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It's early in the offseason. But from the looks of it, the Miami Dolphins want to run an up-tempo offense under first-year head coach Joe Philbin.

The former offensive coordinator of the Green Bay Packers is known for putting pressure on defenses. Green Bay was as good as anyone in dictating tempo. Last year the Packers were third in total offense (405.1 yards per game) and first in scoring (35 points per game).

But can Philbin's philosophy work in Miami?

The key to Philbin's first year will be quickly learning and knowing his personnel. New coaches often make the mistake of assuming their system and concepts are one size fits all.

Miami quarterbacks Matt Moore or David Garrard certainly isn't Aaron Rodgers. Dolphins receiver Brian Hartline is not Greg Jennings, and tight end Anthony Fasano is not comparable to Packers tight end Jermichael Finley.

The Dolphins have uncertainty at quarterback and the worst group of receivers in the division. Going up-tempo has its risks. Miami could face plenty of three-and-outs, which would put a lot of pressure on its defense.

Philbin and offensive coordinator Mike Sherman need to be careful about this while installing their new West Coast offense. Green Bay's strengths under Philbin were the quarterback and passing game. It's much easier to go up-tempo when you have a Pro Bowl and Super Bowl-winning quarterback throwing to stud receivers and tight ends.

Miami doesn't have that on its roster this year. The Dolphins' strength is their running game behind their offensive line and 1,000-yard rusher Reggie Bush. It would be wise for Miami's coaching staff to keep that in mind.

Let's see what's in the weekend mailbag.

Akhilesh from Massachusetts writes: Why do you think the Patriots drafted Tavon Wilson, a low-ranked safety, in the second round? Is it just that Bill Belichick knows something others don't or was it poor drafting?

James Walker: Wilson was a player Belichick really liked -- apparently more than anyone else. Drafting Wilson that high is certainly a risk. The Patriots might have been able to wait another round or two. This puts some pressure on Wilson to perform. If he turns out to be a solid starter, no one will care where he was drafted.

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Jorge Garcia from Mexico City writes: Which Patriots veteran do you see being released when all the final roster cuts are in?

Walker: You have to look at the deep group at receivers. There's no way the Patriots will keep all 11. I think players like Chad Ochocinco, Anthony Gonzalez, Donte' Stallworth and Julian Edelman will all have to fight hard for roster spots.

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Jim from Toms River, N.J., writes: What's the possibility Donald Driver lands in Miami and what would that mean for the Dolphins?

Walker: If Driver is cut by the Green Bay Packers, which looks like a possibility, Miami will be high on his radar. For one, a starting job is waiting for Driver in Miami, and that won't be the case in most places. Second, former Packers offensive coordinator Joe Philbin is now the head coach in Miami. There's a comfort level there. But none of this is possible unless Driver is released.

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Shaggy Lewis from Shreveport, La., writes: What are the chances Terrell Owens signs with Miami?

Walker: Zero. Miami is rebuilding and does not want players with character questions in its locker room. Owens would not be a good fit.

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Ben from Buffalo writes: It seems to me that the No. 2 receiver spot on the Bills is completely up for grabs. Given the lack of production from the guys they put out there last season, do you think T.J. Graham is the front-runner?

Walker: It’s too early to pick a front-runner. But Graham would make it very easy on the Bills if he was ready right away. That was the hope when the Bills drafted Graham in the third round. But that could be asking a lot. David Nelson is better in the slot, and if Graham and Donald Jones can step in, Buffalo's passing offense could be solid.

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John from Germany writes: If you were C.J. Spiller, would you be a little upset that you're not the starter? If you are, would you leave the Bills at the end of your rookie contract?

Walker: Spiller has a gripe. But the reality is that he's not a better running back than Fred Jackson at this stage of their careers. Spiller has three more seasons on his rookie contract. By then, Jackson most likely will be ready to step aside. So it's not a certainty that Spiller walks down the road.

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Chris from MA writes: I feel like I am beating my head against the wall. But could it make any more sense for the Jets to bring in Vernon Carey?

