Peyton Manning Rumors: QB Foolish Not to Consider Miami Dolphins

Peyton Manning is making a mistake.

The future Hall of Famer has received interest from nearly one-third of the league since being released by the Indianapolis Colts, but it appears that he's narrowed down his choices.

ESPN's Adam Schefter and Chris Mortensen report:

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The Denver Broncos and Arizona Cardinals, the first two teams Manning visited, are considered his two likeliest landing spots, according to sources familiar with the situation ... There always is the possibility another team suddenly jumps into the fray, the sources said, but it is looking increasingly likely there are only a few viable possibilities at this time. One source who spoke with Manning prior to his visit with the Cardinals said "his gut is that Manning is leaning toward Denver."

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Both the Cardinals and Broncos are invested in young, inexperienced quarterbacks, but they both believe they're capable of competing with Peyton under center.

So do the Dolphins, but it appears they're not in Peyton's mind much at all.

That is a mistake. It is the Dolphins who offer the most ready-to-compete package, not Arizona or Denver.

The Cardinals do have Larry Fitzgerald, a warm climate, a coach Peyton can trust and a better than average defense in a weak division.

The Broncos have John Elway making decisions, an improving defense, a coach Peyton can trust and a number of young players in a weak division.

However, the Dolphins have Brandon Marshall, Reggie Bush, a warm climate and an improving defense as well.

The factor that we haven't discussed much is likely Joe Philbin, Miami's new coach.

Philbin became head coach after serving nearly 10 years on the Green Bay Packers staff, but has no ties to Peyton and actually has less NFL experience than No. 18 as well.

Miami's potential offense with Peyton under center would be impressive—more impressive than Denver's and about the same as Arizona's, with even more potential.

The fact that Peyton appears to be leaning towards Denver is a bit surprising, but not as surprising as Peyton's relative lack of interest in Miami.

It would be a mistake to not at least hear what the Dolphins have to say before making a decision. Peyton in Miami could be one hell of pairing.