Peytonpalooza Grips NFL
MIAMI (CBSMiami) – Mannageddon has officially taken hold of nearly every NFL city that could possibly need a quarterback. Miami has long been considered one of the top spots for Manning to land, but a new team powered by a retired Hall of Famer may be trying to make a big push.
According to SI.com's Peter King, the Denver Broncos want Peyton Manning as their quarterback "desperately." King said an unnamed competitor told of the Broncos desperation to land Manning as the team's new quarterback.
From the Broncos point of view, it would make sense on a couple of levels. It would automatically make the team more attractive for other free agents and finally give the team a true downfield passer, assuming Manning's arm is okay.
Additionally, it would finally free the franchise of Tebowmania. Broncos president John Elway could insert Manning into the starting lineup and sit Tebow to either learn from Manning or switch him to another position like h-back or fullback to play with Manning.
King also said don't read too much into the desperation.
"Now, people, understand this: Miami, Jets, Seatlle, and I'm sure 3 or 4 others want Manning 'desperately' too. Doesn't give Denver any edge," King tweeted Friday.
Out of the teams considered to still be in the Manning sweepstakes, King said that he is "guessing Miami, Az. That's all it is [a guess]."
Based on reports that came out Thursday, if Manning doesn't want to play in the National Football Conference that would already eliminate the Arizona Cardinals.
Then there's the Reggie Wayne factor. He's Peyton's favorite target, a free agent, played at UM, and lives down here. He could possibly be had in a package deal with Manning as could veteran center Jeff Saturday.
The veteran center is a free agent and could be part of a three-player deal to get Manning under center for the Dolphins. However, it might mean moving Mike Pouncey to guard or sliding Saturday out to guard, the former being the most likely.
If the Fins signed Saturday, shifted Pouncey out to right guard, and drafted a right tackle in the NFL draft, they'd have arguably one of the best offensive lines in all of football. In other words, exactly what a banged up quarterback wants in front of him.
Still, it will take some fancy salary cap maneuvering and restructuring to get all three of them in house together. Wide receiver Pierre Garcon also said he'd like to play in Miami with Manning, but that he'd have to do what's best for his family, meaning he's going to take the most money to play somewhere.
