Where Might Peyton Manning Play This Season?

If you haven't already heard, the Colts have opted not to exercise their option on Peyton Manning for the 2012 season meaning that he's not going to be wearing a horseshoe on his helmet the next time he steps onto a football field. So where might he go? Some of the more plausible options:

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San Francisco 49ers - I've always been a big Alex Smith fan, but let's face facts. Alex Smith isn't Peyton Manning, and at the moment, Alex Smith also isn't under contract. With the way San Francisco's defense kept them in the game when their offense was virtually nonexistent, just think what they could do with one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history at their disposal. They will need to upgrade at wide receiver, but remember, even with what they had, they were two fumbled punts away from probably going to the Super Bowl.

Kansas City Chiefs - Injuries decimated the Chiefs last year, but they're not without talent. Don't forget, who was it that ended Green Bay's perfect season? That's right. Kansas City has a big play receiver in Dwayne Bowe and they can run the football effectively taking pressure off Manning.

Arizona Cardinals - Just think what kind of numbers Larry Fitzgerald could put up if Peyton Manning was throwing him the ball. Kevin Kolb has promise, but has yet to really deliver on it.

Miami Dolphins - Brandon Marshall is a number one receiver, Reggie Bush broke out last year, and the Dolphins have a lot of nice complimentary pieces. New coach Joe Philbin had all kinds of success as the Green Bay Packers offensive coordinator and Manning could thrive in that system.

Seattle Seahawks - I'm less sold on this one, but Seattle could be aggressive in free agency and they have a proven running back in Marshawn Lynch. Seattle wasn't bad last year and that was with a combination of Charlie Whitehurst and Tarvaris Jackson under center. Manning would instantly make them better.


New York Jets - Both Mannings in New York at the same time? The media would have a field day with that.

Washington Redskins - Manning versus Manning twice a year guaranteed, but the Redskins don't have a lot to offer at the skill positions right now.

Denver Broncos - You think John Elway would mind teaming up with Peyton Manning? It would put an end to Tebowmania, but hey, maybe Timmy could become an H-Back or a tight end or something.

Houston Texans - I heard one suggestion that the Texans trade Matt Schaub to Washington and go for Manning. Andre Johnson is as good as they come, Arian Foster is a phenomenal running back, the Texans play defense... Plus, two games a year against the Colts. REVENGE!

Tennessee Titans - This one got thrown around a few months ago because Manning played college ball at Tennessee. But with Hasselbeck and Locker, the Titans have expressed little or not interest publicly.

New England Patriots - Just think, he could back up Tom Brady! Ok, probably not.

Where do you think Manning will end up?