Friday, March 16, 2012

Free agent Manning officially out of Dolphins' reach

BY SEAN DONOVAN

Peyton Manning personally called the Dolphins to tell them that he would not be signing in Miami, according to a report on NFL.com. This officially removes a team from a race many thought was the favorite when it all started.

Manning was released from the Colts earlier this month after 13 seasons and four MVP awards. He has reduced his choices to Tennessee and Denver, according to the report.

Miami's front office is dedicated to the search for a quality starting quarterback and is running out of options.

The Dolphins are expected to meet with free agent quarterback Matt Flynn this weekend, according to ESPN's Chris Mortensen. Before he speaks with the Dolphins, Flynn is visiting the Seahawks. Provided he leaves Seattle without a contract, the Dolphins should have a chance to persuade the former Packer to play in South Beach.

Flynn is head coach Joe Philbin's former understudy in Green Bay. Since it was first expected that Flynn would hit the market to get a starting job, the Dolphins have been a logical fit because of their desperation for a starter and Flynn's familiarity with coach Philbin.

The next option would likely be drafting Texas A&M's Ryan Tannehill with their first round pick. Tannehill, who's draft stock has risen considerably recently, worked with new Dolphins offensive coordinator Mike Sherman in college and is another logical fit.

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