NFL Free Agency: How Bud Adams May Have Helped Miami in Peyton Manning Chase

Let me preface this by saying that I believe the Miami Dolphins are behind the eight ball in the Peyton Manning sweepstakes. The fact that Manning did not want to meet with team officials in Miami—and that Stephen Ross was not part of the meeting—was telling, whatever the circumstances behind that decision.

I no longer believe he will land in Miami. However, there could be some positive news ahead.

Bud Adams, owner of the Tennessee Titans, may have just given Miami life with his recent offer to Manning. According to Michael Lombardi of the NFL Network, the offer included a promised front office job for Manning upon retirement. Lombardi points out that this is something the Broncos cannot offer because of John Elway's current position with the team.

Ross can, however, offer a similar deal, and I see no reason why he would not. Dan Marino once held a post similar to Elway, but vacated it after a short stint. 

Should the Dolphins make Manning a similar pitch that includes a front office gig after retirement, the fact that he already lives in Miami would actually become a factor. Living in Miami was a contrived advantage before.

Manning's college tenure at the University of Tennesee is, in large part, driving Adams' sales pitch. However, offering a lifetime position to someone in the city that person calls home must be particularly enticing. The former Colt had twins last year and may not want to move around.

Of course, Manning could still simply call Miami his offseason home and work wherever he wants.

Would Ross call or raise Adams? The Dolphins have been spending money while awaiting Manning's decision, unlike the other teams vying for his services. Their cap space has shrunk considerably, though they could feasibly restructure or cut players to make room for Manning.

At any rate, while this may be grasping at straws, the game has changed for Manning's suitors. Perhaps it has breathed life into Miami's chances.