Peyton Manning Rumors: Miami Dolphins Make Most Sense for Star QB

By now it's evident that Peyton Manning won't be with the Indianapolis Colts next season.

And suddenly the Miami Dolphins appear to be leading the pack for his services.

Adam Schefter of ESPN wrote on Tuesday:

"

The team that is the favorite in my mind to land Manning is Miami. The Dolphins can offer warm weather and a favorable contract, and the team has been screaming for a franchise quarterback since Dan Marino left. Make Miami the favorite for now.

"

You can bet that the Dolphins are going all-in on Manning this offseason. According to the Miami Herald's Barry Jackson, owner Stephen Ross is "infatuated with the idea" of signing Manning and he's "willing to wait as long as necessary" for the Colts' star quarterback after he's released.

Manning figures to also have a better offensive line next season than the Dolphins had this season. With a top-10 pick in the draft, the Dolphins are expected to add a top offensive tackle.

Manning will also have a star receiver in Brandon Marshall, who, despite his off-field problems, has always been productive on the field for the Dolphins. He's had five straight 1,000-yard seasons, dating back to his days with the Denver Broncos.

There's also the fact that the Dolphins actually had a pretty good defense this season. They gave up 19.6 points per game, sixth in the NFL, despite being on the field a lot due to an inept offense.

And, keep in mind, the Dolphins' woes offensively primarily fell on the quarterback. Their rushing attack averaged 4.2 yards per carry behind a revitalized Reggie Bush.

Beyond that, you have to think Manning wouldn't mind playing for new head coach Joe Philbin, the former offensive coordinator of the Green Bay Packers.

Throw in the fact that Manning and his wife own a condominium in South Beach and it's actually hard for me to imagine him not landing in Miami.