The Miami Dolphins were considered one of the frontrunners in the Peyton Manning sweepstakes. They have the ability to be pretty good and have plenty of pieces in place to be very good.
Which makes this new deal more interesting.
Filed to ESPN: Dolphins trade WR Brandon Marshall to Bears for 3rd-round pick in 2012 and 3rd-round pick in 2013. Marshall rejoins Cutler.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 13, 2012
The trade isn't that great for the Dolphins on paper, and it certainly didn't land them anything great, but it did free up a good deal of cap space that will allow them to pursue other free agents. That could mean that Manning, Reggie Wayne and Dallas Clark could join up with him in the same class, plus it seems Manning would have had issues with Marshall to begin with.
I was told late last night that Peyton did not want to play with Brandon Marshall. Miami is doing what it takes to make Manning happy
— Shawn Zobel (@ShawnZobel_DHQ) March 13, 2012
However, with Miami letting go of its number one receiver, it might be more difficult to sell Manning on Miami. That could open things up for the Cardinals, who do have better pieces in place and can also keep the team the way it is and compete better for a title.
To discuss the possibility of Manning and the Cardinals, check out Revenge of the Birds.