Matt Flynn Rumors: Why Miami Dolphins Need to Turn Focus to Packers QB Quickly

The Miami Dolphins may yet get their chance to land Peyton Manning, but if not they have to have a backup plan.

When you look at their current roster, the only thing missing is a quarterback to spread the ball around to all the skill position players. That means that if they fail to land the four-time MVP, they must quickly shift their attention to the second-best free-agent quarterback on the market.

While Matt Moore had a decent year under center for the Dolphins, they can do better. If Manning passes on Miami, the next best option will be Green Bay Packers backup Matt Flynn. It would make a lot of sense for Flynn to land in South Beach, and in the long run he might actually be a better option than Manning.

Flynn has a long history with new Dolphins head coach Joe Philbin, as the quarterback studied under the coach for the past few seasons in Green Bay. Philbin was the Packers' offensive coordinator and will bring the same system that Flynn knows as well as anyone to Miami.

While Flynn has little starting experience during his four-year NFL career, the 26-year-old has learned how to go about his business from Aaron Rodgers, who is arguably the NFL's best quarterback right now. Flynn also led LSU to a national championship in college and has a Super Bowl ring from his time with the Packers. 

While Manning may be the main target for Miami, Flynn might present just as attractive an option, as he is younger and his potential may be even greater, since the 35-year-old veteran is coming off four neck surgeries. 

The Dolphins were long thought to be the leaders for Manning, but over the past few days the Arizona Cardinals and Denver Broncos have flipped things around. If they can't score the 11-time Pro Bowler they need to adjust their sights quickly and get Flynn to town as soon as possible.

Otherwise, they'll be left out in the cold without a quarterback.