Ever since becoming a free agent, former Indianapolis Colts' quarterback Peyton Manning has caused quite a stir in the market.
His fate has been tied to the future of many franchises, as well as the players that could potentially land there.
It will remain to be seen where Manning will finally end up, but for now his decision holds the key to many teams' futures.
Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins seemed like an ideal landing spot for No. 18, but they turned out to be on the outside of the situation rather quickly as Manning informed the franchise that he was not interested in joining them this coming season.
The team should be directing their focus on former Green Bay Packers' backup quarterback Matt Flynn, but NBC Sports' Evan Silva reports that the team is trying to low-ball him considering his relationship with new head coach Joe Philbin.
Considering the team would have likely laid down the cash for Manning, one would think they would have to offer Flynn something at least appealing.
He won't get Manning money obviously, but he knows that the team is willing to spend.
Tennessee Titans
The Titans are still in the running for Manning's services, but if they strike out, they may deeply regret putting so much focus into chasing him down.
According to ESPN's Chris Mortensen and Adam Schefter, the team was very interested in chasing former Houston Texans' free-agent defensive end Mario Williams, but instead they decided to focus on Manning.
Williams ended up signing with the Buffalo Bills, making it a must for the team to sign Manning.
They do have Matt Hasselbeck and Jake Locker ready to go, but landing Manning would make the Titans a much better contender in 2012.
Manning worked out for the Titans on Saturday, March 17, so perhaps the team will know where they stand in the coming days.
Denver Broncos
The chase to land Manning isn't over just yet, as John Elway and the Broncos worked out the four-time MVP as they consider him a serious option for 2012 despite everything QB Tim Tebow did this past season.
According to ESPN, Manning worked out for the Broncos on Friday, March 16, as it appears the team is extremely interested in signing him.
This hasn't affected the Broncos' free agency that much, but it is definitely putting a lot of weight on their ongoing situation with Tebow.
It has been in question even after he took the team to the NFL playoffs if he'll be the starter next season. If they do land Manning, expect to see the team at least explore moves for the fan favorite.
San Francisco 49ers
While all the focus was on the Broncos and Titans, apparently the 49ers were quietly wooing Manning into making a trip to the Bay.
As ESPN's Adam Schefter and Chris Mortensen reported, Manning worked out and took a physical for the team, as they have been kicking the tires on potentially signing the Super Bowl champion.
With the team's indecision on the future at quarterback, there have been a whole lot of questions involving the future of their free-agent QB Alex Smith.
Many assumed the team would have brought back Smith right away after they went 13-3 this past season, but it appears that they may not be seeing eye-to-eye.
According to UPI.com, the team has offered Smith a contract, and that offer still stands on the table.
According to the San Francisco Chronicle's Eric Branch, the team's CEO Jed York said "the ball's in his court."
Jeff Chase is a Featured Columnist for the Chicago Cubs and Arizona State football.
Follow @Real_Jeff_Chase
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