New York Jets
If you listen to talk radio in New York City, you’d think Peyton Manning was already on his way to Gang Green.
He’s not, but that doesn’t keep fans dissatisfied with Mark Sanchez from pleading their case.
A healthy Manning is better than Sanchez, no question. But if you go with Manning, you can’t fit both quarterbacks under the salary cap. You are giving up on Sanchez after three seasons for what could be Brett Favre redux.
The Jets have a bunch more pressing needs — a right tackle, a safety, a pass rusher and more.
And does Manning really want to compete for headlines with his brother? It seems unlikely.
Odds (out-of-10): 5
Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals play in a weak division, indoors and with few media intrusions.
Former teammate Marshall Faulk has already chimed in, saying Manning won’t want to play in the NFC, to keep the Manning vs. Manning Super Bowl a possibility. Considering how reluctant the family has been to embrace this previously, we don’t know where that’s coming from.
It’s going to be hard to turn down throwing the ball to Larry Fitzgerald. Manning has never had such a big red zone target to throw to before.
They also have a 1,000-yard rusher and a developing defense, as they were seventh in the NFL?in sacks last year.
Odds (out-of-10): 8
Miami Dolphins
All the stars in basketball and baseball are already taking their talents to South Beach. Why not Manning, too?
The Dolphins give Manning a chance to stay in the AFC, which he’s familiar with, and play in a warm weather city. It also recalls warm feelings of his only Super Bowl victory.
He would have Brandon Marshall as a target and Reggie Bush showed impressive ability down the stretch last season.
One negative is that he’ll have to go against Bill Belichick and Rex Ryan twice a year.
Odds (out-of-10): 7
