NFL Rumors: Speculation Links Colts QB Peyton Manning to Redskins, Cardinals

Consider February 2012 the month of Peyton Manning and the city of Indianapolis. 

A great Super Bowl week in Indy kicked off the month, and with media all over the place for the sport's biggest game, plenty of Manning talk got mixed in, too. 

Speculation regarding the Colts quarterback is sure to heat up considerably as the calendar gets closer and closer to March 8—the day Manning's $28 million roster bonus kicks in.

The month then ends with hundreds of draft prospects, including Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck, entering Indianapolis for the 2012 NFL Combine.

Buckle up; it should be a fun ride. 

Until Manning is released by the Colts and/or deemed healthy, most talk surrounding the situation is pure speculation. But there's already been a good number of analysts that have chimed in on Manning's situation and future.

Here's a couple of teams that Manning has been linked to in recent days:

Washington Redskins

Mike Freeman of CBS Sports had this to say about Manning-to-Washington:

"Speaking of Peyton, everyone I speak to in the NFL -- and I mean just about everyone -- believes if Manning becomes a free agent, the Washington Redskins will sign him."

That's some pretty powerful stuff, even if it is speculating on speculation. The Redskins have almost $30 million in cap room, and Daniel Snyder has never been one to be shy after pursuing a player he wants. 

Arizona Cardinals

The Cardinals hired Manning's former quarterback coach Frank Reich on Wednesday, which furthered speculation that Arizona could take a run at acquiring Manning despite trading for Kevin Kolb last offseason.

This from ESPN NFC West blogger Mike Sando:

"

Hiring Reich only strengthens perceptions the Cardinals will pursue Manning if given the chance. Lots of other teams will likely have interest as well. Whatever edge Reich might offer will belong to the Cardinals.

"

Manning to Larry Fitzgerald would certainly be interesting to watch, but it's hard to imagine Manning making the decision to play in Arizona if there are other options.