Peyton Manning: Jets and More Teams QB Definitely Won't Play for in 2012

It's fair to say that at least half the teams in the NFL have some degree of interest in quarterback Peyton Manning, as he will soon hit the free agent market after being officially released by the Indianapolis Colts. While a few of those teams are obvious contenders for his services, there are others who are either merely testing the waters or don't stand a chance.

The Washington Redskins and Miami Dolphins are considered favorites by most, and I expect Manning to end up with one of those teams, but there plenty of others in the hunt currently. Most of those teams will bow out when an asking price is established in the coming days, though.

Here are three teams that No. 18 definitely won't be playing for in 2012.

Tennessee Titans

Despite the fact that veteran Matt Hasselbeck and promising youngster Jake Locker are in the fold, there has been some conversation regarding the Tennessee Titans taking a run at their long-time division rival in Manning. Jim Wyatt of The Tennessean squashed any thought of Manning joining the Titans in a recent tweet, though.

As tempting as it may be for the Titans to nab the gunslinger who has made life miserable for them for so many years, it simply doesn't make sense. Hasselbeck played quite well last season, and while he is obviously no Manning, he proved last year that he can still be a starter in the league. More importantly, though, Locker's presence almost makes this an impossibility.

The Titans surprisingly spent the No. 8 overall pick in the draft on Locker last season, and while he only saw limited action, he was quite impressive in relief of Hasselbeck. With a little more seasoning, Locker seems likely to reach his potential as a Pro Bowl-caliber signal-caller. Manning would be a great addition for the short term, but it could easily stunt Locker's growth, and the Titans brass can't possibly want that.

New York Jets

Since the New York Jets and much-maligned quarterback Mark Sanchez failed to reach the playoffs this past season, it should come as no surprise that they have been linked to Manning ever since the possibility of him being released came to light. The Jets have never been afraid to make a splashy move, as evidenced by their acquisition of Brett Favre a few years back, but it doesn't feel like they are major players for Manning.

According to Rich Cimini of ESPN New York, the Jets will be one of many teams that will watch Manning with a keen eye in the coming weeks. Manning will have to do some throwing in order to prove to teams that his surgically-repaired neck is fully healed, and there will certainly be a lot of scouts, coaches and executives with interest.

As much as many Jets fans may dislike Sanchez, and as little support as he has gotten from the organization, Sanchez is the major stumbling block in this situation. I have no doubt that Manning will be a better player than Sanchez over the next few seasons, but there is still some hope that Sanchez will fully develop. In order to bring in Manning, the Jets would have to trade or release Sanchez, which creates a lot of moving parts. Rather than do that, the Jets will hope that Sanchez realizes his potential.

Seattle Seahawks

One team that a lot of observers consider a dark horse to land Manning is the Seattle Seahawks. Seattle played very well late last year and seems to be only a reliable quarterback away from being a playoff team. According to Peter King of Sports Illustrated, the Seahawks are willing to pay Manning big money and bring in his favorite wide receiver, Reggie Wayne, as well, but they aren't the favorite.

I have to agree with King's assessment about Seattle not being among the favorites. There are certainly some pieces for Manning to work with, like running back Marshawn Lynch and wide receiver Sidney Rice, but the conditions aren't always ideal. Manning's record outdoors suffers as the season goes on, so he may be more inclined to play for a dome team or a team in a consistently warmer climate.

The fact that the Seahawks are willing to pay big money keeps them in the race, but the Redskins and Dolphins are probably willing to do the same. Even though Seattle would likely be a contender with Manning in the fold, I see him being more enticed by playing in Miami or Washington, even if Seattle might be the best location for him.