Peyton Manning Rumors: Miami Dolphins Remain Alive for the Veteran Quarterback

According to Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald, the Dolphins are not out of the Peyton Manning game just yet:

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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.

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Obviously, this is good news for Dolphins fans who want Manning in South Florida. And to enhance the situation, according to Adam Schefter and Chris Mortensen of ESPN, there does not appear to be any clear favorite:

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Despite those sources' contention about the Broncos and Cardinals as favorites, Manning has not engaged either in contract negotiations or selected his next team and is highly unlikely to make that decision by Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET, when the new league year begins for other free agents.

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Schefter and Mortensen continue to add about the Miami Dolphins:

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Manning has no firm visits planned with other teams but could talk independently with other coaches, such as Joe Philbin of the Miami Dolphins, sources said.

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At the very least, all this provides a glimmer of hope that Peyton Manning could potentially end up with the Miami Dolphins. After all, Manning does have excellent weapons to work with in Miami with receiver Brandon Marshall, tight end Anthony Fasano and running back Reggie Bush.

And as great as blindside left tackle Jake Long has been during his career, you know his game will only hit another level if he's protecting the NFL's only four-time MVP.

The Dolphins also have a defense capable of shutting opponents down, as evidence by their No. 6 ranking in points allowed per game (19.6). That said, Manning has reliable offensive playmakers around him and a stout defense to fall back on.

Now include Miami's No. 8 overall draft pick and the Dolphins can really make some significant strides heading into the 2012 season. Matt Moore could no doubt lead the Dolphins if Manning doesn't come aboard, having proven his worth in 2011.

Still, he's no Manning, and has a lot of work to do in development. Regardless of who's under center for new head coach Joe Philbin and Co., though, the Dolphins will be much improved next fall.

John Rozum on Twitter.