Peyton Manning Rumors: Where Chiefs Stack Up Amongst Manning's Suitors

Until the Peyton Manning debacle is finally settled with the Indianapolis Colts, the list of speculated landing spots will continue to grow.

The most recent addition? The Kansas City Chiefs.

According to NBC Sports' Gregg Rosenthal, new Chiefs head coach Romeo Crennel chimed in on his opinion of Manning to the extent that he could for a player who is still under contract.

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Crennel first gave the requisite tampering disclaimer: “We can’t talk about players under contract with other teams.”

“With a talent like that, I would be crazy not to consider it if he’s available. I’ll leave it at that.” 

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With quarterback Matt Cassel still under contract, and the potential of re-signing quarterback Kyle Orton, Manning seems to be a bit of a long shot for the Chiefs.

Here is where the Chiefs rank amongst teams—besides the obvious Colts—with the best shot at landing No. 18:

6. San Francisco 49ers

Some would imagine that this is where Manning would fit best. Jim Harbaugh is running this program through the roof, and they would only excel to a Super Bowl level with No. 18 under center. The problem is they played very well with quarterback Alex Smith, and I just don't see them parting with him.

Would it be in their best interest? I guess we will see in Year 2 of this program. For now, though, the 49ers going after Manning is just a longshot.

5. Seattle Seahawks

While the Seahawks are certainly a team going through some building, the final piece to their puzzle is a quarterback like Manning.

While I don't think the NFC West is winnable with teams like the 49ers and Arizona Cardinals always standing a chance, the acquisition of Manning would certainly put Pete Carroll's team in position to win immediately.

The team still has many question marks surrounding the receiver position, as well as the potential situation of losing running back Marshawn Lynch.

4. Washington Redskins

With a coach like Mike Shanahan running the Redskins, one would think Manning would be attracted to the man who made Elway the man he was. Unfortunately for the Redskins, they don't see them having the necessary pieces to attract Manning.

Not to mention, who knows if Shanahan would be willing to give Manning control of the offense.

While we all know owner Dan Snyder would make sure he put himself in the best position to sign, the chance of Manning landing in the NFC East is just a pipe dream.

3. Kansas City Chiefs

With players such as wide receivers Dwayne Bowe (assuming the team re-signs him) and Steve Breaston, as well as running back Jamaal Charles, the Chiefs could be a very dangerous team in the winnable AFC West with Manning under center.

As previously mentioned, the team does have Cassel to deal with, as well as a potential situation with Orton. There is no denying that Manning is leagues above either of those men, but they would certainly have to put into question their long-term future given Manning's likely limited time frame on his return.

2. Arizona Cardinals

While most would be skeptical on the Cardinals going after Manning, especially after landing Kevin Kolb from the Philadelphia Eagles before the 2011 season, as the experiment got off to a rocky start as Kolb struggled to find success with the offense.

A pairing up No. 18 with wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, though, is a situation that fans are likely just dreaming about.

We all remember how ridiculous Fitz was with Kurt Warner under center, so one can only imagine how much of a threat this offense can be once again with a legitimate winning quarterback under center.

The team will have to decide where they stand with Kolb, but it wouldn't be shocking if there was a situation between the two if they do go ahead and bring in Manning.

1. Miami Dolphins

For Manning, there is no better landing spot than Miami as they are looking to be the No. 1 landing spot for any quarterback for 2012. They have a brand-new head coach in Joe Philbin, who was the mastermind behind the Green Bay Packers' last two dominant years.

The team will be deciding who they go with under center next season, whether it be Chad Henne, Matt Moore, Matt Flynn, Manning or maybe even a draft pick. Whoever it is, they will be in position to succeed.

Philbin should have this offense ready to go, and will have major pieces to use in receivers Brandon Marshall and Davone Bess, as well as running back Reggie Bush.

The reason why Manning is best suited for Miami is because of the weapons. If the team could get even another receiver—say Reggie Wayne—the Dolphins could easily battle it out for the AFC East against the likes of the New England Patriots, New York Jets and Buffalo Bills.

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