Walker: I'm surprised Carey hasn't gotten more interest. He's probably going to be one of those veterans who signs after there is a camp injury. The Jets won't sign him because they are pretty tight on salary-cap space.

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Ben from Baltimore writes: Do you think Mark Sanchez still has the potential, with the right weapons and players stepping up, to have a comeback year?

Walker: I didn't like what I saw from Sanchez last year. It was my first year in the AFC East, so that was the most I've watched him on a week-to-week basis. Sanchez is in his fourth season, and I don't think his ceiling is much higher than what we've seen. But that doesn't mean Sanchez isn’t capable of playing better, or being a better decision-maker, or lowering his fumble and interception totals. These are things the Jets hope he cleans up in 2012. I doubt Sanchez will ever become an elite quarterback, but if he can make those aforementioned improvements, the Jets can win with him.

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AFC East Homer of the Week

This week's homer is a BIG Chad Henne supporter.

Enjoy.

Rick from Miami writes: James, I don't think you are dumb but please look at the facts before you write something stupid. Henne had played the equivalent of two seasons and has improved each season. He carried a team with no run game or pass defense in 2010 to seven wins and would had more if he had any run support of the defense. Look at the stats. Miami was top 16 in passing ypg with Henne and dropped to 23rd with Matt Moore. That shows Miami only won six games because of their D and run game. Stop bad-mouthing players before you read he facts. Henne is better than Alex Smith, Mark Sanchez and a whole bunch of current starters. Maybe you should read the facts instead of going with idiotic public opinion. Dan Marino thinks Henne can start in this league. Do you know more than Marino about QBs? I think not. Henne will take the Jacksonville Jaguars to the playoffs before Miami wins six games in a season.

Walker: I'm always shocked by the number of Chad Henne supporters still out there in Miami. Henne had four years with the Dolphins to show what he could do and finished with more career interceptions (37) than touchdowns (31). In fact, Henne has never had a season in which he threw more touchdowns than interceptions. Henne was robotic, a below-average decision-maker and didn't have natural leadership ability. Four years is enough time to see that. But there's still a section of people, like Rick, who defend Henne and think he should have been the long-term solution in Miami. But, Rick, it’s the last statement that makes you our AFC East Homer of the Week. Henne will not lead the Jaguars to the playoffs this year. He might not even be the starter, because the team is invested in Blaine Gabbert. Congrats on being our Homer of the Week.

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Here are the most interesting stories Wednesday morning in the AFC East:

• Can the Buffalo Bills be one of the surprise teams to make the playoffs in 2012?

Morning take: Buffalo has a shot with recent improvements and an easy schedule. I'm picking the Bills to make a solid jump and contend for a wild card.

• Will the Miami Dolphins look at these free-agent wide receivers?

Morning take: The names out there don’t fit what Miami is looking for. Braylon Edwards and Plaxico Burress have talent, but Donald Driver would be a better fit if he is released by the Green Bay Packers.

• New England Patriots tight end Daniel Fells thinks Tim Tebow of the New York Jets can succeed as a quarterback.

Morning take: Fells is a former teammate of Tebow. Opinions of Tebow as a starting quarterback are all over the place, even among players. But no one denies he’s a tough football player.

• Former Jets vice president of college scouting Joey Clinckscales reportedly is leaving the team for the Oakland Raiders.

Morning take: This is no surprise and appears to be a good move up. But I did find it strange recently when Clinkscales said he expects to stay in New York when this was in the works for a while.

Earlier this morning, NFC North blogger Kevin Seifert caught my eye with a blog post detailing the contract situation with Green Bay Packers receiver Donald Driver. The Packers are unsure about Driver's future in Green Bay and most likely will restructure his contract or release the receiver.

If it's the latter, could Driver land in Miami? There are natural ties to suggest the Dolphins would be interested.

For starters, Miami rookie head coach Joe Philbin was Driver's offensive coordinator for five seasons in Green Bay. Second, Driver is a prototype West Coast receiver, which is something Miami doesn't have on its roster. I detailed some of those issues over the weekend.

