Miami Dolphins Are Reportedly in Mix for Peyton Manning

While ESPN has been fast to report that the Arizona Cardinals and Denver Broncos are the front-runners to land the services of former Indianapolis Colts star quarterback Peyton Manning, there is another team in the mix.

The Miami Dolphins.

Armando Salguero told the Miami Herald about the Dolphins’ intent when it comes to the four-time NFL MVP:

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I reported to you over the weekend that Miami is in lockdown mode on the information and informed sources front. And there is two ways to take this approach. It is either good news because it means the team is shutting down as to not hurt any possibility of getting Manning -- a possibility that still exists. Or...

It means the club has locked down because Manning has swatted them aside like a gnat and Miami is simply trying to mask the embarrassment.

So I asked my sources if it's fair to believe lockdown mode is a sign the club is still in the game for No. 18 and doesn't want to hurt those chances.

"Fair," one source responded.

"Correct," another source responded.

There you go, folks. The Dolphins are still in the Manning sweepstakes. It is not over after Manning's trips to Denver and Arizona. Doesn't mean the Dolphins will get Manning. But there is still hope.

Read more here: http://miamiherald.typepad.com/dolphins_in_depth/#storylink=cpy

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It is unclear if Manning will meet with any of the other teams that have expressed interest in his services, but he should be trying to exhaust every resource to find the right fit for him and his family. Not giving Miami a chance would be silly.

What It Means

Manning is one of the smartest players the NFL has ever seen, so he will not be rushing what could be the biggest decision of his life. If Miami is offering a serious proposition, the Pro Bowl QB will listen.

It’s still relatively early in the process of finding a new team for the future Hall of Famer, but there is plenty of time. While teams want to know ASAP, Manning has the power to take his time and hand-pick his next home.

No one expects a decision soon, but the hope is that Manning will schedule a meeting with the Dolphins to at least hear their proposal. Even LeBron James at least listened to every team’s presentation.

What’s Next?

With conflicting reports about Manning not holding anymore meetings with teams, the Dolphins have no choice but to pursue the QB great with all they have. They won't find their man in the draft and Matt Flynn may be too risky for their style.

The Dolphins need to do whatever it takes to get Manning in Miami for a meeting to ensure that they at least can tell the fan base they tried to sign the mega star. If the fans don’t think ownership tried, their already thin patience just might wear away.

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