Peyton Manning Rumors: Highlighting the Latest Buzz on Colts QB

Of the many storylines dominating media coverage of the National Football League this offseason, no player has given more sportswriters carpal tunnel syndrome than Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning. More rumors have circulated regarding the future Hall of Famer's health, future in Indy, and potential landing spot should he hit free agency than Rosie O' Donnell has favorite flavors of ice cream.

However, as they say, if you can't beat 'em join 'em, so let's grab a scoop and dive in to the latest rumors surrounding the future of the four-time MVP.

If New York Jets fans have their way then Peyton Manning may find himself alongside younger brother Eli in the Big Apple next season. Some Jets fans are clearly ready to move on from Mark Sanchez under center and have set up an online petition to inspire the New York front office to sign Peyton Manning, an elixir that they apparently feel will fix what ails Gang Green.

"

Although the 2011 New York Jets put together an awesome roster of players, they not only underachieved week in and week out, they were shut out of the playoffs as well. Two of the biggest failures that resulted in such underwhelming performances were lack of leadership in the locker room as well as on the field and quality of play from the quarterback position. Both of these problems can be solved with a single personnel change. Signing Peyton Manning as the starting Quarterback for the New York Jets.

"

However, it appears that whichever team wins the sweepstakes for Manning may have to pony up for a "bonus" of sorts as well. Peter King of Sports Illustrated reported earlier this week that Manning and wide receiver Reggie Wayne may wish to travel to a new home together as a sort of package deal.

"

Such a pairing would not only be a plus for Manning, who would love to see it happen, according to one NFL source. But also it would allow him to go to his new team with one familiar receiving face, and if you can say one thing about Manning, it's that he loves familiarity, particularly in how his receivers anticipate throws and the precision of their route-running.

"

All this potential interest in Manning from such teams as the Jets, Miami Dolphins, Arizona Cardinals, Washington Redskins, Kansas City Chiefs and more means little if Manning's injured neck precludes him from playing in 2012. However, a tweet from the Indianapolis Star's Bob Kravitz, who has been on top of this story since day one, would seem to indicate that Manning's rehab is progressing fairly well.

"

Hearing from multiple sources that Peyton is in Florida and throwing much much better

— BobKravitz (@bkravitz) March 2, 2012"

Meanwhile, while the Miami Dolphins and Washington Redskins have been the apparent front-runners for much of the Manning derby other teams are gaining ground—at least in the ever-churning minds of the media—Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald points out that teams like the Chiefs could be very much in the running.

"

The Chiefs are dangerous in that they are serious. They typically don't leak stuff. They typically don't suffer soap opera situations, although the Todd Haley deal bordered on it. They are just a fit for what Manning wants in an organization. They're all football and no frills. They also have a ton of cap space.

"

There's also always a chance that a "dark horse" candidate could emerge that hasn't really been discussed to this point. As Bill Williamson of ESPN points out, it's even possible that a Manning-Tebow collision could be on the horizon that could quite possibly cause the entire blogosphere to implode.

"

I put Denver as having “medium” interest in Manning. The Broncos are probably a dark horse, but I can’t see a scenario where Manning is on the market and John Elway doesn't at least consider signing a fellow legendary quarterback.

"

There are still some Colts supporters who are holding out hope that Manning might return to the fold in Indianapolis, but as Mike Chappell of the Indianapolis Star recently reported, that ship appears to have sailed.

"

If he does not agree to restructure his contract, he would count $17 million against the salary cap. But you are assuming an awful lot when you assume he’ll be back as good as new for 2012. Hey, I hope he makes a complete recovery. It’s amazing watching anyone play at that level for such a long time. But any team that decides to sign Manning probably is going to have to take a leap of faith with a contract. It’s going to take decent up-front money and that team probably isn’t going to know 100 percent that Manning will regain his form. It’s difficult to see how bringing back Manning makes sense when the Colts are in such an obvious rebuilding mode.

"

Of course, this is all just speculation and while some of that speculation may have more substance than others and it's a distinct possibility that it will all be proven to have about as much worth as stock in Lehman Brothers, you can bet your last dollar that these rumors will only grow in momentum as the March 8th deadline for Manning's $28 million bonus draws nearer.