NFL

Manning decision expected sooner than later

The Peyton Pursuit might be short-lived.

Indications from Peyton Manning’s camp are the newly released MVP quarterback wants to decide on his next destination quickly — as in, “before the start of free agency.”

Veteran free agents whose contracts are expiring can’t begin negotiating with other NFL teams until the free-agency period opens at 4 p.m. Tuesday, but Manning — because the Colts released him Wednesday — is eligible to sign with his new club at any time before then.

The Jets are among the 12 teams that reportedly made contact with Manning’s representatives immediately after the Colts formalized their decision to cut ties with the franchise icon, joining a group that includes the Dolphins, Cardinals, Seahawks, Redskins, Broncos and Chiefs.

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Though the Jets don’t appear to have been ruled out, many league observers still consider Miami, where Manning has an offseason condominium, to be the favorite. Arizona, which plays in a retractable-roof stadium and has All-Pro wideout Larry Fitzgerald to dangle in front of Manning, also is thought to be a strong consideration.

FOX Sports reported Manning wants to get his deal done before free agency opens so his next club could use him as an attractive recruiting tool, but a league source said there are several stumbling blocks to that scenario.

The first hurdle, the salary cap, probably won’t be one for long. The NFL has yet to release the official cap figure for next season, but a league source said the number, expected to be around $120 million per team, will be announced today.

There is still the huge question mark of Manning’s health in the wake of multiple neck surgeries the past two years. League executives wonder whether Manning’s camp can answer those doubts about his neck and arm strength in such a short time and to the satisfaction of medical officials from even his most ardent pursuers.

“You are talking about a player who is going to be 36 [years old] soon and nobody has seen throw in public in over a year,” an NFC team executive said in an email yesterday. “Any team is going to have a lot of questions, no matter how much you want him.”

As a result, league execs believe Manning and his camp narrowed his potential choices down to two or three clubs weeks ago, when it became obvious the Colts would rather release him than pay a scheduled $28 million bonus due this month.

Tony Dungy, Manning’s former coach, told ESPN this week Manning prefers to stay in the AFC in part because he doesn’t want to be in the same conference — and especially the same division — as brother Eli Manning.

ESPN reported yesterday Manning preferred to stay in the AFC, but would consider the NFC.

Remaining in the AFC would allow Peyton to avoid the prospect of knocking Eli out of the playoffs while also preserving the possibility of an all-Manning Super Bowl.

Washington’s ESPN affiliate reported yesterday Redskins officials have already been told by Manning’s camp that he does not share their interest in him playing Eli twice a year in the NFC East.

Until Manning shows otherwise, the consensus among league observers is that the Dolphins remain the team to beat in the chase for No. 18.

Not only does Florida lack a state income tax, but the Dolphins also have a Pro Bowl receiver in Brandon Marshall, a rushing and receiving threat in Reggie Bush and the pieces of a potentially very good defense.

Miami also is expected to have between $17 million and $22 million in cap space when free agency opens with the possibility of restructuring several of their current contracts to create even more room.

Former Dolphins great Dan Marino said at a charity event yesterday he would be thrilled if Manning called him about Miami.

“There’s great tradition there,” Marino said of the Dolphins. “We’ve had a couple off years but believe me, they’ll be back.”