Peyton Manning Free Agency: Breaking Down the Pros and Cons for Each Team

Ever since Peyton Manning was released from the Indianapolis Colts, we've been waiting for him to make a decision on where he'll play the final seasons of his Hall of Fame career. It looks like that decision will come sooner than later as he's currently listening to a few teams' pitches on why he should play for each team.

Manning has already visited with the Denver Broncos, is on his way to check out the Arizona Cardinals and will return to Miami to listen to the Dolphins' offer. Although several teams were interested in Manning, those three seem to be the favorites.

Each team has a lot to offer, but there is of course one of the three teams that makes the most sense at this point in his career.

Let's break down the pros and cons on each of the teams he's interested in.

Denver Pros

Denver has an above-average offensive line that would protect him nicely in the pocket. They also have a great running game that led the league in rushing last season, averaging 164 yards a game. The wide receiver corp isn't exactly great, but we've seen in the past with Manning, he doesn't need superstar receivers to win ballgames.

The Broncos also have a solid defense, with a lot of young payers on that side of the ball that will only improve as a unit. We've seen great performances by this group of guys, and they'll continue to get better being on the field a lot less with Manning running the offense.

Another thing that may attract Manning is the fact that a Hall of Fame quarterback is calling the shots. John Elway can relate to Manning and will be able to do put him in the best position to succeed. No other team has this, and it could be a slight advantage for Denver.

Denver Cons

Besides the lack of quality receivers on this team, and the fact that it's freezing cold in Denver, he'd also have to deal with Tim Tebow mania every single week. Now we all know Manning would get the start over Tebow, but that won't stop the media from bringing up his name every chance they get. In fact it would just give them more questions to ask.

You think Manning wants to deal with that, or does he want to try and win another Super Bowl before he fades off into the sunset?

Not to mention freezing temperatures can't exactly feel good for somebody who is recovering from four neck surgeries.

Arizona Pros

The guy in the picture (wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald) is the No. 1 reason Manning should consider suiting up in a Cardinal uniform. Seriously, could you imagine the connection these two would develop? It's almost scary even to think about, can't imagine what defenses in the NFL are thinking about this possibility.

Another reason to consider Arizona is the fact that the NFC West isn't exactly the best division in the NFL. Sure, San Francisco has turned things around, but Seattle and St. Louis don't put fear into anybody as they still have a couple of years to go still.

Putting Manning on this team would make the Cardinals a playoff team instantly and give them a fantastic shot to win the division. You can't say the same about joining the AFC East or even the improving AFC West.

Arizona Cons

The defense in Arizona wasn't that great last season, which may put more pressure on Manning to get the job done if they have similar showings this year. The Cardinals were ranked 17th against the pass and 21st against the run, allowing over 350 total yards a game. I'm sure Manning would like to compete for another ring, not sure you can get the job done with a defense like that.

Also, let's say that the Cardinals do make the playoffs; a possible matchup could end up being against Eli Manning and the New York Giants. Does Peyton really want to set up that possibility by playing for a team in the NFC? Of course this is looking down the road a bit, but if he switches conferences, it would become a possible reality and something he may have to face.

Miami Pros

Now of all of the three teams he's looking at, Miami has the most explosive offense. Not only do you have one of the game's top wide receivers in Brandon Marshall and a talented running back in Reggie Bush, but free-agent wide receiver Reggie Wayne also said he'd become a Dolphin if Manning jumps on board as well.

Location is also a pretty big factor, and who could possibly say no to South Beach? It also helps that Manning already owns a condo in the South Florida area with his wife. Moving would be pretty simple for the Manning household.

Miami also has one of the top defenses in the league, that was ranked sixth in points allowed last season and third at stopping the running game. There are also several young players all over this squad that have yet to reach their full potential.

Miami Cons

Really the only con you can find for Miami is the fact that they play in the AFC East, one of the most difficult divisions in the league. He'll have to play against Tom Brady twice a year and a very tough and defensive-minded New York Jets team. It'd be no easy task in this division, even with a talented team and would take a great effort just to make the playoffs.

Would Manning be up to the challenge, or would he rather play for a team where the competition is a little less severe?

Conclusion

Although Manning has yet to speak to the Miami Dolphins organization, I still think South Beach is where the future Hall of Famer ends up. Overall they are the better team out of all the teams he's looking at and they have the best chance to win right now. It's warm weather, a place he currently spends a lot of time at already and owns a condo.

It'd also pretty much guarantee him landing a familiar teammate in wide receiver Reggie Wayne, which would only sweeten the deal and make this team that much stronger. All three of these teams have a lot to offer, but Miami by far has the most benefits and would be the best place for him to finish out his career. 

Miami hasn't had a quality quarterback since Dan Marino, but that could all change in just a couple of days. The Dolphins could instantly become a Super Bowl contender once No. 18 announces where he will play this season.