The "Where Does Peyton Sign?" Saga

[Rambos]

The Dolphins, Broncos, Chiefs, Seahawks, and Cardinals. For us best case is he signs with the Broncos he's there today on a visit. That would leave three suitors outside our division to trade with.

[Nick]

True Rambos, but I can't see him opting to play there due to the cold weather factor.

[Fortuninerhater]

Exactly. Go to Miami or Jets, I dont care. Just dont go to NFC West/Washington

That's the NFC West, Washington and Cleveland.

[THOLTFAN81]

Ok, we can stop caring about Peyton now our deal is done

[Nick]

Peyton will be spending the weekend meeting with Arizona before flying back to his Miami condo. Though nothing is planned, he's expected to meet with the Dolphins once he returns.

Manning expected to return to Miami after Arizona visit | ProFootballTalk

[Nick]

Peyton Manning narrows options
Updated: March 11, 2012, 11:11 AM ET
By Chris Mortensen and Adam Schefter | ESPN

After at least 12 teams contacted Peyton Manning when he became a free agent, the former Indianapolis Colts quarterback has narrowed his options.

The Denver Broncos and Arizona Cardinals, the first two teams Manning visited, are considered his two likeliest landing spots, according to sources familiar with the situation.

The Seattle Seahawks continue to try to arrange a meeting with Manning, according to sources, but so far they have been unable to do so.

Manning still could wind up meeting with the Dolphins, but indications are that Miami isn't as high on his list as Denver and Arizona.

There always is the possibility another team suddenly jumps into the fray, thhe sources said, but it is looking increasingly likely there are only a few viable possibilities at this time.

One source who spoke with Manning prior to his visit with the Cardinals said "his gut is that Manning is leaning toward Denver."

The Broncos' advantages include Manning's relationship with executive vice president of football operations John Elway and coach John Fox and the fact that joining them would keep him in the AFC, where he has played all his professional football with the Colts.

Yet the Cardinals will make a hard push and put on what one team source said is a "Louisville-style full-court press." Manning also is close with Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt and has played golf with him.

Manning will be meeting with multiple high-ranking members of the Cardinals organization, including president Michael Bidwill, who sources say is determined to sign the former Colts quarterback.

"This team missed on Montana when he went to K.C.," said another Cardinals source. "This is a different owner, just with the same last name. Michael will do what it takes.

"He is hugely aware of our fan base and how his dad is viewed. He came to work with this team to get the stadium built. It took him a long time to get that done, but he did.

"He is a driven young owner that wants to totally change this franchise's image."

And he views landing Manning as the next step in that process. Sources say that would not necessarily be a strong selling point to Manning, who is looking simply for a "comfortable football and organizational fit." Along those lines, the Broncos and Cardinals have staffs that have shown flexibility in adapting their offense to a quarterback's strengths, as the Broncos did with Tim Tebow and the Cardinals did with Kurt Warner.

[MauiRam]

My guess at this point is the Broncos.

1) John Elway is capable of paving the way, and can deliver what he promises.

2) Pat Bowlen's checkbook is loaded, and he wants to win NOW!!!

3) Denver is in the AFC which is likely where Peyton wants to end up.

If Bill "Cheapskate" Bidwell okays an outrageous amount and thereby outbids Denver, then maybe the money and Larry Fitzgerald might be enough to sway Peyton. My money is on the Broncs - we'll find out soon enough ..

[RAMarkable]

My guess at this point is the Broncos.

1) John Elway is capable of paving the way, and can deliver what he promises.

2) Pat Bowlen's checkbook is loaded, and he wants to win NOW!!!

3) Denver is in the AFC which is likely where Peyton wants to end up.

If Bill "Cheapskate" Bidwell okays an outrageous amount and thereby outbids Denver, then maybe the money and Larry Fitzgerald might be enough to sway Peyton. My money is on the Broncs - we'll find out soon enough ..

Well, Maui, it may very well be Denver; it's just I can't figure out at all what the attraction for Manning is. Looking at that team I see a questionable O line, no number 1 Wrs, and a mediocre running game.

Factor in the lousy weather and oxygen deprivation syndrome and as far as I can see Arizona, Miami or even *gasp* Seattle looks better - at least on paper anyway.

Oh well, we will know soon enough.

WHAT SAY YE?

[Nick]

Manning has apparently told the Dolphins they're out of the running.

https://twitter.com/#!/ProFootballWk...50891156783104


Last I heard, it could be down to Denver and Tennessee.

[Rambos]

One source tells the Denver Post that the Cardinals are already "out" of the Peyton Manning sweepstakes.
Manning isn't going to cost Kevin Kolb his $7 million bonus. He reportedly plans notify the Cardinals at some point Friday morning of their standing. If the report is true, it's a shame for fans of the NFL in general. The league won't be as interesting with Jake Locker or Tim Tebow blocked and Larry Fitzgerald catching passes from a below-average quarterback. Meanwhile, NFL Network reports Manning personally called the Dolphins Thursday to tell them they had been eliminated from the mix.
Source: Denver Post

[Nick]

The hot Twitter buzz is that a plane from Denver is flying to Durham, where Manning currently is. No word on what kind of in-flight snack is being served on that plane, or what Manning's choice of in-flight snack may be.

[Rambos]

NFLN reports the Denver brass is going to watch a workout... as long as he's not going to AZ

[Nick]

Schefter is reporting Manning will end up with the Broncos, unless a contract issue gets in the way.

https://twitter.com/#/AdamSchefter/s...70063949479936

[thermobee]

Schefter is reporting Manning will end up with the Broncos, unless a contract issue gets in the way.

https://twitter.com/#/AdamSchefter/s...70063949479936

Yup! And I hope Alex Smith is pissed with the 9ers now and signs with Miami, which will force SF to play a rookie.

[TekeRam]

I'm going Chiefs, Arizona, Seattle as my top three. He's going west, that's all I know.

Well, when I said this, the Broncos were not even really an option yet, but at least I got the main point right. He went West where he can get into the playoffs and he can try to win some rings.