NFL Rumors: Why Peyton Manning Should Stay in Arizona

Reports from ESPN's Chris Mortensen and Adam Schefter today suggest that four-time MVP Peyton Manning has the Arizona Cardinals and Denver Broncos in the lead for his services. While the Broncos certainly made a great impression on Manning during his visit on Friday, the Cardinals may present the 11-time Pro Bowler with the best fit.

Manning touched down in Arizona today, and if the team presents him with the right vision, he might as well just stay there.

The Cardinals have a solid running game with Beanie Wells coming off a 1,047-yards season, but more importantly they have four guys who can catch the ball, including one of the NFL's top receivers. 

Arizona has Larry Fitzgerald on the roster and locked up through the 2018 season. He and Manning could create one of the most electric pass-catch combinations in NFL history if they were paired together.

On top of that, the Cardinals have an emerging receiver in Andre Roberts (51 catches for 586 yards in 2011), tight end Todd Heap and they are expected to re-sign Early Doucet, who is coming off a career year. 

The big downside for Manning when considering Arizona is the fact that the team allowed 54 sacks in 2011. Yes, some of those were due to the team's quarterbacks hanging on to the ball too long, but the team's offensive line leaves a lot to be desired. 

If the Cardinals could make a move in free agency to lure a guy like New Orleans free-agent guard Carl Nicks to town, that could help seal the deal with Manning. Then the team could use it's first-round draft pick (No. 13) on the best offensive lineman available and further solidify things up front.

Arizona would probably need to convince Manning of a vision like that to bring him in to the fold, but I think it can be done and I think the Cardinals could be the best fit.