The downside is Driver is 37 and doesn't have much time left. But he would be a good fit in Miami for the short term. Driver is an experienced veteran who knows the offense and can be a good mentor to the younger receivers. If Driver needs a job in several weeks, there's a starting position waiting for him in Miami.

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, Miami Dolphins fans. But it's probably going to be awhile before your team is a legitimate playoff contender again.

A disastrous offseason has gutted this once-promising team. Now, Miami is in full rebuild mode under rookie head coach Joe Philbin.

Miami is not a quick or easy fix. Here are five reasons why the Dolphins are a long way away from being a contender and probable for another top-10 draft pick in 2013:

Reason No. 1: Dolphins don't have a quarterback

Times are changing in the NFL. It's quickly coming to the point where if you don't have a quarterback, you don’t have a chance.

Miami is going into the season with a quarterback competition between career backup Matt Moore and againg veteran David Garrard, who hasn't played football since 2010. Moore is the favorite coming off a career year in 2011 and was 6-6 as a starter. Garrard, 34, is a wild card after being out of football last season.

Neither player is a great fit for Miami's new West Coast offense. It's a scheme based on precision passing and throwing the ball about 60 percent of the time. Philbin was a former offensive coordinator with the Green Bay Packers. If Philbin expects Moore or Garrard to step in and fill the role of Aaron Rodgers next season, the coach is terribly mistaken.

It's hard for Miami to be a viable contender until it figures out its quarterback position. That won't happen next season with Garrard and Moore. Neither is the long-term solution.

Reason No. 2: No offense

Not only does Miami not have a franchise quarterback, it also lacks a supporting cast to put together a successful offense. The Dolphins could have one of the worst offenses on paper.

The Dolphins certainly have one of the worst receiver groups. The team traded away Pro Bowl receiver Brandon Marshall to the Chicago Bears for a pair of third-round picks, leaving Brian Hartline (35 receptions for 549 yards in 2011) as the No. 1 option. Slot receiver Davone Bess (51 receptions, 537 yards) is projected as the No. 2 receiver, while Legedu Naanee and Clyde Gates compete for playing time. None of these receivers strike fear in the defense to keep opponents from stacking the line against tailback Reggie Bush and the running game.

The right side of Miami's offense line also is a problem. The Dolphins lost their starting right guard (Vernon Carey) and starting right tackle (Marc Colombo) in free agency. With uncertainty at quarterback, below-average receivers and major holes on the right side of the offensive line, Miami's offense is not set up for early success. The draft will help, but Miami can't fill all these needs with rookie players.

Reason No. 3: Shaky ownership, front office

Is it more perception or reality with Miami's leadership? Both have hurt the team.

The perception is the Dolphins have a shaky operation at the top. Owner Stephen Ross has deep pockets but hasn't shown the ability to build a stable, winning franchise. And Ross' trust in embattled general manager Jeff Ireland wasn't a popular decision.

The reality is Ross has the resources and wants to win. But Ross isn't a "football guy," and his unwavering trust in Ireland has caused a ripple effect.

Ireland's track record as a talent evaluator is decent. But he doesn't appear to be well-liked in NFL circles. Several players and former players have bashed Ireland publicly. Even Peyton Manning -- although very politely -- informed the Dolphins he wasn't comfortable with the team's leadership when Miami pursued the quarterback in free agency. Head coach Jeff Fisher also chose the St. Louis Rams over the Dolphins this offseason, in part, because he felt the stability at the top was better in St. Louis.

Winning will help this perception. That will convince top free agents to eventually come to Miami. But that wasn't the case for Ross and Ireland this offseason.

Reason No. 4: Defense is overrated

I like Miami's defense. But for all the hype this group is getting, the Dolphins' defense is fairly overrated.

Miami was ranked No. 15 in total defense in 2011. You would think this was a top-five defense based on the good press it is getting. In reality, it was middle of the pack. More importantly, the Dolphins were ranked 25th against the pass.

