Seattle already placed a call for Manning

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I would absolutely VOMIT if Manning went to the 49ers. UGH!
 
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Jeff Darlington says the excitement has reached a fever pitch in Miami about the possibility of the Dolphins signing Peyton Manning
Miami is "all in" on Manning... our biggest competitor, IMO.
 
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Broncos hot on Manning... Peyton in Denver meeting with John Elway

Report: Peyton Manning meeting with John Elway on Friday

By Will Brinson | Senior NFL Blogger

Update: 4:05 p.m. ET, via CBSSports.com Rapid Reporter Andrew Mason: "Peyton Manning has arrived at the Broncos' practice facility to meet with team officials. Manning flew in with John Fox and John Elway on a private plane that picked up Fox and Elway in Stillwater, Okla."

This morning, CBSSports.com's Mike Freeman wrote that the Broncos are the "most intriguing team" in the chase for Peyton Manning. Freeman also added that the Broncos pursuit of Manning is a "fairly hot one."

I'll say -- according to Mike Klis of the Denver Post, Manning and Broncos head honcho John Elway, along with Broncos management, are going to meet with Manning on Friday.

Klis writes that "this is getting serious," and that's a pretty accurate statement, even though it's surprising that Manning would seriously consider Denver when picking his possible destination for 2012.

Aside from a lack of offensive weapons, the Broncos also play many of their games in inclement weather. Oh yes, and Tim Tebow is on the roster. As Freeman reported this morning, Manning doesn't want to play on the same roster as Tebow. It's hard to blame him, even if he's one of the few quarterbacks in the NFL that could potentially quash Tebowmania.

Those are the reasons why I listed the Broncos as more of a darkhorse for Peyton when he was released by the Colts earlier in the week.

On the other hand, it's not inconceivable that Elway and head coach John Fox want to suppress/kill off Tebowmania. There's no way it doesn't pain Elway endlessly to see Tebow run the read-option offense. Manning, as I noted, is one of the few guys (and certainly the only free agent) who could make Broncos fans forget about their 2011 savior.

And for Manning, meeting with the Broncos is just logical, even if he doesn't want to play there. It'll get the Dolphins and any other team chasing him pretty revved up, and could lead to a quicker contract offer from someone else.

Either way, the meltdown among Broncos fans is about to hit a serious fever pitch.


http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/blog/e...ton-manning-meeting-with-john-elway-on-friday
 
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Manning wants to sign by Tuesday... In Denver today, plans to be in AZ on weekend

Wherever Manning lands can alter course of team, division, league

By Mike Freeman | CBSSports.com National NFL Insider


General manager John Elway and other Broncos officials, including coach John Fox, flew into Denver on a private jet that also carried Peyton Manning. One person described it this way: the Broncos were going to make an offer the former Colts great couldn't refuse.

The Broncos were so determined to get Manning, they actually told him he wasn't leaving without a completed deal. The person said Denver's selling points were these: a young team with a good offensive line, talent up and down the roster and the team's position in a winnable division.

League sources still believe the Dolphins are the front-runners, but the Broncos are making this extremely interesting. And remember: Elway is a former car salesman -- he knows how to sell, so Manning will hear a world-class pitch in Denver.

But this isn't just about Manning and Denver. A person close to the situation confirmed Manning also will visit this weekend with other teams, including possibly Arizona. The person said Manning's desire is to have his team selected and a contract done by Tuesday, the start of free agency. That way, Manning could then be used as a recruiting tool for other free agents.

That date isn't set in stone, but it's looking that way. And it's typical Manning, who plans everything down to the microscopic level. Why would that change now?

Thus this weekend is shaping up to be the most important weekend in the Manning sweepstakes. By Monday, we should have a solid idea of where Manning is headed. It's likely, looking back, no other moment will be seen as more critical. Not only will these next few days determine the course of Manning's future, but also the course of many other franchises.

If Manning goes to Denver, it alters the complexion of that team for maybe the next three to five years. The Broncos could have storied days similar to when Elway was behind center. Manning signing there also would mean changes to the AFC West. It's a weak division that Manning easily could grab by the neck.

If he signs with Kansas City, also a possibility, the same applies. The Chiefs are a storied franchise in their own right. A healthy Manning could restore order to what has been a disastrous run for the Chiefs.

