5 Teams the Reportedly Cut Peyton Manning Should Consider for His Swan Song

We knew the news was coming, we just never knew what it would feel like when it hit. 

According to ESPN's Chris Mortensen, the Indianapolis Colts will part ways with quarterback Peyton Manning on Wednesday. 

The team has yet to officially announce it, but one thing that is perfectly clear is that Manning will continue his career elsewhere. Manning has worked way too hard to hang it up now.

It should be no surprise that there will be plenty of teams lined up to give him an opportunity for a swan song.

As we await official word from the team and/or from Manning himself, let's get an early start on some potential teams he could join forces with in his final year.

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Arizona Cardinals

The Arizona Cardinals swung for the fences on a sinker in Kevin Kolb, and struck out.

But if they get back to the plate and have another shot at a fastball, you know they'd love to swing for the fences.

Larry Fitzgerald had his wings clipped last year, but would surely be flying high once again with Peyton Manning throwing him the ball.

The Cardinals may not have much to speak of on defense, but Manning could help mask those problems. Or at least, do a better job of it than Kolb.

Miami Dolphins

Dolphins owner Steven Ross has admitted to being infatuated with the former Colts quarterback, and it's not hard to see why.

Let's put it in simple terms for anyone who hasn't followed Miami recently: In the 13 years since Dan Marino retired, the Dolphins have gone through 16 starting quarterbacks and three playoff appearances. 

Manning would love to bring an end to all of that, especially with wide receiver Brandon Marshall to throw to and running back Reggie Bush coming out of the backfield.

The Dolphins are somewhat in a rebuilding phase with a new head coach, but would immediately field one of the most lethal offenses in the NFL with Manning at the helm.

San Francisco 49ers

Quarterback Alex Smith's 180-degree turnaround from the first six years of his career was a large part of the reason why the 49ers were as successful as they've been in over a decade. 

But if the 49ers, for whatever reason, wanted to take a shot with Manning, they would certainly be able to do so. Their masterful management of the salary cap has left them with enough space to make a big move or two.

For Manning, the 49ers would provide a great opportunity to join a team that was a bad bounce away from a trip to the Super Bowl.

Again, take nothing away from Alex Smith, but an upgrade like Peyton would put the team in the driver's seat in the NFC.

Seattle Seahawks

Pete Carroll has been known to make a few (hundred) roster transactions every offseason, and what better way to kick off the 2012 offseason than with the biggest roster move of his career?

The Seahawks have plenty of cap space, but they may need all of it to convince Manning to play in the rainy conditions at CenturyLink Field.

There are plenty of skill-position players to be had in Seattle; between running back Marshawn Lynch and wide receivers Doug Baldwin, Golden Tate and Mike Williams, the Seahawks could be one of the more explosive offenses in the NFL.

And let's not forget about the defense, which was underrated in 2011 (despite facing primarily sub-par offenses) and could make big strides this offseason.

Kansas City Chiefs

Chiefs head coach Romeo Crennel got into a bit of hot water at the NFL Scouting Combine when he pointed out the well-known fact that he'd be foolish not to consider adding a player as talented as Peyton Manning.

Umm...

The Chiefs have plenty of pieces in place to make a smooth transition, with wide receiver Dwayne Bowe getting the franchise tag and the highly-talented running back Jamaal Charles returning from a season-ending injury. 

What's more, the Chiefs also have an underrated defense that could give Manning something he hasn't had much of throughout his career in Indy. Manning would instantly make Kansas City the favorites in the AFC West and could possibly take them deep into the playoffs.