Would the Saints Consider Replacing Brees with Manning?

The long-awaited amicable divorce between Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts is now official.

And after listening to all the NFL "insiders" and experts speculate about where he will or won't go, it's clear that the only thing we can know for sure is that he isn't joining the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

On one hand, it looks like a lot of teams will be lining up to recruit Peyton. In the next breath, we are told he has already crossed a lot of them off his list.

People are speculating that he won't sign with the Washington Redskins, for example, because he doesn't want to face his brother Eli twice a season. So rule out the Dallas Cowboys too, even if they are willing to trade Tony Romo to the PGA Tour for a package of free lessons.

According to Marshall Faulk, Manning's former teammate now with the NFL Network, Peyton has reportedly ruled out the entire NFC because it would spoil the opportunity of playing Eli in the Super Bowl. That means Seattle and Arizona. Well, no one said the family lacked for confidence.

But here is some food for thought. According to CBS Sports, Drew Brees is supposedly "livid" that the Saints have placed the franchise tag on him. He is beloved in New Orleans because of his dedication to the city after Hurricane Katrina and because he brought the Saints their first Super Bowl.

It is unthinkable that the Saints can let Brees walk after the 2012 season without serious ramifications for the franchise. Or would they be willing to remove the franchise tag and trade him—perhaps to Washington or other teams in the market for a quarterback with the provision that Peyton signs with them?

Archie Manning played for the Saints, and the Mannings are the city's first family of football. It might help the Saints overcome the negative publicity and penalties coming their way in light of the bounty controversy. 

The Saints may also lose free agent receivers Marques Colston and Robert Meachem, but Manning can bring Reggie Wayne and perhaps Pierre Garcon to New Orleans from the Colts.

Otherwise, Peyton's Places appear pretty limited if you believe the speculation. What teams would he consider in the AFC?  Former Ravens coach and now studio analyst Brian Billick says the  New York Jets are a good fit. Really? And compete with Eli on a weekly basis for tabloid headlines?

The Denver Post reported that the Broncos may be interested. Peyton in Denver? Where it can snow in September?

Remember, Manning has been an indoor quarterback. His home games have been in a dome. And the AFC South, where the Colts play, includes Tennessee, Jacksonville and Houston—all warm-weather sites. The Texans even have a roof over their head.

If Peyton did sign with the Jets or Broncos, he would have to add the Weather Channel to his weekly preparation regimen. Jim Cantore could be his weather coach.

Sure, Peyton has played in the elements before, but the numbers show he isn't as effective as when he is in a climate-controlled environment. Manning, who will be 36 on March 24, might have more difficulty playing the majority of his games outdoors in a cold-weather climate at this point in his career.

Who's left? The Miami Dolphins appear to be a logical destination and a favorite among football pundits. They don't play in a domed stadium, but it's warm and Dan Marino thrived there. And look at the tan Marino had.

Yes, there would be a trip to New York, Foxboro and Buffalo every year, but chances are that one or two of those would be before the cold weather sets in.

Jacksonville? Not if Peyton wants another Super Bowl ring.

Maybe there is a team lurking that hasn't been mentioned. It makes for great sport trying to predict where Peyton will land. But don't be surprised if the Manning family has already made up its mind. They have had plenty of time to think about it.