Peyton Manning Rumors: Why the Dolphins Are Manning's Most Likely Destination

It's hard to imagine Peyton Manning wearing a jersey other than that of the Indianapolis Colts next season. Start getting used to the idea—it's likely Peyton Manning will be a member of the Miami Dolphins next season.

As Omar Kelly of the Sun Sentinel wrote last week, there are several reasons Miami makes sense.

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An NFL source says Miami is on the short list of teams Manning would like to play for when/if the Colts release him to avoid paying a $28 million bonus, which is due on March 8.

Manning and his wife own a condo on South Beach and a source said they'd love to relocate to South Florida if the fit is right. A second source confirmed Manning's interest in the Dolphins.

Playing for the Dolphins would allow Manning to remain in the AFC, and the Colts are on Miami's schedule next season, which is an added bonus.

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ESPN's Adam Schefter agrees.

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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.

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Let's not overlook the key phrase in Schefter's paragraph: "A favorable contract."

Manning stands to lose $28 million if he is cut by the Colts. I'd guess he would like to get as much of that back as possible, and I'd imagine the Dolphins would be willing to outbid most teams for the chance to bring Manning's pedigree to Miami.

There are other factors, of course. After a strong finish last year, the Dolphins look like they could be a few pieces away from sneaking into the playoffs. A healthy Peyton Manning is obviously a huge piece.

The Dolphins have a new, offensive-minded coach in Joe Philbin, previously the offensive coordinator of the Green Bay Packers. The thought of those two sitting down with offensive coordinator Mike Sherman and developing an offensive scheme should give defensive coordinators shaking fits.

The Arizona Cardinals, Seattle Seahawks, Washington Redskins and Kansas City Chiefs will also show interest—and I would argue the Cardinals are the best fit for Manning—but Miami seems his most likely destination.

Move over, Dan Marino—there will likely be a new legend in town soon enough.

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