Peyton Manning might retire this offseason, but he might not. If he doesn’t, here are some potential landing spots.
1. Los Angeles Rams: LA could use a big media star and a legend to help transition back from St. Louis, and it’s not as though the Rams will have better options at quarterback. They know Manning isn’t a long-term option, but he’s probably better than Nick Foles and Case Keenum, and they don’t have a high first-round pick. Hollywood just makes sense for No. 18, and the Rams have a half-decent chance to win right now.
2. New York Jets: You’d also think he’d love to be in the nation’s top media market, especially with that offensive line and that defense. The Jets are extremely talented on both sides of the ball and might actually be capable of supporting Manning as well as the Broncos did. They don’t have as much money to spend as the Rams, but if Ryan Fitzpatrick leaves as a free agent and Manning is willing to take a reasonable salary with Gang Green, this would be intriguing.
3. Houston Texans: All signs point to Houston finally using an early pick on a quarterback, but that doesn’t mean the Texans can’t give Manning a chance to start while grooming that pivot. They have plenty of money to spend and might be good enough to win right now with some decent quarterback play.
4. Buffalo Bills: Would Rex Ryan and the hungry Bills give Manning a shot? He’d be well-supported but they don’t have a lot of money to spend and Tyrod Taylor appears to be their guy. This is obviously extremely unlikely, but still more likely than San Francisco (Chip Kelly won’t do it), Cleveland (no way Manning would do it) and Miami (young Ryan Tannehill has a big contract).
