Peyton Manning: Predicting the Fallout for Losers in Manning Derby

Somebody has to lose in this chase for one of the greatest QBs in NFL history. Who's in the best position to handle consequences of a failed pursuit?

Many teams have forsaken all their incumbent signal-callers for a shot at Peyton Manning. What will happen to their rosters if/when they are unsuccessful in their courtship?

There can be only one winner.

Let's take a look at the predicament missing out on Manning creates.

Arizona Cardinals

The Cardinals were one of the first teams to bow out of contention for Manning's services. The team came on strong at the end of last season and barely missed the playoffs with an 8-8 record.

They accomplished this without a true franchise QB, so obviously, the Cardinals had tremendous interest in Peyton Manning.

Luckily for them, they were out of the running early. This allowed them to rebound and re-sign Kevin Kolb. Now they can at least pick up as if the Manning Derby never happened.

Impact: No Big Deal

Miami Dolphins

I sure hope the Dolphins didn't trade Brandon Marshall to appease Manning. Of course, no one would ever admit if they did, but to move one of the top five receivers in the game to accommodate a player that turns you down is a gut punch.

The Dolphins need help badly at receiver, as they weren't able to secure Reggie Wayne either—primarily because they didn't lock up Manning.

Now Davone Bess is the team's best receiver, and that simply won't do. They have hurt their chances to sign other QBs as we saw Matt Flynn sign with the Seahawks. Flynn chose Seattle despite the fact that new Fins' coach Joe Philbin was his offensive coordinator in Green Bay.

The Dolphins could have caused themselves some undue problems with this process. There aren't a ton of attractive options left at QB. Maybe they will chase an established veteran, as it seems Matt Moore returning as a starter isn't likely.

Impact: Potentially Damaging

Denver Broncos

John Elway still isn't sold on Tim Tebow—thus he wined and dined Manning to entice him to come to the Mile-High City. Because Elway hasn't fooled anyone with his pseudo-commitments to Tebow through last year, this really doesn't change anything.

Tebow couldn't have felt ultra-comfortable, even after leading the team to the playoffs and an upset win over the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Elway wants a traditional pocket passer, and there isn't a better example of that than Manning. If Denver loses out, nothing really changes. Elway will again benefit from the qualities Tebow possesses, but Elway doesn't value.

Tebow is such a humble and outwardly selfless person, he'll never make waves or compete any less despite the slap in the face.

Impact: No Big Deal

Tennessee Titans

The Titans have brought the noise with Bud Adams' lifetime contract offer to Manning. He seems willing to spare no expense to bring Manning back to his old collegiate stomping grounds.

I believe this is where Manning will land, but if he doesn't, the pursuit could cost Tennessee. First off, they are grooming a young QB they drafted to be the future of their franchise in Jake Locker.

He made some decent strides at the end of last season. In his final three games, he threw four TDs, no INTs and had a QB rating over 100.

Locker is only 23 years old. Bringing Manning in means that if all goes well, he won't ever play as a Titan over the next three seasons.

Veteran Matt Hasselbeck will likely be released if Manning is signed, but if he isn't, the Titans will have a QB competition to begin the season.

Pursuing Manning as hard as they have could leave some hurt feelings, especially for Locker. He has already had to endure playing under Hasselbeck. Now he can't feel good about the prospects of sitting behind Manning.

Even if Tennessee is unsuccessful in their pursuit, will those feelings go away or does Locker understand?

Who knows, but this is a gamble.

Impact: Potentially Damaging

San Francisco 49ers

No team stands to lose as much as the Niners. After first saying they weren't interested in Manning, they have done a 180 on that stance. I can't help but feeling as though this was done a little underhandedly.

Apparently, Alex Smith didn't waste anytime reacting.

ESPN reported:

"

San Francisco 49ers free agent quarterback Alex Smith has left the Miami Dolphins' complex after a 5½-hour meeting with the team.

"

The Niners are one of three finalists to land Manning (Denver and Tennessee are the others), but if they don't, they could be without a starting QB.

They were 13-3 in 2011 and finished just shy of reaching the Super Bowl.

What a step backwards that would be after carving an identity with the run game, defense and Smith's game management. The team brought back all of their defensive starters, signed Randy Moss and, with Smith, they would be a favorite in the NFC.

Now, worst-case scenario, they could be be looking at Colin Kaepernick at QB. That isn't a good proposition.

Impact: Potentially Catastrophic