Peyton Manning Rumors: Has Tennessee Become the Frontrunner?

There were four and now, supposedly, there are two.  Or maybe three. 

Depending on what you read, there are two or three teams left in the Peyton Manning Sweepstakes.

According to online reports, Peyton Manning has taken both Arizona and Miami off his wish list and has narrowed his decision down to Denver and Tennessee.

The former Indianapolis quarterback met with Tennessee officials yesterday for eight hours, and left Nashville having been offered a lifetime contract from Titans' owner Bud Adams.

Whoever is still in the running, the ante may have been upped when Adams reportedly offered Manning a "lifetime contract to be part of the Tennessee Titans' organization after his playing days are through."

The story on cbssports.com stated Adams was not worried about money when it came to signing the four-time MVP.

"We have no idea if a front-office gig is something Manning is looking for when he retires but Lombardi points out that it's a perk the Broncos, who are also heavily recruiting Manning, can't offer," Adams said.

The Broncos interviewed Manning last week in Denver.

The fact Tennessee jumped into the ring with three other suitors in Miami, Denver and Arizona for Manning's services and then met with the quarterback for eight hours in Nashville with Titans coaches and brass shows confidence.

It is also being reported, in the story written by Ryan Wilson, that Adams offered Manning a blank check.

Money will not going to stop Adams from getting his man.

Currently, the Titans have Matt Hasselbeck and Jake Locker under contract. Hasselbeck was signed in free agency last year and Locker was the eighth pick in the 2011 NFL draft.

One other thing that could sway Manning and his decision is the Titans signing of offensive linemen and longtime friend, Steve Hutchinson on Thursday.

While the Titans were in need of offensive line help, bringing in one of Manning's good friends could help sway his decision in the coming days.