Currently seen as the leader in the Manning sweepstakes, Miami hopes the 36-year-old QB would give the franchise hope it hasn't seen since the days of Dan Marino and, before him, the perfect 1972 Dolphins. Should Manning sign with Denver or elsewhere, the Dolphins could continue to struggle.

This weekend is like a classic science-fiction movie in which the main character takes one path and a stream of alternate universes are created. One move could create a champion and sink another team. One move could change the course of a division, create a playoff berth or a Super Bowl appearance.

There is only one potential problem. Manning still hasn't thrown for these teams. He might this weekend, but longer he goes without throwing, the more suspicious teams might get that maybe his arm strength is still troublesome.

So far, at least, teams seem willing to sign Manning without fully working him out. So far, anyway.

One thing is becoming clear. Manning doesn't want this to go on for long. He doesn't want to be Reggie White going to numerous teams. I know Manning has a galaxy-sized ego, but it doesn't seem he wants to spend weeks being wooed. He wants something done fairly fast -- just like everyone else in football.

The recruiting of Manning resembles something from a movie. Players, especially on Twitter, are practically pleading for Manning to come to their teams, ignoring the uncomfortable fact that their teams already have quarterbacks. Cardinals defensive end Darnell Dockett has basically begged Manning to come to Arizona. Dockett apparently doesn't care the Cards already have a quarterback in Kevin Kolb.

Miami cornerback Vontae Davis actually went into a Price is Right-type routine, asking for Manning to come on down to the Dolphins.

By early next week, we'll have a winner -- after what is the most important weekend of the Manning sweepstakes. And maybe one of the most important weekends in recent league history.
 
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Chiefs confirm going after Manning

Chiefs owner Clark Hunt confirmed in an interview with NBC Sports Network that was scheduled to air Friday evening that his team is pursuing Manning.

''I don't know how important money will be to him, but I'm sure it will be part of the equation,'' Hunt said. ''He's going to be looking for an environment that he's comfortable in.''

He declined to say whether the Chiefs already have offered Manning a contract.

''I don't think it would be appropriate for me to talk about discussions at this point,'' Hunt said, ''but he is somebody that we'll want to talk to.''
 
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Adam Schefter believes it is becoming less likely that Peyton Manning will end up in Miami.
 
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Broncos
Peyton Manning arrives at Broncos headquarters to talk with Elway, Fox

Posted: 03/09/2012 11:14:16 AM MST
March 9, 2012 10:22 PM GMT Updated: 03/09/2012 03:22:51 PM MS​




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Peyton Manning is in the building.
The free-agent quarterback arrived by Pat Bowlen's private plane about 1:35 p.m. today at the Centennial Airport. Accompanying Manning on the flight in were Broncos' front-office boss John Elway, head coach John Fox, general manager Brian Xanders and offensive coordinator Mike McCoy.
After departing the plane, Manning and the Broncos' contingency set off The Great Toyota Sequoia Chase.
A TV camera-equipped helicopter followed the Sequoia on its slow, short ride from the Centennial Airport to the Broncos' headquarters before the SUV disappeared into Bowlen's personal garage.
Driving the SUV was Bowlen's and the Broncos' longtime assistant Fred Fleming. Fox was in the front passenger
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The SUV picked up Peyton Manning at Centennial Airport on Friday and drove to Broncos headquarters. Broncos head coach John Fox was in the front passenger seat. (John Leyba, The Denver Post)


seat. Elway and Manning were in the back seat. Xanders and McCoy rode behind them.
Arguably the most decorated free agent in NFL history, Manning clearly has the Broncos on his short list of teams where he plans to finish his NFL career. The long-time Indianapolis Colts quarterback was released earlier this week amid concerns about four neck surgeries that forced him to miss the entire 2011 season, a $26 million bonus payment and the team's opportunity to select highly prized quarterback Andrew Luck with the No. 1 pick in the upcoming NFL draft.
Manning, who turns 36 on March 24, has been cleared to throw by his neck specialist, Dr. Robert Watkins. One NFL source said Manning will also visit the Arizona Cardinals and Miami Dolphins after visiting with the Broncos. A source said Manning would like to make a decision by Tuesday, the first day of free agency.
The Manning visit began with Elway, Fox, Xanders and McCoy flying to Stillwater, Okla., were the attended the Oklahoma State pro day workout Friday morning that featured quarterback Brandon Weeden.
As the Broncos' watched the Cowboys' pro day, the plane went on to Miami to pick up Manning, who has a condominium in South Florida. The plane then flew Manning
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John Elway spoke at the NFL combine in February. (AP | file)


