Weighing Pros and Cons Between Peyton Manning, Matt Flynn for Miami Dolphins

The Miami Dolphins don't have a quarterback and, for once, that is a good thing.

This free-agent crop and 2012 NFL draft class is arguably the best opportunity the Dolphins have ever had to finally replace Dan Marino.

Yes, it has been that long since the Dolphins have been able to call their signal-caller a franchise quarterback. 

They've been to the postseason only three times since the Hall of Famer's departure and have won only one playoff game in last 12 years. The previous decade saw them make the playoffs seven out of 10 years.

The only consistent thing about their quarterback position in the last 12 years has been the inconsistency at the quarterback position. Eight different quarterbacks have led the Dolphins in passing since Marino did it 15 out of the 16 previous seasons. It simply doesn't get much worse than that.

Before the Dolphins even bother worrying about the 2012 draft class, they'll have the opportunity to land Peyton Manning or Matt Flynn.

The only question is, who is better for the franchise?

Peyton Manning Pros

He's Peyton Manning. Honestly, you don't need to know any more.

Peyton Manning Cons

Health. Nobody, not even Manning himself, knows how his neck will hold up once he's driven into the turf on a blindside hit. Or after a 50-pass attempt game. Or after a few steady weeks of practice.

His health is always going to be a question mark.

Longevity. Even if healthy, how many years do the Dolphins expect to get out of him? This team is putting together a solid group of young players at a number of positions and the Dolphins could become a legitimate power in the AFC East for years to come if they they develop them right.

Manning won't be part of a plan that stretches anywhere beyond three to five years.

Expectations. With great talent comes great expectations. Landing Manning would put the Dolphins firmly in the hunt for the AFC East and possibly even the AFC East title if they play their cards right in the draft. 

However, when too much is expected things can go horribly wrong terribly fast—just ask the Jets.

Matt Flynn Pros

Youth. Flynn is only 26 years old and has minimal wear and tear on his body. He's started only two games in his four years and looks to have a long career ahead of him.

Upside. There is still so much room for Flynn to grow as both player and a leader that you could almost consider him a thoroughly experienced rookie just scratching his surface but can contribute immediately—like an Andrew Luck almost. 

Depending on what weapons the Dolphins would surround him with throughout his career, there is no telling how good he could be.

Familiarity. New Dolphins coach Joe Philbin was Flynn's offensive coordinator in Green Bay since he entered the league. What better relationship could you ask for between head coach and quarterback?

Cost. Flynn would be a cheaper option than Manning.

Matt Flynn Cons

Inexperience. As stated earlier, Flynn has only started two games in his NFL career. Ironically enough, they were both against terrible defensive secondaries that he absolutely obliterated thanks to flawless game-planning.

Plugging in Flynn doesn't guarantee immediate success.

Expectations. These would be nothing close to what Manning would have to deal with, but Flynn would still have quite a load placed on his shoulders. Heck, Matt Moore won games for the Dolphins last year with the talent they already have, and Flynn will be given even more to work with.

How he responds to being "the guy" is a huge question mark.

Cost. Flynn will be less expensive than Manning, but he won't come cheap after the numbers he put up last year in minimal action. He has a ton of leverage from that standpoint, and should the Dolphins miss on Manning first and have to resort to Flynn, he could drive the price up knowing their desperation.

Verdict

There is a lot to like about a marriage between both players and team, but the obvious choice is Manning. If he's healthy, the Dolphins will have arguably the best quarterback in the league playing for the next three to five years with an ever-improving team.

Mark Cannizzaro of the New York Post cites sources saying that Miami is more than just a potential landing spot for the quarterback. Cannizzarro's sources indicate Manning wants to play in warm weather, wants his former teammate Reggie Wayne to come with him (Wayne is a product of the U) and Dolphins owner Stephen Ross has given GM Jeff Ireland the green light to "make it happen."

On top of that, Yahoo! Sports' Jason Cole reports that the Dolphins have expressed no interest Flynn at all yet. Everything they're doing is centered on landing Manning.

Flynn is the better long-term option, but he's not a sure thing to succeed either. His small sample size and inexperience versus his upside and potential still fall short of what Manning can offer.

If the Dolphins hit on Manning it will be one of the greatest snags of all time. If his health is more of an issue and causes problems, they only have themselves to blame. However, if Manning were to get away and succeed elsewhere, a la Drew Brees in 2006, the Dolphins will drown themselves.

Rest assured, if Peyton Manning wants to come to Miami, the Dolphins are going to do everything possible to make that happen.

Throwing seven different kinds of smoke on Twitter, too.