Miami still has holes in its secondary. Miami cut its best safety and leading tackler -- Yeremiah Bell -- this offseason. The Dolphins will go with a patchwork group of Reshad Jones, Tyrell Johnson or converted corner Richard Marshall at safety. That means bombs away for opposing quarterbacks like Tom Brady, Matt Schaub and others on Miami's schedule this season. It's going to be tough to win games if you can't pass or stop the pass in today's NFL.

The Dolphins also don't have enough pass-rushers. Outside linebacker Cameron Wake is the biggest threat. Perhaps Miami could find another pass-rusher to go with Wake in this draft. But if the Dolphins can't get to the quarterback and struggle at safety, the defense could be middle of the pack again.

Miami’s defense has its strengths. It is stout against the run, for example, and rarely allows a 100-yard rusher. But contrary to popular belief, the Dolphins aren't dominant enough defensively to win games on just one side of the ball. A sputtering offense will hurt this group.

Reason No. 5: Division rivals are simply better

Miami was 6-10 last season and finished third in the AFC East via the head-to-head tiebreaker over the Buffalo Bills (6-10). But a case can be made that the Dolphins are the only team in the division that took a few steps back this offseason.

As we mentioned, the Dolphins traded their best receiver, cut their leading tackler and failed to find a viable starting quarterback. Add in the fact that the team has an entirely new coaching staff and has to learn a new offense and defense, and you're sure to have growing pains. I doubt this team can better last year's record and finish with seven or more wins.

The reigning AFC champion New England Patriots have the NFL's easiest schedule and are much better than Miami. That's a no-brainer. But the Buffalo Bills, my sleeper pick in 2012, also are much improved, and the New York Jets still have a talented roster. The Dolphins appear headed for fourth place in the division. At best, Miami can finish third if something bad happens this year in New York or Buffalo.

Add up these five reasons, and it's clear Miami is much closer to the bottom of the league than the top. Look for the Dolphins to secure another top-10 draft pick and continue their lengthy rebuilding process into 2013.

Although the Miami Dolphins' regime wouldn't admit it, they will nervously keep one eye on how things progress with the offense of the Seattle Seahawks.

Seattle is where quarterback Matt Flynn will resume his NFL career after a four-year stint as a backup with the Green Bay Packers. The same Matt Flynn the Dolphins didn't think highly enough to come up with a three-year, $26 million contract he received in Seattle.

The Dolphins had every opportunity to land Flynn. Miami had the strong connection of Dolphins head coach Joe Philbin, who helped develop Flynn in Green Bay. Miami also had the perfect offensive system for Flynn and even had him in for a visit last weekend. The Dolphins could've made sure Flynn didn't leave their facilities without becoming Miami's next starting quarterback. Instead, the Dolphins let Flynn slip away.

Miami's regime, led by owner Stephen Ross, general manager Jeff Ireland and Philbin, didn't think Flynn was worth the investment. That's fine, but they better be right.

Miami supposedly knows Flynn better than any team outside the Packers. If Flynn turns out to be the next great starting quarterback, that stain will stick with the Dolphins. Miami should have been the last team fooled by this. The Dolphins have intimate knowledge of what Flynn can and cannot do.

With just two career starts, Flynn may become the next Matt Schaub (a top-12 quarterback) or the next Kevin Kolb (a bust). The Dolphins can only hope it's the latter.

Remember Drew Brees? He became a free agent in 2006 and was looking for a team after injuring his shoulder late in the season with the San Diego Chargers.

The Dolphins were considered the favorites to get Brees and were very close to making it a reality. But after sending Brees through a round of physicals, Miami was scared away. The Dolphins instead traded a draft pick to the Minnesota Vikings for quarterback Daunte Culpepper. Brees later signed with the New Orleans Saints, his second choice behind Miami.

We all know how that turned out.

