Peyton Manning: Free Agent QB Opts Not to Take Talents to Miami Dolphins

The Miami Dolphins have been officially eliminated from the Peyton Manning sweepstakes, according to the staff at NFL.com.

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Manning phoned the Dolphins personally on Thursday to tell them they have been removed from the running as potential suitors for his services, multiple sources told NFL.com's Jeff Darlington Friday. While it has been widely believed over the last 24 hours that Manning would not sign with the Dolphins, neither side had formally removed themselves from the mix.

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This is a huge blow to Miami, who was hoping to land the future Hall of Fame signal caller in order to become competitive in the AFC East and make the postseason for the first time since 2008.

Now they need to pick up the pieces and make a serious run at Matt Flynn, the next best available free agent QB. It’s presently a downgrade, but the former Green Bay Packer backup represents immense promise and potential.

Manning is now expected to choose between the Denver Broncos and Tennessee Titans (and possibly the Arizona Cardinals) to finish out his illustrious career.

The NFL Network’s Albert Breer reported that the Broncos are sending a team plane to Raleigh, NC—the same place that the Titans sent their jet to pick up the former Colts QB earlier in the week.

It’s highly likely that John Elway and the Denver brass are making a last-minute pitch to try and sway his decision towards heading to the Mile High City.

With the Fish now eliminated from Peyton’s Final Four, it seems that his final decision is imminent and it looks probable that No. 18 will be a Titan or Bronco.  

Keep it tuned to B/R throughout the day and week to get the latest breaking news, updates, opinion and analysis on Peyton Manning’s free agency saga.