Peyton Manning Rumors: The Latest News and Buzz Surrounding the Quarterback

Folks, the Peyton Manning saga isn't over yet and with multiple franchises still considered to be on the list, we're so close to free agency that you can almost taste it.

That said, here's the latest on Manning heading into the work week.

Denver Broncos

According to Mike Klis of the Denver Post, Manning almost remained in Denver longer than expected:

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Manning was scheduled to stay in Denver overnight, but he was not accompanied on the trip here by his agent, Tom Condon, whose absence made it unlikely a contract agreement would be reached.

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That would have definitely put an interesting twist to this whole situation. Nonetheless, the simple fact that Manning even visited the Broncos is interesting.

Considering the Tim Tebow hasn't been given the proper time to develop as a quarterback, but still managed to win a postseason game, you would think that Denver should already have made up its mind.

Obviously the fans have, especially after running Kyle Orton out of town—which turned out to be the right move. In any event, Manning to Denver would be one of the most polarizing quarterback controversies ever.

Arizona Cardinals

According to Jay Glazer of Fox Sports, Manning was expected to meet with the Arizona Cardinals on Saturday.

That's certainly not as controversial as jousting with Tim Tebow in the Mile High City. However, it's appealing enough to raise concern about Kevin Kolb's future. No doubt, the Manning-to-Larry Fitzgerald connection would be special.

You have arguably the best receiver in the game with a four-time NFL MVP, plus a quickly improving defense that will open some eyes in 2012.

Can you imagine if Manning does get back to his prime form—even if it's for just one season? What he and Fitz (not to mention tight end Todd Heap) could accomplish would be remarkable.

Miami Dolphins

As the shortlist continues in the hopes of landing Peyton Manning, the Miami Dolphins are still alive.

Manning is slated to visit the Dolphins after Arizona, according to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald:

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The Dolphins have made the list of finalists for coveted free agent Peyton Manning and expect to meet with him after he returns from his visits to Denver and Arizona.

Dolphins owner Stephen Ross is expected to join general manager Jeff Ireland and coach Joe Philbin in a meeting with Manning in the next few days.

The Dolphins have prepared what they believe is a strong presentation.

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Arguably the best fit for Manning, the Dolphins have some reliable receiving targets in Brandon Marshall and tight end Anthony Fasano. Running back Reggie Bush is also a strong selling point, not only for his dual-threat ability, but for how strong he finished the 2011 campaign on the ground.

There, Bush gained 519 rush yards in the final four contests, including an average of over six yards per carry during that span.

With a presentable ground game that's building consistency and a passing game that will only improve, Manning in Miami would make the Dolphins immediate AFC title contenders.

Kansas City Chiefs

The first of two wild-card teams that may land Manning, the Kansas City Chiefs aren't giving up just yet. According to Adam Teicher of the Kansas City Star on Friday, March 9, Chiefs' chairman Clark Hunt stated:

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“[Manning] is somebody that we’ll talk to,’’ Hunt said in the interview. "We feel really good about the team we have in Kansas City going into the 2012 season, but we’ll look for any opportunity to improve and, of course, that includes Peyton Manning."

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Kansas City is an intriguing team, and quite frankly, they have a distinct advantage over all others interested, because Manning would have a lot more of an autonomous control of the offense.

With new head coach Romeo Crennel a defensive mind, can we really expect offensive coordinator Brian Daboll to guide Manning? No, period.

Plus, with all of the Chiefs' talent such as running backs Jamaal Charles (hopefully healthy) and Jackie Battle and receiver Dwayne Bowe, the offense would really hit another level.

Not to mention the defense; if Eric Berry gets back to 100 percent, K.C. has every reason to feel good about next fall. 

Seattle Seahawks

Although it was from the middle of last week, the potential of Peyton Manning to the Seattle Seahawks worth mentioning.

The Seahawks may make a move, according to Danny O'Neil of the Seattle Times:

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Speculation the Seahawks could pursue Peyton Manning is becoming a reality. Seattle will be one of the teams trying to land Manning, a team source confirmed Wednesday [March 7].

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Now, the Seahawks are definitely a long shot at this point, especially since Manning has—as previously sourced above—expected to meet with the Arizona Cardinals.

To that end, it's tough to discount Seattle because of its promising future. Head coach Pete Carroll and Manning would make for a great coach-quarterback duo and the Seahawks have some appealing receiving targets in Doug Baldwin, Golden Tate, Sidney Rice and tight end Zach Miller.

Include running back Marshawn Lynch bowling over defenses and the Seahawks' own defense and Manning needs to consider and not exclude The Great Northwest.

There's a lot more potential on this team than expected.

John Rozum on Twitter.