NFL Rumors: Why Peyton Manning Will Not End Up with Arizona Cardinals

The Arizona Cardinals have often been mentioned as a potential destination for free-agent quarterback Peyton Manning, but there are now several obvious reasons why the four-time MVP won't be heading to the desert. 

The Cardinals are reportedly on Manning's short list, and along with the Miami Dolphins, Washington Redskins and Seattle Seahawks, they are expected to at least look into the possibility of acquiring him. 

One big problem for Arizona is the fact that they allowed a ridiculous 54 sacks last season, which was the second-highest total in the NFL. While some of that was undoubtedly due to the team's quarterbacks hanging on to the ball too long, the Cardinals have had a bad offensive line for years.

Arizona could also be parting ways with both of the team's starting offensive tackles, as Levi Brown is likely to be cut and Brandon Keith is a free agent. So depending on how the draft shakes out, Manning could face the prospect of a rookie protecting his blind side next season.

The fact that Manning is 35 and coming off of four neck surgeries would lead me to believe that his future health will be of paramount importance going forward. While the Cardinals probably can't protect him, the Dolphins have four-time Pro Bowler in Jake Long manning the left side of the line. 

The Cardinals will have to make a decision regarding Manning quickly, as Kevin Kolb is due a roster bonus on March 17, which is just four days after free agency starts. That means Arizona would only have four days to lock Manning down and release Kolb.

While the team is proceeding as if Kolb will be on the roster next season, they haven't ruled anything out. Still, the chances that the Cardinals land Manning are very slim.