NFL Free Agents 2012: Dolphins Plans If They Add Matt Flynn

With the news Friday that Peyton Manning will not be heading to Miami (time to take down those billboards, folks), the Dolphins have reportedly turned their attention to Matt Flynn, the runner up in this year's mad scramble to improve the quarterback position.

Flynn, formerly of Green Bay, has nothing like the credentials of Manning, but he's young and any time he's found his way into a huddle he's played very well. That means nothing if he goes somewhere and blows up, but for now he gives Dolphins fans, still waiting for Dan Marino's replacement over a decade after his retirement, something to dream on.

If the sign him, that is.

Let's dream a little. If Flynn goes to Miami, that can't be the end of their work. Miami has a glaring hole at the wide receiver position. Signing any quarterback won't do much good if he can't throw the ball to anyone.

There are two clear options for the Dolphins with the wide receiver position.

They can go after free agent receiver Brandon Lloyd, although they may want to do that fast since he is starting to pick up momentum today. He could sign over the weekend.

If the Dolphins don't like that or can't get a deal done with him and Flynn at the same time, they could make the sacrifice of their first-round pick and sign a guy like Mike Wallace out of Pittsburgh.

Either player would give the Dolphins a field-stretching receiver with excellent hands and a track record of big plays and an ability to score points.

The other option the Dolphins do have is to sign Flynn and draft a receiver with their first pick. The problem with that is that you go from a known like Wallace or Lloyd to a risk. Flynn is already a risk, as we've said. Two risks might be a little too risky.

The ideal situation might be to land Wallace, the better of the two free agents. The problem is that his price is steep since he will cost money and a draft choice. The Steelers would likely be willing to let Wallace walk for a pick that high. They have needs and issues all their own.

Flynn is also looking into the Seahawks, but Miami seems to be the better situation and I get the feeling that missing out on Manning has made them even more determined. Plus, there's the allure of playing for a storied franchise (which Seattle really is not) and replacing a legend.

If Flynn can somehow be the quarterback Miami has been seeking for over a decade, he'd be a hero in Florida for the rest of his life and beyond.