back to Stillwater, where it picked up the Broncos' contingent.
While Manning is unquestionably the Broncos' current top offseason priority, the team is also making time for option B. The Broncos have the No. 25 pick in the draft, plus the 25th selection in the second round. Weeden, who turns 29 in October, is considered the second-best passer to Luck in the draft. He is projected to be chosen between the Broncos’ top two picks.
The pursuit of Manning creates doubt about Tim Tebow's future with the Broncos. It's possible the Broncos may keep Tebow, the incumbent quarterback who will draw a relatively modest $1.572 million this season, as a package player. Or the team may trade him before the draft.



Read more: Peyton Manning arrives at Broncos headquarters to talk with Elway, Fox - The Denver Post http://www.denverpost.com/sports/ci...-visit-john-elway-broncos-today#ixzz1ofLA1IvG
Read The Denver Post's Terms of Use of its content: http://www.denverpost.com/termsofuse
 
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Cardinals' hopes for Manning remain alive


Arizona Cardinals update:

So, the Cardinals apparently on Peyton Manning's short list, if he has a short list. The Denver Post and ESPN are reporting Manning will visit, Denver, Arizona and Miami. And that he would like to have a new employer by Tuesday, the start of free agency.

Here are some thoughts off the top of my big head:

-- First, the Cardinals aren't saying anything about this. Mouths are closed. And I'm guessing that's because Manning wants it that way.

-- It seems awful optimistic to think a deal could be done by Tuesday. Maybe contract parameters are already set. But I would think anyone signing Manning would want to get assurances of his physical condition. Evaluating that, seeing him throw, negotiating a contract, passing a physical, etc., that seems like an awful lot to do by Tuesday.

-- That timetable works for Arizona, however. The Cardinals would love to have Manning's future determined by the start of free agency. That helps with budgeting for other free agents. Plus, Kevin Kolb has a roster bonus of $7 million due on March 17.

-- Saturday would be a good day for Manning to visit. Kurt Warner is having his annual Flag Football tournament (closed to the public). Larry Fitzgerald will be there. Warner will be too, of course. Or maybe it's not a good day. Maybe the Cardinals would prefer to bring Manning in on a day when nothing is going on. Who knows?

Friday, March 9, 2012 at 01:39 PM
Report a Violation
Topics: SPORTS, cardinals, NFL, Football


http://www.azcentral.com/members/Blog/KentSomers/157065
 
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On Cardinals still being in Manning picture

March, 9, 2012 Mar 9
3:12
PM ET



By Mike Sando



A few thoughts as Peyton Manning prepares to visit the Denver Broncos:
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    Manning would serve as the perfect Tim Tebow exit strategy for a Broncos leadership that has been skeptical about the team's ability to win over time without better quarterback play from the pocket.
  • A Denver Post report says Manning wants to make a decision by Tuesday, and that he also plans to visit the Arizona Cardinals and Miami Dolphins. Getting a deal done so quickly would limit the number of trips Manning could realistically make before signing. That timetable and list of teams suggests Manning has no plans to visit Seattle or other teams expressing interest.
  • The Seahawks, San Francisco 49ers and St. Louis Rams have to be rooting for Miami or Denver to prevail over Arizona if those are indeed the three favorites for Manning.
  • ESPN's Adam Schefter and Chris Mortensen say their sources are "adamant" that Manning's visit to Denver is only a visit, not a negotiating session, and that the timing does not identify Denver as the favorite to land Manning; they also indicate Manning is expected to visit Arizona.
  • The Cardinals have made significant progress as an organization since 1993, when Joe Montana met with them before accepting a trade to Kansas City. Montana was never considered to be serious about the Cardinals back then, but with a new stadium and recent success with Kurt Warner, Arizona should have a much better shot at landing Manning.
  • Missing out on Manning would not necessarily force Arizona to pay a $7 million bonus to Kevin Kolb by March 17, unless the Cardinals felt strongly about Kolb as a vastly superior option over John Skelton.
  • The fact that Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt has promised Skelton a chance to start raises at least some questions over the Cardinals' commitment to Kolb, although Whisenhunt has long been against anointing anyone.
  • If the Cardinals are not sold on Kolb, they have extra incentive to land Manning.
  • Having Manning land in Arizona would focus additional attention on the 49ers' understandable (but nonetheless debatable) decision to stick with Alex Smith, and on whatever decision the Seahawks wind up making at the position.
  • The Rams want to keep Cleveland and Washington in play for the No. 2 overall pick, so they should be fine with Manning landing in Denver or Miami; Manning to Arizona wouldn't devalue the second overall pick, but it would make life in the NFC West tougher for St. Louis.
  • Manning's health is still a big variable here, introducing risk for any team deciding to sign him.
Those hoping to escape the all-Manning news cycle could be in for a rough weekend.

http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcwest/post/_/id/60476/on-cardinals-still-being-in-manning-picture
 

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Miami isn't the only city who's trying...

