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Peyton Manning narrows options
Updated: March 11, 2012, 2:58 PM 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.
Super Bowl TeamFinal TeamJoe Montana49ersChiefsJoe NamathJetsRamsJohnny UnitasColtsChargers
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. [Well, Duh! He has nothing planned so far. Not even Dolphins.]
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, the 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 arrived at the Cardinals' facility with Whisenhunt shortly after noon ET on Sunday for his visit with the team. He stepped out of a white SUV and nodded and waved to cameramen as he walked past a security gate and into a building.
A few minutes earlier, Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald arrived in his own car.
Team president Michael Bidwill arrived after Manning.
"Get it done, Michael," a fan yelled. "Come on, buddy."
Manning will be meeting with multiple high-ranking members of the Cardinals organization, including 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.
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"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.
Chris Mortensen is ESPN's senior NFL analyst. Adam Schefter is ESPN's NFL Insider. Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
Updated: March 11, 2012, 2:58 PM 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.
Super Bowl TeamFinal TeamJoe Montana49ersChiefsJoe NamathJetsRamsJohnny UnitasColtsChargers
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. [Well, Duh! He has nothing planned so far. Not even Dolphins.]
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, the 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 arrived at the Cardinals' facility with Whisenhunt shortly after noon ET on Sunday for his visit with the team. He stepped out of a white SUV and nodded and waved to cameramen as he walked past a security gate and into a building.
A few minutes earlier, Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald arrived in his own car.
Team president Michael Bidwill arrived after Manning.
"Get it done, Michael," a fan yelled. "Come on, buddy."
Manning will be meeting with multiple high-ranking members of the Cardinals organization, including 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.
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"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.
Chris Mortensen is ESPN's senior NFL analyst. Adam Schefter is ESPN's NFL Insider. Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
