Dan Pompei of the National Football Post believes that the Seattle Seahawks could possibly be an early front runner to land the services of quarterback Peyton Manning this offseason, though notes that a number of things would have to fall into place first, including the release of Manning from the Colts to start, and there's the issue with his healing neck as well.
Here is Pompei's thoughts on the situation:
Based on the buzz around the league, the Seahawks could be the early frontrunner for Peyton Manning, assuming he is released. Pete Carroll needs a quarterback and is believed to have a strong interest in at least exploring Manning. The Seahawks could offer Manning an attractive scenario. They have a young team with some fine skill players to put around him. They play in one of the league's loudest stadiums. Manning wouldn't be subject to the same kind of scrutiny in Seattle that he would in a lot of other markets.
The Seahawks also could have a better feel for Manning's medical situation than some teams. One of their team physicians, Stan Herring, who also is one of the country's preeminent specialists for spine injuries. Herring is a member of the NFL's Head, Neck and Spine Committee.
Those are a lot of pluses for Seattle in this situation, who would immediately become a force in the NFC by signing Manning, especially in the lukewarm NFC West. Of course his health is the No. 1 concern, but if he's good to go it would behoove Seattle to do whatever they could to get him.
Should be a wild ride to see just who may end up with the services of one of the best QB's the league has ever seen.
For more on the Seahawks, head over to Field Gulls.