Check out the AZR article on the AZ mattress company who's put up 3 "sleep here Manning" (or words to that affect) billboards and is considering more.
 
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Jets out of Manning sweepstakes, extend Sanchez

Quarterback Mark Sanchez agreed to a three-year contract extension with the New York Jets on Friday night, meaning he's signed through 2016. He had two years remaining on his rookie deal.

Jets blog

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the green and white? ESPNNewYork.com has you covered. Blog



Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum said they were in negotiations for "several weeks."

Obviously, it means the Jets are out of the Peyton Manning sweepstakes. Tannenbaum confirmed they expressed interest in Manning, but he refused to say what extent they were interested.

The contract is a three-year extension for $40.5 million total, $13.5 million per year, a league source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter. The extension gives Sanchez five total years for $58.25 million, with $20.5 million fully guaranteed with no off-sets in 2012 and 2013, according to the source.

The $58.25 million gives Sanchez is the seventh highest among NFL quarterbacks, sources told ESPN senior NFL analyst Chris Mortensen.
Sanchez also has an additional $10 million in potential escalation, so the maximum value of the three new years is $50.5 million and over the whole deal is $68.25 million, a source told Schefter. Sanchez will be a free agent when he is only 30 years old at the end of the deal.
 
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Redskins out of Manning sweepstakes, trade with Rams for #2 pick

Highway robbery by Rams!!!



In a pre-draft blockbuster trade, the St. Louis Rams have agreed in principle to send the second overall pick in this year's draft to the Washington Redskins for three first-round draft picks and a second-round pick, according to a source in Cleveland familiar with the terms of the deal.

Graziano: Redskins Pay High Price

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The Redskins now have the inside track to Robert Griffin III. But it cost them a pretty penny, writes Dan Graziano. Blog



The trade, first reported by FoxSports.com, cannot be signed off on, turned in and processed until the new league year starts Tuesday at 4 p.m. EST, but it is expected to become official then.

In the deal, the Rams will receive the Redskins' No. 6 overall pick, as well as the Redskins' first-round picks in 2013 and 2014. The Rams will also receive Washington's second-round pick this year in return for the second overall pick that the Redskins now will use on whichever quarterback the Indianapolis Colts do not draft No. 1 overall.

The deal was agreed upon early Thursday afternoon, but the NFL Management Council prohibited any announcement, a league source told ESPN senior NFL analyst Chris Mortensen. The Rams now have the sixth, 33rd and 39th overall picks in next month's draft/
The widespread expectation is that Indianapolis will make Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck the No. 1 pick and then Washington would follow by selecting Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III.

The Cleveland Browns had stepped up their efforts to try to acquire the No. 2 pick in recent days, going so far as to offer at least three No. 1 picks to the Rams and possibly even the second-round pick, according to one source familiar with the deal. Cleveland sensed it was going to get the deal done, only to be informed that St. Louis planned to deal the coveted No. 2 pick to the Redskins.

The trade will not change the Redskins' plans in pursuing Peyton Manning. They still intend to talk with, and try to sign him, even if they are considered a longshot.
 
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So, now it is

Broncos - Currently in Denver
Cardinals - Trip planned Saturday
Dolphins - No meeting planned yet; Dophins still expecting a call from Manning camp
Chiefs - No trips planned yet
Seahawks - Not trips planned yet
 
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Fitzgerald unsure if Cards will chase Peyton Manning

24


  • By Marc Sessler NFL.com
  • Published: March 10, 2012 at 04:33 p.m.
  • Updated: March 10, 2012 at 05:04 p.m.
Larry Fitzgerald logged time last season campaigning for Kevin Kolb to become the quarterback of the Arizona Cardinals.

