Dolphins still alive but losing steam in Manning race

BY SEAN DONOVAN

Peyton Manning spent his weekend meeting the Broncos and Cardinals. Absent from that group are the Dolphins, a team once thought to be the front-runner to land the four-time NFL MVP.

The Dolphins' fanbase is understandably anxious, as they are desperate to land a quality quarterback.

The truth is that the situation is out of owner Stephen Ross and general manager Jeff Ireland's hands. It is up to Manning if they even get a meeting to try to convince the future Hall of Famer to play for the Dolphins.

Rumors have indicated that Denver and Arizona were the only remaining contenders, but ESPN's Chris Mortenson tweeted recently that Dolphins coach Joe Philbin would have an opportunity to speak with Manning away from team facilities.

That meeting would reportedly be almost exlusively football-related and not include the full organizational pitches that other teams have rolled out.

Also reported by ESPN was that though Manning originally intended to sign prior to Tuesday's 4 p.m. start of free agency, a decision is not likely until later in the week. This could create a difficult situation for Miami, as it may have to juggle the wait for Manning's decision and the pursuit of another solution at quarterback in case Manning signs elsewhere.

There will be competition for the Dolphins' secondary option in free agent Matt Flynn, and the organization likely can't afford to wait until later in the week to make a push to sign him.

Many reports have stated that Denver is now the favorite to sign Manning. He has a close relationship with Broncos' VP John Elway, and the team has plenty of cap space and likely would allow Manning to have a say in personnel decisions.

Arizona coach Ken Wisenhunt also has a relationship with Manning and the Cardinals have an All-Pro receiver in Larry Fitzgerald. Miami may not be able to compete with the offers other teams are able to put on the table.

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