Don't know if I'm allowed to post this content from ESPN Insider, but now that Peyton has been cleared by doctors, I thought this would be interesting to people...
Manning's next team
11:53AM ET
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Earlier this week, Indianapolis Colts kicker Adam Vinatieri told Jorge Sedano on 790 AM (Miami) that he saw Peyton Manning throwing footballs near the end of the 2011 season and that "he was developing nicely. Was he quite all the way back yet? Probably not, not to his standards, but he definitely is not that far off. ... He's busted his butt all season long and he's been working out extremely hard these last months to make sure he's gonna be ready to go for this next year."
A report on Thursday night from ESPN senior NFL analyst Chris Mortensen and ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter paint perhaps an even more optimistic picture. The dynamic duo report that two doctors -- including the one who performed Manning's neck surgery -- have cleared him to resume playing football. For clarification, the report does not indicate that Manning is ready to play -- and the nerve regeneration must continue in order for this to happen -- but the QB's neck has sufficiently recovered, meaning that, as a source told ESPN, "It's not a safety issue; it's a performance issue."
Meanwhile, Colts owner Jim Irsay had a response to the report from Mort and Schefter; as we'd expect, he used his new PR department -- i.e. Twitter -- to make the statement. "Peyton has not passed our physical nor has he been cleared to play for The Indianapolis Colts. Team statement coming on Friday," the tweet from Irsay read.
Going back to our last look at potential Manning destinations, there are seven franchises that line up as a strong potential fit, and a summary of each contender is found in the grey box at right.
There will certainly be other teams willing to take a gander at Manning if the medical reports are accurate -- and he's able to throw. Any team that does not have an elite QB, in fact, should be considering the addition of Manning as long as it doesn't cripple their efforts to re-sign important incumbents or fill some other needs in free agency.
On Thursday morning, Punxsutawney Phil predicted six more weeks of winter, and it appears we'll have about six more weeks of Manning speculation before we learn where Peyton will play in 2012.
The Magnificent Seven
Arizona Cardinals: Larry Fitzgerald is reportedly dining with Manning this week, there could be some recruiting going on there. ESPN NFC West blogger Mike Sando notes that the team has until March 17 to make a decision on Kevin Kolb's option bonus, likely giving them time to make a decision on Manning beforehand.
Cleveland Browns. The Browns need a long-term answer at QB, but why not grab a short-term one this season and address some other concerns with two first-round picks (including No. 4 overall)? There will be other QBs to draft in 2013.
Miami Dolphins. They've been looking for a franchise QB since Dan Marino, and have yet to find him. Miami swung and missed on Jeff Fisher; will they do anything it takes to make sure that doesn't happen with Manning?
New York Jets. It's been reported that certain anonymous Jets players would opt for Peyton over incumbent starter Mark Sanchez. Does management agree? And is Peyton interested in the media circus?
San Francisco 49ers. Alex Smith -- impressive as he was (finally?) this season -- is hitting free agency. Does San Francisco prefer a player around which they can possibly build a decent contender for the next several seasons or a player that could push them over the top in 2012?
Seattle Seahawks. The one QB-needy team that has been lurking in the shadows as of yet, the Seahawks have a nice collection of weaponry on offense, and a management team that has shown it's willing to take a calculated risk.
Washington Redskins. As with the Browns, the Redskins are in need of a long-term franchise QB, but might settle for a short-term answer that would instantly make them contenders for the NFC East crown. A rumor back on Jan. 13 linked both Peyton and long-time teammate Jeff Saturday to Washington, and that could be a selling point for the QB.
- Tim Kavanagh