Peyton Manning: Why Miami Dolphins Are Perfect Fit for Reportedly Cut QB

Now that the ugly and painfully saga has drawn to a close, it’s time to catch some sunshine.

ESPN’s Chris Mortensen has reported that Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts will officially part ways:

"

Colts and Manning will part ways, per team sources #NFL32

— Chris Mortensen (@mortreport) March 6, 2012"

Let the bidding begin.

While the Arizona Cardinals, Seattle Seahawks, Washington Redskins and New York Jets will all be potential landing spots, no team is a better fit than the Miami Dolphins.

The ‘Fins are fresh off a disappointing 6-10 season with the main culprit being their quarterback play. Chad Henne and Matt Moore failed to keep the team afloat and the organization is going to add another QB one way or another. Obviously, Manning is now the No. 1 option.

The Dolphins have plenty of cap space to work with and can essentially offer Manning a blank check. Not that money is the only factor for the four-time MVP, but it certainly helps.

A quick look at the roster makes you realize this is a strong team that was extremely weak at one position. The defense ranked third in the league against the rush (95.6 ypg), and allowed 20 points or fewer in eight of the last 11 games to close the season.

Behind a solid duo of Reggie Bush and rookie Daniel Thomas, the team was able to secure the 11th-most rushing yards (124.2) in the league. Receiver Brandon Marshall (1,214 yards, six TDs) is certainly a player Manning could get comfortable with in a hurry. Plus, the team could sign a fellow free agent and former teammate of Manning, Reggie Wayne.

Manning can instantly grab the franchise by the horns and make it his team. That won't happen with the Jets as long as Rex Ryan is around. The Cardinals already have a ton invested in Kevin Kolb, the Redskins would have some serious salary cap issues and the Seahawks play in a cold-weather city that won’t bode well for his frail state.

Vegas currently has the Dolphins as the favorites to land Manning (via Forbes), and as we are all aware, those guys know what they are talking about.

When factoring in money, personnel, weather and flexibility, it’s a perfect storm. Manning’s best bet is with the Dolphins…where he will be playing Tom Brady and the New England Patriots twice a year.

This is going to be fun. 

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