Now, he's heading off somewhere else, as he's most likely the biggest free agent in NFL history. The soon-to-be 36-year-old has a reported twelve teams that have been in contact with him.
Some of these teams are the Arizona Cardinals, Seattle Seahawks, Washington Redskins, Miami Dolphins, Kansas City Chiefs, Denver Broncos, and the New York Jets.
An ESPN report said that Manning is looking to be with another team within a week. Obviously, this means he already has a team in his mind right now of where he wants to go.
The four-time NFL MVP has been in Miami for most of this week, before and after his press conference yesterday. This should mean he is talking to the Dolphins. I mean, after all, he does live in South Florida as well.
"I have no idea who wants me, what team wants me, how this process works," Manning told reporters yesterday in Florida. "I don't know if it's like college recruiting where you go take visits. I mean, this is all so new to me."
In my opinion, the best place for the eleven-time Pro Bowler to go is South Beach. Manning looks to follow in similar footsteps like LeBron James of the NBA, as he left his franchise of the Cleveland Cavaliers to bolt to Miami and join Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh on the Heat. Then again, Manning isn't going to have a one-hour TV special on ESPN.
However, like I said, Miami is the best option. Wherever Manning goes, Reggie Wayne will follow. Wayne talked about going to Miami yesterday on the radio, and he said that him and No. 18 would make a deadly combination in South Beach. Manning talked about joining the Dolphins yesterday, mentioning their top-ten-ranked defense and their offensive weapons like Brandon Marshall, Reggie Bush, and Davone Bess.
Manning will have a solid supporting cast that he's never had when he was with Indy. He was the Colts' whole team and did everything. In Miami, he'll have an improved offensive-line and much better defense. He can also actually have a rushing attack that he hasn't had since 2007. With Bush and Daniel Thomas, he can finally have a possible 1,000-yard rusher that he hasn't had in a while.
And let's not forget that passing-attack. With Marshall, Wayne, and Bess; that looks dangerous. And like the improved O-Line, like I mentioned, led by Jake Long at left tackle. And it could be possible Jeff Saturday could follow Manning, or just retire. On defense, they are led by guys like Jared Odrick and Cameron Wake, those who helped make Miami the sixth-ranked defense in the NFL last season. This will also be the first for Manning running with a team that goes under a 3-4 defensive scheme.
Justin Tuck told ESPN that Manning will make any NFL team a powerhouse, and here in Miami, he really can. And think about all that he can do for the city. Miami will be a sports powerhouse, with the Dolphins, Heat, and Marlins, each led by that star player like Manning, LeBron, and Jose Reyes. It would be just be great for the city.
I'll be rooting for Manning to get a ring these next two or three years. And if he can, it'd be a great way to end his career.
So Manning, what will you do?
If I were you, I'd take my talents to South Beach.
Josh has been writing since January 2009 and has founded the websites FootBasket, Hardcourt Mayhem, Gridiron Mayhem, and Staring Down Spike. For a full bio, check out JoshDhani.com. Follow him on Twitter @JoshDhani