This offseason could be a case of history repeating itself in Miami, albeit probably to a lesser degree. After missing out on Flynn, who also came with risks, the Dolphins signed David Garrard. The 34-year old quarterback has been out of football since 2010 and will compete with Matt Moore for the starting job. This is a quarterback situation that is going nowhere fast.

Miami also has a good shot to add former Texas A&M quarterback Ryan Tannehill to the mix. Miami holds the No. 8 overall pick and Tannehill played for Dolphins offensive coordinator Mike Sherman. Although Tannehill was once considered a late first-round pick, his stock is on the rise and seems like a logical fit for Miami. But Tannehill would most likely hold a clipboard next year if he goes to Miami.

The Dolphins have gone from a team of promise to a team of despair in a matter of weeks. The offseason began with the chance of landing the top coach on the market (Jeff Fisher) and one of the top free-agent quarterbacks (Peyton Manning or Flynn). It ended with Miami coming up empty-handed at both. The Dolphins also gutted the roster by trading Pro Bowl receiver Brandon Marshall for pennies on the dollar and cutting leading tackler and safety Yeremiah Bell.

Miami looks like a team that is not only rebuilding, but tearing down the walls from within thanks to head-scratching decisions. The draft remains, but the Dolphins appear hard-pressed to better last year's record of 6-10. An 8-8 season would be considered a big upset with the way this roster currently stands.

Perhaps one of the biggest mistakes Dolphins ownership made this offseason was selling their fans on false hopes and empty promises. Ross has very deep pockets and wanted to make a splash. But all we've seen is belly flops.

Who knows if Flynn could have solved Miami's quarterback dilemma and prevented this tailspin. The Dolphins obviously pegged Flynn as a big question mark, and their evaluation better be more accurate than the injury concerns six years ago with Brees.

Maybe this time the Dolphins dodged a bullet. Or maybe they shot themselves in the foot once again.

If Flynn proves to be a good quarterback in 2012 -- while Miami is still toiling with the David Garrards and Matt Moores of the world -- the Dolphins have no one to blame but themselves.

Does anyone want to play quarterback for the Miami Dolphins next season? It sure doesn't look that way.

After failing to woo future Hall of Famer Peyton Manning, the Dolphins also missed on their second choice Sunday. Former Green Bay Packers backup quarterback Matt Flynn agreed to a modest three-year, $26 million contract with the Seattle Seahawks, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports.

This is another big blow to Dolphins ownership and the front office, which thought it could make a splash this offseason. Instead, the Dolphins have been turned down by veteran coach Jeff Fisher, Manning and now Flynn in a short span. Each decline adds further humiliation to the Dolphins, who were already viewed as a shaky organization at the top to begin with.

But the Dolphins losing out on Flynn may be the biggest surprise of the three, considering Flynn's deep ties with rookie Miami head coach Joe Philbin. The pair spent four years growing together in Green Bay, which made Miami the early favorite to get Flynn.

But something didn't go right this weekend when Flynn met with Miami's brass. Perhaps money was the issue. But were the Dolphins unwilling to give up $26 million for a starting quarterback? Or maybe things just didn't feel right for Flynn in Miami, and he thought Seattle was a better fit.

Regardless, the Dolphins have become one of the league's biggest offseason losers in the first week of free agency. They traded away their best receiver (Brandon Marshall) for pennies on the dollar and continue to whiff in their quarterback search.

The home run (Manning) or any potential extra-base hits (Robert Griffin III, Flynn) are out of the question for the Dolphins. Miami had its three strikes, and it's simply time to go back to the dugout and regroup.

The Dolphins may get desperate and sign Alex Smith or David Garrard. But that would only add to Miami's misery. Neither player is the long-term solution. A case can be made that Dolphins incumbent Matt Moore is better in the short term, especially if you consider the millions it would take to sign Smith, who helped lead the San Francisco 49ers to the NFC Championship Game.

Miami just needs to stick with Moore and draft a quarterback, perhaps Ryan Tannehill, at No. 8 overall. Free agency could be used to patch up holes at receiver, right guard and right tackle. The Dolphins have suffered enough embarrassment chasing quarterbacks.

