Dolphins, Titans join Peyton Manning mix
In a Dec. 22, 2011 file photo Indianapolis Colts' Peyton Manning is seen on the sidelines in Indianapolis before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans. Credit: AP
After a whirlwind weekend in Denver and Arizona, Peyton Manning returned to his home in South Florida late Sunday night, only to set the stage for more visits and more intrigue surrounding his future whereabouts in the NFL.
Manning, who was released last Wednesday by the Colts, agreed to visits with Dolphins coach Joe Philbin and Titans coach Mike Munchak. ESPN reported late Monday night that Manning met with Philbin on Monday. There's speculation that two other teams -- the Texans and 49ers -- still might be in the hunt for the four-time MVP and future Hall of Fame quarterback.
Manning spent more than six hours each with the Broncos and Cardinals, and it appeared those would be the only visits he'd make before deciding on a new team. But the owners of the Titans and the Dolphins publicly expressed their desire to sign him, which prompted more meetings.
The Denver Post reported Monday that the Texans and 49ers also are in the mix, although neither Manning nor his agent, Tom Condon, commented on the report. Both men have been highly secretive during the process, with Manning trying to keep as low a profile as possible. Not an easy proposition for the most celebrated NFL free agent on the open market in years.
"He is the man I want. Period," Titans owner Bud Adams told The Tennessean on Sunday. "And the people that work for me understand that. They know who I want. I want Mr. Manning with the Titans and I will be disappointed if it doesn't happen."
Adams already has two quarterbacks under contract -- veteran Matt Hasselbeck and second-year passer Jake Locker, the team's first-round selection in 2011. But the owner clearly wants Manning, who has regularly beaten the Titans during their AFC South battles with the Colts. The Titans' interest in Manning may have piqued the interest of the Texans, who were initially cool to the idea of signing Manning but now might be more interested. Reports over the weekend suggested that Manning believes the Texans are his best option.
Moss, 49ers agree to deal. A person with knowledge of the negotiations says wide receiver Randy Moss is back in the NFL with the San Francisco 49ers.
Moss agreed to a one-year deal Monday with the reigning NFC West champions, according to a person who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the club had yet to make a formal announcement. The 35-year-old Moss worked out with the 49ers earlier in the day, with former NFL quarterback and current coach Jim Harbaugh participating. -- AP
