Potential suitors for Peyton Manning
Quarterback Peyton Manning of the Indianapolis Colt warms up before coming off the bench in the third quarter against the Houston Texans during the NFL season opener. (Sept. 12, 2010) Credit: Getty Images
Peyton Manning will receive plenty of interest when he becomes a free agent. Here are the potential suitors:
JETS: The team has left the door open to pursuing Manning, and coach Rex Ryan and general manager Mike Tannenbaum have said they'll examine every alternative. The Jets have some salary-cap constraints that could limit their ability to sign Manning.
REDSKINS: Mike Shanahan hasn't had much success with quarterbacks (Donovan McNabb, John Beck and Rex Grossman) in his two seasons as Washington coach. Owner Dan Snyder never has been afraid to spend big money on free agents.
DOLPHINS: Owner Stephen Ross wants to make a splashy signing, and there's no splashier one than Manning. The Dolphins have had trouble retaining fans, and Manning would instantly make the team relevant again.
CARDINALS: GM Rod Graves and coach Ken Whisenhunt made it clear at the scouting combine that they'd be willing to listen if the right quarterback came along. Manning would be a major upgrade from Kevin Kolb and John Skelton.
49ers: Coach Jim Harbaugh has said he's ready to bring back free agent Alex Smith, but that was before Manning became available.
SEAHAWKS: Pete Carroll went with Tarvaris Jackson last year, and while he showed some promise, he's no Manning.
CHIEFS: Coach Romeo Crennel said last month a team would be "crazy" not to be interested in a player like Manning.
COWBOYS: Jerry Jones has professed his loyalty to Tony Romo. Will Manning pique his curiosity?
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