But with Miami's front office, you just never know. Maybe we will see Smith in a Dolphins uniform in 2012, or an old-fashioned quarterback competition between Moore and Garrard in training camp.

Anything is possible.

I don't know if Matt Moore likes to eat chopped liver. But he must certainly feel like chopped liver.

It's one thing for the Miami Dolphins to go after future Hall of Famer Peyton Manning to replace Moore. That's understandable.

Moore might even identify with Miami chasing former Green Bay Packers backup quarterback Matt Flynn, who has a strong connection with new Dolphins head coach Joe Philbin.

But Alex Smith? The same quarterback who threw 53 interceptions compared to 51 touchdowns his first six seasons? That's enough to make Moore ask Miami's brass, "What's wrong with me?"

This isn't about debating who is better between Smith and Moore. This is more about the Dolphins showing so little faith in Moore that they're entertaining spending millions of salary-cap room on Smith to replace Moore next fall. Smith is in Miami today for a visit. It could also be a negotiating ploy against Flynn.

Like Smith, Moore had a career year in 2011. Moore went 6-3 as a starter for Miami in his last nine games and threw for 2,497 yards, 16 touchdowns and nine interceptions. He also had an 87.1 passer rating.


But Moore is not the long-term solution in Miami and neither is Smith. That's why it would be baffling to pay Smith starting quarterback money when both quarterbacks are probably in the same ballpark in terms of ability.

I think Flynn remains the favorite for Miami. He's an unknown commodity, but at least he provides hope and potential for the struggling Dolphins.

But if Miami goes in another direction, it would be silly to waste cap room on Smith. He's not significantly better than the quarterback you already have, and there are still prospects available next month in the NFL draft.

Miami's free-agent dollars would be better used adding some starting-caliber wide receivers or filling the right side of the offensive line.

The Miami Dolphins were kicked out of the Peyton Manning sweepstakes. But they reportedly have gone to the top of the list for another free-agent quarterback.

ESPN's Chris Mortensen and Adam Schefter report Miami has the inside track to land former Green Bay Packers quarterback Matt Flynn. He has just two career starts but played well in limited time and has ties to Miami head coach Joe Philbin, who is Flynn's former offensive coordinator in Green Bay.

Miami's pursuit of Manning made sense. He is a proven commodity who could single-handedly change the fortune of the franchise. Flynn is an unknown. But the Dolphins are confident they have a good feel for Flynn's abilities via Philbin's knowledge.

Flynn is visiting with the Seattle Seahawks and is expected to meet with the Dolphins next. There's no doubt Flynn's reps will try to use Seattle and Miami against each other for financial leverage.

While we're on the topic of money, how much should the Dolphins offer to pay Flynn?

Other quarterbacks such as Ryan Fitzpatrick of the Buffalo Bills and Mark Sanchez of the New York Jets are getting contract extensions close to $60 million. Is Flynn, who has two career starts, worth equal or more to Miami? Should the Dolphins offer $40 million or $50 million instead?

Money -- and perhaps a great offer from Seattle -- seems to be the only thing in the way of Flynn joining the Dolphins. There is definitely mutual interest.

Now comes the tricky part for the Miami Dolphins.

Miami wants free-agent quarterback Peyton Manning in the worst way and met with him for hours Monday evening. But Manning has meticulously taken his time and reportedly will drag his decision beyond 4 p.m. Tuesday, at which time free agency begins.

Should the Dolphins wait for Manning or pursue former Green Bay Packers quarterback Matt Flynn on Tuesday afternoon while the Manning situation is still pending? It's an interesting dilemma.

On one end, Miami still thinks it has a legit shot to land Manning, a future Hall of Famer. If word comes out the Dolphins are simultaneously chasing Flynn on Tuesday afternoon, that may sway Manning's thinking about Miami’s level of commitment.

