Peyton Manning Rumors: Latest Updates on Teams in and out of Hunt for QB

Peyton Manning needs a one-hour ESPN decision special.

Every single NFL team is in hot pursuit of the now former Indianapolis Colts quarterback. Well, not really, but it sure feels like it. Here are the latest rumblings on which teams are in and out of the Peyton pursuit.

New York Jets

Smile, Jets fans! Mark Sanchez is still your quarterback!

ESPN’s Rich Cimini reported that Eli Manning isn’t likely to be in driving distance for lunch with the ol’ bro as he wrote:

"

“Let's face it, Mark Sanchez's stature in the locker room took a hit at the end of the season, and there's concern within the organization that his ability to repair it could be comprised by an ill-fated run at Manning.  If the Jets don't sign Manning -- sources say they're not one of the frontrunners -- Sanchez will return to a locker room that may not look at him the same way.”

"

New York would be an instant Super Bowl favorite with Manning under center, but apparently they’re not willing to risk destroying Sanchez’s development. But speaking of development…

Denver Broncos

Tim Tebow fans and haters are in celebration together.

Sports Illustrated’s Peter King reported this Mile High message on Friday tweeting:

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Denver wants Manning "desperately,'' one competitor for Peyton tells me.

— Peter King (@SI_PeterKing) March 9, 2012"

This is a win for everyone.  Manning helps the Broncos win now because he’s better than Tebow, but at the same time, he helps them win later because he’d mentor the young, inconsistent passer. And haters would get a year or two or three from having to see Tebow Time trending on Twitter every Sunday afternoon.

Denver isn’t the only AFC West team after Manning, though.

Kansas City Chiefs

Arrowhead Stadium wants a reason to get loud again.

Mile High Sports’ Brandon Spano reported that KC was the only team primed to put papers in front of Peyton, tweeting:

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BREAKING: Source says that the Chiefs were the ONLY team to offer a completed contract to Peyton Manning today. Says they are most prepared

— Brandon Spano Show (@BrandonSpano) March 9, 2012"

Imagine an offense with Manning, Dwayne Bowe, Jamaal Charles and Tony Moeaki back from injury, an improved Jonathan Baldwin and Trent Richardson if he falls in the draft. Kansas City wouldn’t miss Trent Green, Tony Gonzalez and company anymore, that’s for sure.

But while the Chiefs, Broncos and Jets have talent, an impossible obstacle to hurdle potentially lies in their path. According to Mark Cannizzaro of the New York Post, Manning isn’t interested in playing for a cold-weather team. And on that note…

Miami Dolphins

Yeah, it may not be the last time you hear the words, “This fall, I'm going to take my talents to South Beach.”

Omar Kelly of the Orlando Sentinel reported that an original list of 12 teams has been sliced and diced down to a couple and the Fins are still swimming.

Well, Miami certainly is warm. If you thought the Chiefs offense sounded stacked, listen to this: Brandon Marshall, assume the former Miami Hurricane Reggie Wayne follows, Reggie Bush in a past-offense, Davone Bess in the slot and a developing Daniel Thomas. If I was a Dolphins fan, I would’ve thrown something through a window out of uncontainable excitement.

Manning to Miami isn’t necessarily a lock, though.

Arizona Cardinals

Zona fans are thinking Miami?  We have sand too!

The Miami Herald's Armando Salguero tweeted this positive news for the Dolphins and Cardinals, but disappointing for the Broncos:

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I've been told Manning's decision is basically Arizona or Miami. Denver's John Elway would have to fashion a DRIVE type rally to get him.

— Armando Salguero (@ArmandoSalguero) March 9, 2012"

Larry Fitzgerald is on his knees in prayer.  A Manning-to-Fitzgerald connection would be lethal.  Peyton is used to precise route runners -- he never had a massive possession receiver like Fitz to throw to before.

A team not included in Salguero's report is still optimistic, though.

Washington Redskins

The nation’s capital still has hope for change.

According to Mike Florida of Pro Football Talk, Manning has yet to rule out the Skins.

With Rex Grossman and John Beck as their current starting-quarterback candidates for next season, Washington is desperate. DC isn’t as warm as South Beach, but playing under Mike Shanahan is way more attractive than being coached by Joe Philbin. Manning wants a ring and Shanahan has a pair.

ESPN, I’m looking at you. The Decision 2.0 would be gold.

David Daniels is a featured columnist at Bleacher Report and a syndicated writer.

Follow @TheRealDDaniels