By Chris Mortensen and Adam Schefter | ESPN
March 11, 2012, 2:58 PM ET
After at least 12 teams contacted Peyton Manning when he became a free agent, the former Indianapolis Colts quarterback has narrowed down his options.
The Denver Broncos and Arizona Cardinals, the first two teams Manning visited with, are considered the two likeliest landing spots at this point, 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 it has been unable to do.
Manning still could wind up meeting with the Miami Dolphins, but indications are that the Miami isn't as high on this list at this time as Denver and Arizona. There always is the possibility another team suddenly jumps into the fray, but it is looking increasingly likely that 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."
Denver's advantages include Manning's relationship with Broncos executive vice president of football operations John Elway and coach John Fox, as well as remaining within 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 in the past.
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 franchises 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, both 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.
With the NFL's new year scheduled to start Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET, Manning's options are coming into focus.
Inside source(John Gambadoro local radio KTAR AM 620 in Phoenix) reporting that he just got off the phone and hes hearing unless Bidwill screws this up, Peyton should be a Cardinal. Wow. With that o line he is toast.
If it's true that Denver and Arizona are the two front runners, then he is better off in AZ. A weaker division, an indoor stadium, typically favorable weather conditions for division road games(watch Sea & SF road games get moved to Sept/Oct), and a top-notch wide receiver.
If he goes to Denver he will play in bad weather, against some stout defenses, and face SD twice a year - and they have owned his ass since day 1.
^^^If that's the case then it's going to be difficult for him playing in Denver. He's not the most mobile guy, he'll be even slower with both you and P13 hanging off his nutsack.
There's no possible way that Manning ends up in Arizona.
How do I know?
We have a very reliable source here. When he says something, you can mark his words, as he is always correct. Except for 99% of the time.
poizond13 wrote:
I see him going only to a contender. So you can eliminate pathetic franchises like the Redskins, Jets, Cardinals, Dolphins, and Texans right away.
Peyton Manning nearing decision, is impressed with Broncos, sources say
There was a dog-and-pony show aspect to the Arizona Cardinals recruitment of prized free agent Peyton Manning on Sunday. His visit to the Broncos on Friday and Saturday was more understated.
Manning left Arizona on Sunday evening for Miami, where he lives, and it is believed he is looking to make a decision by Tuesday.
The Denver Post talked to multiple NFL sources Sunday, and here's what is known:
• Neither Denver or Arizona officials discussed contract during Manning's visit, on Peyton's orders. Manning let the Broncos and Cardinals know that he didn't want to talk money without his agent Tom Condon along.
And Manning didn't want to bring his agent because he was more interested in other aspects of the organization. He wanted to become familiar with the people he would playing for. And the team's facility.
As Manning was introduced to various people in the Broncos' headquarters, he always repeated the person's first name, and then said his full name. Like: "Nice to meet ya, Jim. I'm Peyton Manning." As if the person didn't know.
But until Condon starts talking contract, any report pronouncing one team as the leader in the Manning sweepstakes would seem to be premature.
• Manning was impressed with the Broncos. He liked front-office boss and star quarterback colleague John Elway. He liked coach John Fox. He talked 20-30 minutes with owner Pat Bowlen, who reiterated his position that division titles don't cut it with him. He wants Super Bowls.
• Manning's only two official visits have been Denver and Arizona, but the Miami Dolphins are still hoping to get their audience. Owner Stephen Ross is "ready to make a major offer," according to a source, but again, Manning is not basing his decision on money alone. The Broncos will be competitive with any offer he gets. The NFL announced Sunday that the salary cap for 2012 will be $120.6 million. It was $120.375 million last season. The Broncos have more cap room than Miami and Arizona.
• It has been widely reported there could be a "mystery" team included in this search. There may be two: San Francisco and Tennessee. The 49ers have yet to step in because they are working on trying to get a contract done with incumbent quarterback Alex Smith, who can become a free agent at 2 p.m. Tuesday.
If it becomes clear the 49ers aren't making progress with Smith in the next 24 hours, they may make a late run at Manning. It's possible the 49ers would gain Manning's attention, too, because they are the only clear Super Bowl contender among his suitors, having reached the NFC championship game this past season.
Titans owner Bud Adams, meanwhile, has gone public with his desire to pursue Manning.
• The Kansas City Chiefs and Seattle Seahawks are out. Each team tried to get Manning to visit. He declined.
• The Cardinals took more of red-carpet approach to Manning's visit Saturday night and Sunday. The Broncos took a more laid-back approach. After a nearly a six-hour visit at the team's headquarters Friday, Elway, Fox, and Manning went out for about a 2 ½ hour dinner at Cherry Hills Country Club.
Former Broncos' John Lynch and Brandon Stokley, who was also a former teammate with Manning in Indianapolis, also stopped by, as did the team's director of personnel Matt Russell.
• Manning hopes to make his decision by Tuesday, or Wednesday. The free-agent market opens at 2 p.m. Tuesday.
If San Fran is in the mix that's his best option. They were just a QB away from the Superbowl last season.. They have everything else in place, and are the best team in a weak division.
