In the event of a breakup with the Indianapolis Colts, Peyton Manning has interest in joining the Miami Dolphins, according to a report in the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. Â Citing an unnamed NFL source, the report indicated the Dolphins are on a short list of teams that Manning would consider if he is released by the Colts. Â Read more after the jump.
The Dolphins would make sense for Manning because they appear to be a team on the rise, with a solid defense and a Pro Bowl receiver in Brandon Marshall. After opening 0-7 in 2011, Miami went 6-3 the rest of the season. The Dolphins also have an offensive-minded new coach in Joe Philbin, who had been Green Bay’s offensive coordinator, and can bolster the offense with a high draft pick. Miami will have either the eighth or ninth overall pick in the first round.
The report also said Manning and his wife own a condominium on South Beach in Miami.
Dolphins owner Steve Ross has pledged to acquire a franchise quarterback this offseason, and the report said Manning is at the top of the team’s list of targets. There has also been speculation that Miami may pursue Green Bay backup quarterback Matt Flynn in free agency.
Draft analysts say the 2012 draft has only two franchise QBs, and Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III are expected to go 1-2. The Dolphins would have to give up plenty to move up to No. 2, so signing a free agent is probably the more logical path.
ESPN reported this week that Manning’s doctors have cleared him to play. He missed the season after undergoing neck surgery in September.
Manning’s agent, Tom Condon, tried to clarify Manning’s health status in an interview on the NFL Network on Friday.
“There had been substantial discussion that (Manning) wasn’t going to be able to play, and that it was too dangerous and foolish for him to even think about it, and that’s not accurate,” Condon said.
“He is sound in the structural part of his neck and he can certainly take a hit and play a football game. How effective he would be in the game … probably not as effective today as he would be two months from now.
“He’s on a timeline. … We expect him to play.â€
Few experts expect the Colts to pay Manning a $28 million roster bonus that he is due on March 8. If they don’t, Manning will become a free agent. Talks between owner Jim Irsay and Manning, who turns 36 next month, are expected to begin next week.
In addition to the Dolphins, the Browns and Redskins have a high need for a quarterback. The Cardinals and Jets are other teams that could make a run at Manning.
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