Peyton Manning Shopping for a New Team

While free agent Peyton Manning paid Denver, Colorado visit over the weekend and  met with the owner and coaches of the Broncos, he hasn't inked a deal yet.  In fact, Tim Tebow is still quarterback of the Broncos.

But the fact that Manning visited the Broncos headquarters was still a good sign.

Right after Manning's visit to Denver he visited the headquarters of The Arizona Cardinals, for decades the laughingstock of the NFL.  But now, they find themselves in the running for the services of one of the game's greatest quarterbacks.

Manning spent nearly 6½ hours at the Arizona Cardinals' headquarters and training facility on Sunday in meetings designed to lure the superstar to the desert.

The Kansas City Chiefs and Seattle Seahawks are trying to get in the Manning sweepstakes, and he hasn't visited them. As long as there's a chance to acquire a player of Manning's caliber, there is reason for optimism.

Even though he missed the entire 2011 season because of neck surgeries, Manning has 399 career touchdown passes, 11 Pro Bowl appearances and one Super Bowl title ring.

His release to free agency Wednesday by the Indianapolis Colts was expected and shocking to the NFL masses. His neck injury, coupled with a $28 million option payment that was due late last week and good fortune that resulted in the Colts having the No. 1 overall draft pick at a time when quarterback Andrew Luck is eligible for selection, were the primary factors in pushing Manning to Colorado for a 29-hour visit.

Manning had been with the Broncos since team officials — a group led by Elway, the team's former star quarterback and head of football operations, and coach John Fox— met him in Stillwater, Okla., Friday morning.  He and the Broncos' brass arrived by private plane at Centennial Airport at about 1:35 p.m. Friday and then made the short drive to the team's facility.

Manning spent his day visiting with owner Pat Bowlen, among others, and touring the Broncos' headquarters until about 7:45 p.m.  Friday.

Manning, Stokley, Elway and Fox then dined at the Cherry Hills Country Club and stayed late.

Manning stayed overnight and flew out of Centennial Airport at about 6:50 p.m. The source said the team "was in communication with Manning" on Saturday, although the two sides did not meet.

Elway was in his office Saturday preparing for free agency that begins at 2 p.m. Tuesday. Manning wants to make his decision by then. With agent Tom Condon not accompanying Manning on his visit here, a deal was not expected to be struck. Still, the Broncos most likely tried.

Meanwhile, a source close to Tebow said the Broncos' incumbent quarterback is philosophical about his team's pursuit of Manning and won't comment until "after the smoke clears."