One year later, Kolb serves as an example of what could happen if you fall for the next big (unproven) thing at quarterback. So, thankfully, we haven't heard Fitz riff on why Matt Flynn needs to look for a home in Phoenix, but Peyton Manning? That's a different story altogether.


Fitzgerald, however, claims no knowledge of what the Cardinals' plans are to chase the ex-Colts star, who spent Friday with the Broncos and was still in Denver on Saturday afternoon, per NFL Network's Michelle Beisner.

"If they are doing it, I haven't heard anything about it," Fitzgerald told the team's official website on Saturday, during Kurt Warner's annual flag football tournament. "I am as eager (as) everyone to see him.

"At this point," Fitzgerald noted, pointing out the time (12:08 p.m. MT), "I don't know anything."

Fitzgerald joked that he won't be part of any group dinners with Manning, should the quarterback be in town for a visit, playing off rumors the two dined together in Indianapolis the week of the Super Bowl.

"If there is (a dinner)," he said. "I haven't gotten an invite yet."

We saw what the Warner-Fitzgerald duo did between 2005 and 2009, and it's mouth-watering to imagine what a healthy Manning would accomplish with this unique receiver -- certainly enough to keep Kolb on the bench.
 
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Peyton coming AZ Sat night

Peyton Manning tour to touch down in Arizona on Saturday

  • NFL.com
  • Published: March 10, 2012 at 06:02 p.m.
  • Updated: March 10, 2012 at 06:21 p.m.
The Peyton Manning derby has its next official stop, as the free agent quarterback is flying to Arizona on Saturday to meet with Cardinals head coach Ken Whisenhunt, team sources told Fox Sports insider and NFL Network contributor Jay Glazer.

Peyton Manning Stock Watch
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Who is the favorite in the race to sign Peyton Manning? NFL.com ranks and charts the movement of all the contenders. More ...



Manning is scheduled to land in Arizona at 10:22 p.m. ET.

The fact that Manning left Denver without agreeing to a deal with the Broncos doesn't necessarily mean they're out of the Manning sweepstakes, however, as Glazer reported that Manning never intended to visit only one team.

Manning spent Friday and part of Saturday in Denver meeting with the Broncos. Owner Pat Bowlen reportedly is prepared to do whatever it takes to land Manning and money will not be an issue, a league source told The Denver Post. Manning met with executive vice president of football operations John Elway for six hours Friday.

Cardinals wideout Larry Fitzgerald said Friday that he was unaware of his team's plans regarding a potential pursuit of Manning. "If they are doing it, I haven't heard anything about it," Fitzgerald told the team's official website on Saturday, during Kurt Warner's annual flag football tournament. "I am as eager (as) everyone to see him."

Manning's intentions after he visits the Cardinals are not yet clear, however, the Miami Dolphins remain confident they will get their meeting with Manning on Sunday, Monday or Tuesday, but they have not yet firmed up a meeting time, team sources told NFL Network's Jeff Darlington on Friday.
 
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Good article on QB needs around the league and Manning effect

Stakes high as teams address QB needs


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Updated Mar 10, 2012 4:29 PM ET



As if the stakes in the Peyton Manning sweepstakes weren’t high enough.

Once the three front-runners to sign Manning emerged — Denver, Arizona and Miami — two other teams made major moves Friday night to address their quarterback situations. As first reported by FOXSports.com NFL insider Jay Glazer, the [URL="http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/team/washington-redskins/67062"]Washington Redskins traded a boatload of draft picks[/URL] to St. Louis for the No. 2 pick in the draft. The selection will be used on Baylor’s Robert Griffin III.

The New York Jets also extended Mark Sanchez’s contract by three years. This ended the remote possibility that he wouldn’t be back for a fourth season after the franchise had reportedly expressed interest in Manning.

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PEYTON MANNING SAGA


The trickle-down effect will continue once Manning makes his decision, which is expected before the NFL’s free-agent signing period begins Tuesday afternoon. Here is a look at the teams most affected by what unfolded Friday and how it potentially impacts who will be under center for them in 2012.

Washington: Moving up four spots in the draft to leapfrog another team (Cleveland) with strong interest in RG3 wasn’t going to come cheaply. The ultimate cost: Washington’s first- and second-round picks this year and first-round choices in 2013 and 2014.

Is that price exorbitant? Not if Griffin can transfer his dynamic style of play to the pro ranks. The Redskins didn’t have much of a choice but to swing a deal for Griffin considering: A) The NFL’s barren landscape for available quality starters; B) The Manning snub; C) Washington’s inability to address the position the previous two seasons under head coach Mike Shanahan and general manager Bruce Allen.

