Peyton Manning Rumors: Kansas City Chiefs Are Sleepers in Manning Sweepstakes

While many have assumed the Miami Dolphins or the Seattle Seahawks as the ideal potential landing spots for Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning if he were to be released, one team that would shock a lot of people would be the Kansas City Chiefs.

The thing is, they may just come in and swoop up Manning if he were to hit the market.

According to Kansas City radio personality Bob Fescoe, the Chiefs and Manning's agent have reportedly spoken about No. 18 multiple times.

"

Hearing the #chiefs and tom condon have spoken twice abt peyton manning. Told financials a good fit for kc. We shall see what happens

— Bob Fescoe (@bobfescoe) February 23, 2012"

While it would shocking to many if the Chiefs came in and grabbed Manning, the team may actually have a shot given the Dolphins potential interest in Green Bay Packers quarterback Matt Flynn and the Seahawks, as well as the Washington Redskins, potentially deciding that the draft is their best option.

The only problem here is that if the two parties did in fact speak, we could be seeing some tampering violations from the Chiefs.

According to Bill Williamson of ESPN:

"

Well, first, the league has tampering rules, so if Manning’s agent has talked to the Chiefs, that will get the Chiefs in trouble. Plus, I’m not sure the Chiefs -- or any team -- would talk about any about a contract until a team can take a look at Manning’s physical state. He has yet to be cut by the Colts, so the Chiefs cannot get a look at Manning’s neck. 

"

He has a point, and there is legitimacy yet to Fescoe's tweet, but it will certainly be investigated by the league.

The Chiefs could sneak in here, but many will still likely see them being a long shot. They do have Matt Cassel, who missed the end of last season with an injury. They did acquire Kyle Orton after he hit the waiver wire, and he found some nice success playing under head coach Romeo Crennel.

It will first remain to be seen if Orton decides to move on from the Chiefs, so if he does, the team may make a heavy push at Manning.

If these tampering issues stand true, though, it will have to be seen how the league will decide to deal with it. Will they totally eliminate the Chiefs from signing Manning if he is released, or will they just fine them for their actions?

Either way, the Chiefs are likely still looking from the outside in on landing Manning for 2012.

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