Peyton Manning: 6 Receivers Who Are Dying for Colts QB

Where will Peyton Manning be playing next season?

At this point, it's up in the air as to where the 11-time Pro Bowler will be plying his trade.

Regardless of whether he stays in Indianapolis or not, his future wide receivers and tight ends must be licking their chops at the thought of catching passes from one of the best quarterbacks in NFL history.

Let's take a look at six wide receivers who would relish the opportunity at catching balls from Manning...

WR Dwayne Bowe

The 6'2" wide receiver continued to cement himself this past season as one of the better wide outs the league has to offer.

Bowe uses his huge hands and snatches the ball out of the air like it's a piece of fruit. In addition, his immense physicality poses problems to smaller cornerbacks trying to defend against him.

An adept route runner, he's also a big time threat in the red zone, and the Chiefs often throw fades or back shoulder patterns near the goal line for him.

His current quarterback Matt Cassel has not been completely healthy in the duration of his time in Kansas City. Reports by blogger Patrick Allen on Arrowhead Addict also suggest that the organization will look to find another quarterback in order to push Cassel.

Why not Manning?

Manning would be entering a division that is completely up for grabs at this point. The Kansas City Chiefs' faithful is amongst the best in all of football, and he'd have an assortment of weapons to utilize in the forms of Dexter McCluster, Jamaal Charles and Tony Moeaki.

Bowe, however, would instantly become Manning's No. 1 target. Although a free agent, it'd be shocking if the Chiefs did not resign him, or at the very least slap the franchise tag on him.

TE Vernon Davis

There's no doubt that San Francisco quarterback Alex Smith had a magical season for the 49ers. He led them to a 13-3 record, and was extremely close to a Super Bowl berth.

With that said, is Alex Smith really the answer? Or was this past season a fluke?

Either way, Davis was without a doubt the most dangerous offensive threat that the 49ers employed. His freakish athleticism made him a mismatch against any defender, and his mobility allowed him to be positioned all around the field.

As a tight end, he has the speed of a wide receiver and the physique of a linebacker.

This potential situation would be highly intriguing for Manning.

San Francisco is positioned extremely well for the future with their stellar defense, and they play in one of the weaker divisions in all of football.

In terms of a historical scope, look at what Manning did for tight ends/h-backs Dallas Clark, Ben Utecht and Jacob Tamme during his time with the Colts.

He made Clark a Pro Bowl tight end, and threw to him with immense frequency. Utecht and Tamme were deadly on third down situations by positioning themselves inside the creases of opponent's zone defenses.

Davis is similarly built in terms of being a hybrid h-back/tight end, but where he separates himself from the aformentioned trio is that he brings incredible athleticism and speed.

One could definitely envision Manning hitting Davis on seam routes with regularity for big-time yardage.

WR Larry Fitzgerald

I know current Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kevin Kolb got a massive contract, but he remains unproven due to inconsistency and injury problems.

The Cardinals have talent, there's no doubt about it. They're only a few years removed from an improbable Super Bowl appearance in a loss to the Steelers.

However, they need more offensive production. They need a quarterback to get them over the hump in a weak division.

Manning would be a good fit here. He'd help them contend for a playoff spot in a low pressure environment while throwing the ball to one of the best jump ball artists in the league.

In addition, the Cardinals play in an indoor stadium, similarly to what Manning played at in Indianapolis (Lucas Oil Stadium).

That sounds pretty good to me.

Fitzgerald is a supreme talent. He unquestionably has the best hands of any wideout playing the game.

The University of Pittsburgh product often displays the propensity to make the most acrobatic of catches seem ordinary and simple.

With Manning throwing the rock, Fitzgerald would get an infinite number of balls thrown at him.

His physical ability coupled with Manning's accuracy would make for perhaps the most deadly combo in the NFL. 

WR Santonio Holmes

The beleaguered Jets coach Rex Ryan has been under immense amounts of criticism. Much of it stems from his cries of unearned supremacy and the unrealistic expectations he bestowed upon his team in a very public manner.

With Rex, interest and intrigue come in bundles. Why not stay with the theme and add Peyton Manning into the mix?

Current quarterback Mark Sanchez has also gotten much blame for his inconsistent play. His noted feud with Santonio Holmes also hasn't helped matters in the slightest.

Although Sanchez made a childish attempt at reconciliation, both Holmes and the Jets would be much more well off if Manning "had the keys to the car."

Manning is not only a winner, but he has great character and a charisma that would thrive in New York. His overall demeanor and noted accomplishments would greatly help the fractured Jets' locker room.

In terms of Holmes, he'd be deadly with Manning on board. Quick slants and out patterns would be of big emphasis, and the overall accuracy that Manning has would greatly enhance the number of balls that Holmes would catch.

A possible acquisition of Manning would help to reestablish Holmes as one of the premier threats he was when he was a member of the Steelers.

It also would pit Peyton against his brother Eli in the battle of supremacy for the city of New York. That would be quite the story.

WR Brandon Marshall

Statistically, Brandon Marshall had a fabulous season in 2011. He caught 81 balls for 1,214 receiving yards. He did that while catching passes from Chad Henne and Matt Moore.

Imagine what numbers he'd put up with Manning as his quarterback.

Quarterback play has plagued the Dolphins for years. They've not been able to find a stabilizing force at the position and as a result, they have not made the playoffs since 2008.

With the team still looking for that leader on the field, Manning may be able to fill those shoes.

For Marshall, the prospects of that happening would be a welcomed sight. The Central Florida product has a great combination of size and speed.

With Manning at the helm, he'd be able to hit Marshall on bubble screens and hitches, and let him operate out in space.

Also, the calming influence Manning exudes out on the field would help to keep Marshall focused—a problem he's suffered from throughout his career.

Another added incentive would be Manning competing against Tom Brady twice a season as divisional foes.

Can you say Monday Night Football?

WR Reggie Wayne

With Indianapolis looking at a rebuilding project squarely in the face, it seems as if long-time member of the WR corps Reggie Wayne will be moving on.

As a free agent, he brings a number of valuable attributes to the table.

He's still regarded as one of, if not the best route runner in all of football. His routes are incredibly crisp and succinct. Wayne has perfected his craft of route running and complements it with very good hands and deceiving speed.

While he isn't as fast as he once was, he's still a dangerous second or third option for a contending team.

Naturally, it would make sense that the free agent wide receiver would like to hook up with Manning.

Both had outstanding success together for over a decade. Wayne was often Manning's favorite target, and there was almost a telepathic accord between the two. Manning would throw the ball to a spot and knew that Wayne would be there to make the catch.

If Manning is to make a departure from Indianapolis, it would not be surprising in the least to see Wayne follow him to his next destination. Both would still make up an impressive duo.