How Will Peyton Manning Influence The NFL’s Quarterback Landscape?

The big story of free agency has been the guessing game of where four-time NFL MVP Peyton Manning will end up, but there is a second part to this question. What will happen to the incumbent starters? The race has been trimmed down to three finalists — the Tennessee Titans, Denver Broncos, and San Fransico 49ers.

What will happen to the QBs on these teams when and if Mannings decides to take his talents to their franchise?

Well, it seems like Alex Smith of the 49ers took his fortune into his own hands, when he visited the Dolphins this weekend. As to if this was just a plow to put pressure on Matt Flyn or if they are showing actual intrest in the former number 1 overall pick is yet to be determined. If Manning decides to take his talents to San Francisco, what wil become of the eight-year pro out of Utah? Will the 49ers still re-sign him?

If they decide to let him go where will he end up? Some posibilities are the Browns Dolphins and divisional rival Seahawks. It makes sense for any of these teams to take a chance on him, as he is coming off his best year since entering the NFL and only threw 5 interceptions the demand might be higher than expected.

Where would it leave Matt Hasselbeck — another quarterback coming off a resurgant season? Would the Titans try to trade him to a QB needy team? Maybe the could wiggle the second of those 1st round picks from the Browns? The Browns don’t seem to set with Colt McCoy as the face for their franchise and could be talked into trading the pick for a veteran QB instead of drafting Ryan Tannehill. I don’t see him going back to Seattle. Another destination might Jacksonville where he can play mentor to Blaine Gabbert like he did this past season for Jake Locker only time will tell.

Last and certainly not least is Tim Tebow. What if Peyton signs in Denver. What will become of Tebowmania? Will the passionate fans die down because they are getting arguably the best quarterback of all time? The Broncos kind of answered this question already by letting Brady Quinn go and sign with the Chiefs. I can see the Broncos keeping Tebow and letting him sit under Manning for a few seasons and learn from the best and be groomed to take over in a way that would have never happened under Kyle Orton.

Maybe the Jags make a move for him as a publicitt stunt to put some butts back in their empty seats I can’t seeing that happen though. More than likely, they keep Tebow and get him ready for whenever Peyton wants to retire, and maybe use him some special packages on the goalline or fourth and inches.

Whatever happens and wherever Peyton signs, the current QB the landscape of the NFL will very different than 2011.

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