Crazy Levi wrote:There's no possible way that Manning ends up in Arizona.
How do I know?
We have a very reliable source here. When he says something, you can mark his words, as he is always correct. Except for 99% of the time.
poizond13 wrote:
I see him going only to a contender. So you can eliminate pathetic franchises like the Redskins, Jets, Cardinals, Dolphins, and Texans right away.
Amazing! Somebody should make a list of his predictions so his knowledge won't be lost to the ages.
my bestest friend ever deathcurse wrote:Space Bear is boring. He'll cry about this and I won't read it because he just sucks and makes me want to get hit by a car.
During his visit with the Broncos on Friday, Manning was told by coach John Fox that the four-time league MVP would be given the freedom to run his patented hurry-up offense, according to an NFL source. Fox and new defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio would build up the other side of the ball.
The hurry-up offense in altitude? Opposing defenses might be tempted to say "No mas!" in the halftime locker room.
And the Broncos have moved on past the dream state. They started the process Monday of putting money where their hopes lie. sources.
To help put in perspective what the Broncos are trying to acquire, look at Manning's won-lost record during his past nine active seasons with the Indianapolis Colts: 10-6, 12-4, 12-4, 14-2, 12-4, 13-3, 12-4, 14-2 and 10-6. Average nine-year record: 12-4.
Source: Manning, Wayne, Clark to Denver Broncos as Package!
The race for Peyton Manning continues for the Denver Broncos, it’s looking more and more like the Broncos are one of the top few teams that Manning is considering. I knew if the Broncos added Manning they would want to bring in a few players of Manning’s liking, but who better than two guys that have played very well with him already. There have been a lot of pass completions between Manning and former teammates Reggie Wayne and Dallas Clark.
Wouldn’t that be something if not only Denver landed Manning, but were lucky enough to get Wayne and Clark as well? Well according to Pete Prisco’s tweet that could be a possibility…
Just imagine it for a second. Manning under center with Willis McGahee and Knowshon Moreno in the backfield. Then out wide you have Reggie Wayne who still has plenty left, Demaryius Thomas who is a rising star and had some big games with Tim Tebow throwing him the ball, and Eric Decker/Eddie Royal/Matt Willis as your 3rd, 4th, and 5th options depending on free agency. Just when you thought there was a ton of options you’re looking at Dallas Clark, Daniel Fells, and a young receiving threat in Julius Thomas at TE. The 2012 NFL Draft could land you 2-3 top defensive players to add to your already young and talented defense.
If this move is made the Denver Broncos will easily win their division and be looking at a Super Bowl title.
According to reports, the Broncos have yet to see Manning throw a football. He is coming off four neck surgeries and a lost 2011 season, and there are legitimate concerns as to whether he’ll make a complete recovery. He’s about to turn 36. At the very least, as with all quarterbacks, he’s one brutal hit away from inactivity.
At that point, would Tebow be a viable backup plan? He’s a very nice guy, but given recent events, it’s tough for me to imagine that – at least behind the scenes – he wouldn’t try to nudge his way out of Denver in the near future. A trade to a team like the Jacksonville Jaguars or Miami Dolphins, near the scene of his collegiate glories, makes some sense, at least on paper.
A few months ago, I’d have told you that Tebow probably doesn’t have much trade value. However, while some people seem to be pretending as though Tebow’s playoff victory over the Steelers didn’t happen, I’m fairly confident that it made an impression on at least some NFL coaches and executives. It had to, right?
HeavyMetalZombie666 wrote:Any chicks on this board like Sean Connery or Roger Moore?
Albert Breer @AlbertBreer [NFL NETWORK REPORTER]
Now this might break Twitter ... Broncos plane scheduled to leave for Raleigh at 8:31 MT. Titans' plane meanwhile still in Houston.
@milehighreport
John Elway confirmed at Centennial, will be on board that plane to Raleigh.... #Broncos
☩ 1. supposedly John Fox and the broncos accountant (or whatever financial title he holds) were at shanahans steakhouse laste night, and the waiter asked fox " are you guys going to get your guy?" and fox supposedly replied "tomorrow is going to be a big day" with a big smile.
☩2. I guess a guy texted in and said his buddy is a real estate agent, and he said mrs. manning has been shopping for a house here in DENVER.
☩ 3. Bowlens plane is headed to raliegh n.c, and when asked if they can confirm this, they said "we have the tail numbers to bowlens plane, and according to flight aware it appears that way".
Machado wrote:One must assume the Broncos would be intelligent enough to
retain Tebow and part with Quinn.
Why the hell would they do that? Teblow can't run a conventional offense, let alone the hurry up they will build to run for Manning.
Why?
Someone has to be the back-up QB.
Either Tebow or Quinn. I think the Broncos would choose Tebow and give him the chance to learn the position from Manning.
Manning didn't want to give up snaps to his backup in Indy, why would he want to help out a guy that has no hope to run his offense. On top of that, I'm sure they're not going to want to put up with all the "play Tebow" crap when they lose one game.
