NFL Free Agency 2012: Where Will Peyton Manning Land?

Well, it's official.  Peyton Manning is a free agent.  After thirteen seasons with one team, Peyton has been released by the Indianapolis Colts.

As the Colts prepare for the Andrew Luck era, many other teams are salivating at the chance to possibly land one of the best QBs in the NFL.

Many teams will roll out the red carpet for Mr. Manning, but only one will secure his services.

So in no particular order, these are the five teams most likely to land Peyton Manning.  

1. Miami Dolphins

The Dolphins struggled through the beginning of the 2011 season, but they came together to win six of their final nine games.  Although the Dolphins have gone through a bit of a dry spell in recent years, there really is a lot to like about them.

Miami has a franchise offensive tackle in Jake Long and a new head coach who would tailor his system to fit the QB. 

Peyton very well may be the newest superstar to take his talents to South Beach. 

2. Arizona Cardinals

What do the Cardinals have to offer?  

Arizona plays in a dome, plays in a warm weather climate and has one of the top receivers in the NFL running down the sidelines in Larry Fitzgerald.  

In addition, Arizona is no stranger to giving fun farewells to veterans. Remember Kurt Warner?

Could Peyton Manning be Kurt Warner 2.0?  

3. Denver Broncos

Denver has one of the most talented defenses and most loyal fanbases in the entire NFL.

It also has very frigid temperatures and its own superhero standing behind center.  

If Peyton goes to the mile high city, it would be the end of Tebow time. This engagement seems unlikely.

4. San Francisco 49ers

This past season, the San Francisco 49ers made the playoffs for the first time since a man who goes by the name "T.O." was a member of the team.  

The Niners have a filthy defense, a ground-churning run game and one of the most rabid fanbases in all of sports.  

Not a bad situation for one of the top QBs in the league.

5. Tennessee Titans

Peyton Manning had a pretty good college career playing for the Tennessee Volunteers.  And the Titans do play in the same division as the Colts.  

So, if there is any ill-will toward the franchise dumping him last week, he can join a division rival and battle them twice a year.

However, Bud Adams is known for being notoriously cheap with his franchise. If he is willing to pay for Peyton, he probably won't be willing to pay much for pieces to surround him with.  

And the Winner Is...the Arizona Cardinals

The Cardinals offer the best package for Peyton.  

The dome, wonderful winter weather of Arizona and the prospect of playing with Fitzgerald are too appealing to pass up.

Phoenix has a history of reviving the careers of aging veterans.  Look at Steve Nash, Grant Hill and Kurt Warner.  

Expect Peyton to be the newest star to find the fountain of youth in the desert.