2012 NFL Draft: Teams That Must Chase Peyton Manning If Cut Instead of Rookie QB

With the ongoing Peyton Manning drama unfolding in Indianapolis, his potential release from the Colts could be a huge steal for many teams in need of a starting quarterback.

A lot of teams were likely thinking about drafting one this year, but they may be able to use that pick on something else while satisfying their need by signing the four-time NFL MVP.

It still remains to be seen what will come of the situation, but considering the latest news regarding the different words by Manning's doctors and the Colts, it is becoming more clear by the day that this will not end happily.

With the Colts set to take Stanford Cardinal quarterback Andrew Luck with the first overall pick, Manning, arguably the greatest quarterback to ever play the game, will be free to go wherever he wants.

If the following teams can lock up Manning, they would be making a steal during this NFL offseason while using their pick to improve their team in other areas.

Washington Redskins

The Redskins have the sixth overall pick in this year's draft, but some have seen them as potential sellers to get up and draft Robert Griffin III, quarterback of the Baylor Bears. While that would be a great piece for Mike Shanahan and his offense, the team could be better off by adding Manning and using that pick to draft a defender, wide receiver or offensive lineman.

Considering Manning would likely want to go to a winner, the Redskins may not be his destination. With Shanahan's success with quarterbacks like John Elway, there may be some incentive for Manning to finish his career with a coach who knows how to win.

Potential Alternative Picks: CB Morris Claiborne, LSU; WR Justin Blackmon, OSU; OT Riley Reiff, Iowa

Arizona Cardinals

It isn't likely the Cardinals would have gone with a rookie quarterback for next season, but considering their concerns with Kevin Kolb and John Skelton, the team would have likely looked to nab one of the potential options in the second round.

With already a great set of receivers in Larry Fitzgerald and Early Doucet, as well as a running back in Beanie Wells, the team could focus on drafting more offensive line help as well as some defensive pieces.

Playing in a dome would certainly help Manning, so there is no doubt this could be a good place for him to go. The NFC West isn't as easy to win as it once was with the San Francisco 49ers looking like a team to beat for years to come, but it could certainly become competitive with Manning there.

Potential Alternative Picks: SS Antonio Allen, SC; CB Stephon Gilmore, SC; OG Kevin Zeitler, WIS

San Francisco 49ers

Under Jim Harbaugh, the 49ers found a lot of success after many years of failure. One surprising piece was the consistency of quarterback Alex Smith. The team went 13-3, and took the NFC West and got themselves a first-round bye, but the question that remains is: Will Smith be able to take this team a step further?

After losing to the New York Giants, many have to wonder. The team has a great defense, and has many offensive options in tight end Vernon Davis, wide receiver Michael Crabtree and running back Frank Gore. The one piece that just isn't a sure thing is quarterback.

With a guy like Manning, the team wouldn't have to worry about drafting their potential future starter in this year's draft. Once again, that is if Harbaugh decides Smith won't be his guy in two or three years. This draft does have a lot of options, including guys like Kellen Moore or Russell Wilson who could get a shot, but neither really stands to be much better than Smith.

Harbaugh likely wouldn't have taken either quarterback till about the fifth or sixth round, so he will be able to find some potential gems to add to his team for next season.

Potential Alternative Picks: OG Desmond Wynn, Rutgers; WR Gerell Robinson, ASU; DT Mike Daniels, Iowa

Miami Dolphins

The Dolphins are an iffy situation. If they don't sign a player like Matt Flynn of the Green Bay Packers or Kyle Orton of the Kansas City Chiefs, the team likely would have to pursue a starting quarterback in the first or second round of the 2012 NFL Draft.

With new head coach Joe Philbin running the show, Manning could see the Dolphins as a plausible destination. He has had a boatload of success coaching both Flynn and Aaron Rodgers, and could be a real fit for Manning and the last few years of his career.

Not to mention the team has players like wide receiver Brandon Marshall and running back Reggie Bush already in place...this team could be a playmaking machine with the right man under center.

Who knows, in the end the team may decide to stick with either Matt Moore or Chad Henne.

Potential Alternative Picks: OG David DeCastro, Stanford; WR Michael Floyd, ND; DE Quinton Coples, UNC

Jeff Chase is a Featured Columnist for the Chicago Cubs and Arizona State football.