2012 NFL Free Agents: Peyton Manning to Miami "Losing Steam"

Just one day after reports circulated that the Miami Dolphins were prepared to make an all-or-nothing play for free agent quarterback Peyton Manning after his release by the Indianapolis Colts, it appears that the odds of that gamble succeeding are already diminishing.

Amid reports that the Kansas City Chiefs have already submitted a contract offer to the four-time NFL MVP, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Friday on SportsCenter that the chances of the Dolphins, who were considered one of the favorites to acquire Manning, signing the 14-year veteran are "losing steam"

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I think there are certain circumstances that prevented certain people from choosing Miami. And I think that those factors will come into play with Peyton Manning. I think their chances right now are dwindling some. ... Miami doesn't seem to have an advantage that it did a few days ago, in the estimation of many people around the league.

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Schefter didn't go into specifics, but after the team tried very publicly and failed just as publicly in their pursuits of head coaches Jeff Fisher and Jim Harbaugh, there were grumblings that front office dysfunction turned off the high-profile duo. And if Schefter's report is correct. then it may indicate that those mysterious "circumstances" are once again becoming an issue in the Dolphins' pursuit to acquire a big name.

At the very least, Schefter's report should be a significant concern for Miami fans, and owner Stephen Ross may want to reconsider his "all-in" strategy where signing Peyton Manning is concerned. If Schefter's right and Manning spurns Miami, their lack of a backup plan may once again leave them with egg on their faces and a huge question mark under center in 2012.

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