Another year with a Rex Grossman-style starter would assuredly have led to a fifth consecutive finish in the NFC East basement and perhaps prompted Redskins owner Daniel Snyder to clean house once again.

Cleveland: Outmaneuvered by the Redskins for RG3 and never a contender for Manning, the Browns now must weigh whether pursuing Green Bay’s Matt Flynn in free agency is a better option than sticking with Colt McCoy as their 2012 starter. Another option is using the No. 4 overall pick on Texas A&M’s Ryan Tannehill, who has the skill set to run the West Coast-style offense favored by Browns head coach Pat Shurmur and top executive Mike Holmgren.

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WHO'S OUT THERE?

Looking for a signal-caller not named Peyton Manning? There are plenty of free-agent options out there for the taking.


Tannehill might not be a better overall NFL prospect than highly regarded talents like Oklahoma State wide receiver Justin Blackmon or Louisiana State cornerback Morris Claiborne. But the premium at the position elevates the value of quarterbacks taken in the 2011 draft, such as Tennessee’s Jake Locker (No. 8 overall) and Minnesota’s Christian Ponder (No. 12).

Should the Browns target Tannehill, the biggest risk they run is another interested suitor trading with Minnesota to land the No. 3 pick. This is an option Miami might consider if the Dolphins, who pick No. 8, strike out on Manning and don’t sign Flynn. Dolphins offensive coordinator Mike Sherman was Tannehill’s college head coach.

Denver: The full-court press to sign Manning began in earnest Friday when he was flown to Denver for a visit with team officials. That was a ballsy move by Broncos executive vice president John Elway knowing there would be strong backlash among fans convinced that Tim Tebow already was the team’s quarterbacking answer.

The heavy Manning pursuit proves Elway doesn’t believe Tebow is that guy. It also will leave the Broncos with a major mess on their hands if they can’t sign Manning.

While Tebow did a fantastic job of not being affected when his status became the NFL’s hottest debate during the 2011 season, it will be far more difficult for Tebow to lead and continue drawing respect from teammates now that the Broncos have made it clear he is as replaceable as Kyle Orton. If the Broncos want to run a more conventional-style NFL offense and avoid the type of quarterback controversy that can rip teams apart, cutting ties would be a wise idea, even if it infuriates a large portion of Broncos supporters.

Under that circumstance, the leading contender for Tebow could very well be . . .

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WATCH AND LEARN

Scouts eye NFL Draft prospects at the Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. See photos


Jacksonville: Connect the dots.

New team owner Shad Khan wants to make a splash. He also is on record as being a Tebow fan.

New head coach Mike Mularkey has enjoyed success before working with an unconventional quarterback in Kordell Stewart.

The Jaguars aren’t set under center after 2011 first-round pick Blaine Gabbert had a shaky rookie debut.
Tebow is from Jacksonville, and his presence would ensure the Jags won’t have to use tarps to cover empty seats in the upper decks.

Plus, the trade compensation wouldn’t be excessive since Denver would be looking to move Tebow and there won’t be a Manning-sized market for his services.

Even if the Broncos don’t sign Manning, this is a trade that both sides should strongly consider making.

Arizona: The cupboard isn’t bare in Arizona with Kevin Kolb and John Skelton currently set to compete for the starting spot. If Manning comes aboard, Kolb would be a goner before collecting a $7 million roster bonus due March 17.

Don’t cry for Kolb, though. He would have a strong market for his services.

Two potential landing spots are Cleveland — Shurmur was his quarterbacks coach with Philadelphia — and Seattle, which also runs a West Coast system and has a placeholder starter in Tarvaris Jackson. To keep him from an NFC West rival like the Seahawks, Arizona would need to find a trade partner for Kolb rather than releasing him outright.

New York Jets: Players who have disappointing seasons usually aren’t rewarded with massive contract extensions that include $20.5 million guaranteed. That’s what makes the financial commitment made to Sanchez so baffling, especially since two years remained on his rookie deal.

Sanchez’s extension also impacts the caliber of backup the Jets can draw in free agency. Potential targets like Chad Henne and Jason Campbell who still harbor hopes of being NFL starters might not be as willing to consider the Jets now that the franchise has made it clear who it wants with the first-team offense.
 
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