Why Brandon Marshall Trade Means Peyton Manning Is Likely a Miami Dolphin

Just minutes prior to the 4 p.m. kickoff to NFL free agency, the Chicago Bears and the Miami Dolphins completed a blockbuster trade that involved All-Pro wide receiver Brandon Marshall. 

Jay Glazer of FOX Sports broke the news of the trade that is sending Marshall to the Bears in exchange for two third-round draft picks. 

So how does this involve free-agent quarterback Peyton Manning? 

Some of you may have immediately thought that this meant that the Dolphins were out of the race for Manning, as they just shipped away their All Pro wide receiver. Nope. Think again. 

Someone in Miami doesn't want Marshall there, and that man could be the future Hall-of-Fame quarterback, Peyton Manning. 

Many may have thought that the Dolphins were favorites to land quarterback Matt Flynn. Miami's newly hired head coach, Joe Philbin, is the former offensive coordinator for the Green Bay Packers and was a part of the development of Flynn, as he was the backup behind Aaron Rodgers.

Well, think again. Reports have indicated that the Dolphins and Flynn are heading in separate directions, and one would assume that Miami will be going hard for No. 18. 

So let's stop for a second and connect the dots: The Dolphins trade Marshall, who has had his share of character issues, they have also announced that they are not interested in Flynn and their head coach met with Manning in Indianapolis on Monday. 

What does this all mean? It means that the Miami Dolphins are likely favorites to land Peyton Manning and quite possibly be willing to bring along some of Manning's teammates from Indy, such as Reggie Wayne, Jeff Saturday and Dallas Clark. 

With that being said, free agency has just begun, and we'll have to wait and see how this Manning/Miami situation develops. 

Be sure to check out Tony Santorsa's blog: PatriotsPlus.