Justin Blackmon or running back Trent Richardson.

Manning immediately transforms the Browns into a contender, and worst-case scenario he mentors a young quarterback like Colt McCoy while the team improves at other positions.

8. Tennessee Titans

The Tennessee Titans make the list for one reason—revenge. Manning would love nothing more than to stick it to the Indianapolis Colts twice a year after being released so a rookie could start in his place.

The Titans are a better team that their record indicated last season, and Manning would put them over the top. Manning could utilize a receiver like Kenny Britt, who is arguably one of the best in the league when healthy. Defenses having to account for Manning will open up more running lanes for Chris Johnson, one of the most explosive players at running back position.

Manning takes the Titans to new heights, while helping new coach Mike Munchak usher in a new era in Tennessee. He also helps to mentor a young quarterback in Jake Locker, while the Titans reload a defense and offensive line.

7. Dallas Cowboys

A long shot to be sure, but the Cowboys once again disappointed in 2011. Tony Romo had an outstanding season statistically, but isn’t Peyton Manning in any way.

If the Cowboys could free up some room for Manning, he would make them contenders right away. Weapons like receiver Dez Bryant, running back DeMarco Murray and tight end Jason Witten would only entice Manning to want to join America’s team. A defense ranked in the top 15 last year that only has room to improve would also help.

It’s hard to see Manning joining an NFC East team because he doesn’t enjoy playing against his little brother Eli, but with the weapons and spotlight the Cowboys provide, it would be hard for Manning to say no.

6. Arizona Cardinals

The Cardinals have all the pieces in place to contend in the NFC West except one—quarterback. Incidentally enough, that was true in 2008 when Kurt Warner joined the Cardinals and took them to a Super Bowl.

Warner was given up on, only to join the Cardinals and take them all the way, a scenario that Manning could be experiencing soon. The Manning to Larry Fitzgerald combo would be near-impossible to stop, and Beanie Wells is an effective enough rusher to keep the defense honest. Add in an up-and-coming defensive unit, and it could be 2008 all over again.

The Cardinals have a lot of money invested in Kevin Kolb, but it would be hard to not make room for the future Hall of Famer Manning. Kolb could even learn a thing or two, if Arizona elects to keep him around.

5. Seattle Seahawks

The Seahawks are right on the cusp of becoming one of the better teams in the league under Pete Carroll—all that’s missing is a quarterback. With the 12th pick in the 2012 NFL draft, it’s hard to imagine the Seahawks are going to have an opportunity to find a rookie starter.

Adding Manning would easily put Seattle in contention. The Seahawks have one of the best running backs in the game in Marshawn Lynch, and the defense was one of the best in the league last season. Manning would enjoy the home field advantage that Seattle provides and take advantage of a weak division,aside from San Francisco.

The Seahawks aren’t the most appealing team on the list, but certainly an underdog Manning should consider if he is released.  

4. Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs had an average season last year after a ridiculous injury bug plagued the team early. This upcoming season the team sees stars like running back Jamaal Charles and safety Eric Berry return from injury.

Adding Manning would make the Chiefs an elite team—fast. The defense was ranked 11th in the league last year, led by elite pass-rusher Tamba Hali. The defense will only get better through the draft and players returning from injury. The same can be said for the offensive side of the ball, and Dwayne Bowe would be one of the best receivers in the league while catching passes from Manning—if he is brought back.

The Chiefs have a decent amount of money locked up in injured quarterback Matt Cassel, but it would be in the best interests of Romeo Crennel and the Chiefs organization to pay whatever Manning wants so that they can make it to a Super Bowl in the next few years.

3. New York Jets

The Jets are an elite team without an above average quarterback—so just imagine what Peyton Manning could do for the Jets. Rex Ryan swore that Mark Sanchez is still his guy, but it’s going to be hard to justify that if Manning hits the open market.

The Jets had the fifth best defense in the league last year, despite it being a mediocre .500 season. Add Manning and the team becomes unstoppable. While rumors of a volatile locker room persist, Manning could fix that by winning—winning cures all. Facing Patriots quarterback Tom Brady twice a year should entice Manning as well.

The most interesting angle of Manning to the Jets is it means both Manning brothers are quarterbacks in New York. It’s an intriguing thought to consider if New York is big enough for both Manning brothers, but it would make for one heck of a Super Bowl in the next few seasons.

2. Miami Dolphins

The Dolphins could certainly take a swing at landing Manning in the offseason with quarterback Matt Moore only playing well when it doesn’t matter. While the Dolphins have been linked to former Green Bay Packer quarterback Matt Flynn, Manning is a much better option if the ‘Fins want to win now.

Manning would join a rejuvenated 1,000-yard rusher in Reggie Bush and a top five receiver in the NFL in Brandon Marshall. The offensive line is solid and should only get better with Miami holding the eighth or ninth pick (depending on a coin flip) in the 2012 NFL draft. The defense is young and opportunistic, and was a top 15 unit last season.

Manning could easily help new head coach Joe Philbin find success in his first year at the helm by simply being the best quarterback Miami has been graced with in a long, long time. Plus, Manning and Tom Brady going head-to-head twice, or potentially three times a year would simply be epic.

1.San Francisco 49ers

The San Francisco 49ers were an overtime period away from reaching the Super Bowl this past season. Quarterback Alex Smith had a breakout year, but looked rattled when it mattered most in the NFC Championship Game. Manning would be the exact opposite in the same situation.

The 49ers tout a top five defense, and have arguably the best tight end in the game in Vernon Davis. The rushing attack is also one of the better ones in the league, thanks to Frank Gore. Manning would come in and have no issue dominating the NFC West on the way to the playoffs.

While the 49ers have a multitude of players entering free agency, including quarterback Alex Smith, the focus almost has to be on Manning if he hits the open market. Simply put, adding Manning would all but guarantee a Super Bowl victory not only next year, but potentially for the next two to three years.

While both sides are likely not considering each other at the moment, they better start soon. It’s a match made in heaven, and if Manning was willing to restructure his contract with the Colts, he better be willing to sign for less money to play for San Francisco and lead them to a Super Bowl.