The Denver Broncos have Tim Tebow and won't be chasing Flynn on Tuesday. Neither will the Arizona Cardinals, who have Kevin Kolb. Those teams will be waiting patiently on Manning, who has dictated the terms of this entire process. Manning may view the Dolphins' negotiating with Flynn as rushing his decision -- something Manning would not like.

On the other end, the Dolphins do not want to leave this offseason empty-handed and without a new starting quarterback. A number of interested teams will be jumping right in on Flynn. If the Dolphins wait a few days to join the party due to Manning's indecision, they could be too late for Flynn. Under this scenario, Manning's decision would basically hold the Dolphins hostage.

This is the type of high-stakes game you play when trying to land one of the biggest free agents in NFL history. Miami reportedly is not the favorite in the Manning sweepstakes. So it might be wise for the Dolphins to be one of the first teams to jump into the Flynn sweepstakes after 4 p.m. ET Tuesday.

Either way, Miami is taking a risk. If you were Dolphins management, what would you do?

ESPN's Adam Schefter has some bad news for Miami Dolphins fans, which might be good news for the New York Jets and several other teams. Schefter reports Miami may be losing ground already in the Peyton Manning sweepstakes.

Schefter sites the recent helicopter chase and the way the Dolphins failed at pursuing head coach Jeff Fisher as ominous signs. The Dolphins expect to meet with Manning soon so the future Hall of Fame quarterback can get a feel for the organization. Miami was considered one of the early favorites to land Manning.

It's early, but potentially losing Manning would be a big blow to the Dolphins, who want to make a splash and make football relevant again in South Florida. Plan B for the Miami is to chase former Green Bay Packers backup quarterback Matt Flynn in free agency next week.

Get the helicopter warmed up, Miami Dolphins.

The moment has arrived. It's time for the Dolphins' organization to make their best pitch to soon-to-be free-agent quarterback Peyton Manning.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reports the Indianapolis Colts will release Manning and hold a news conference on Wednesday. The deadline to pay Manning a $28 million roster bonus is Thursday, and there was zero chance the Colts would fork over that kind of money for a quarterback who missed the entire 2011 season.

But that won't stop the Dolphins and several other teams for knocking down Manning's door any day now. Miami is projected as one of the favorites. Other teams such as the Arizona Cardinals, Washington Redskins and New York Jets also are rumored to have interest.

The Dolphins and owner Stephen Ross want to make a splash this offseason. They tried everything from helicopter rides to offering big money to head coach Jeff Fisher, who spurned Miami to join the St. Louis Rams. Ross and Co. will try to put their best foot forward again with Manning.

The timing is perfect for Miami. Free agency doesn't start until next Tuesday, which gives the Dolphins time to gauge whether Manning is legitimately interested in coming to Miami. We listed all the reasons why the Dolphins are a great fit here. But if it doesn't work out, Miami still has enough time to transition to Plan B and go after former Green Bay Packers quarterback Matt Flynn in free agency.

Manning, a first-ballot Hall of Famer, is one of the biggest names ever to reach free agency. Business is about to pick up.

With free agency approaching, the Miami Dolphins are getting everything lined up to make their best pitch for potential free-agent quarterback Peyton Manning and unrestricted free agent Matt Flynn. Manning is expected to be released by March 8 before a $28 million bonus is due from the Indianapolis Colts. Flynn is the backup to Green Bay Packers Pro Bowl quarterback Aaron Rodgers and is looking for a starting job.

While it's pretty clear the Dolphins will start top shelf with Manning, a Super Bowl champion and future Hall of Famer, Flynn is expected to be Miami's Plan B if Manning doesn't sign or his health is too big of a question.

But the AFC East blog has been getting emails and tweets from many Dolphins fans who think Flynn should be Plan A over Manning. Here is the case for Flynn:

• Flynn, 26, is the younger, healthier quarterback. Manning turns 36 on March 24. The best-case scenario is that Manning has two or three good years left in him. But even that's not a guarantee. Flynn has the potential to be your starting quarterback for the next six or seven years.
• The West Coast offense is the system Flynn is familiar with, not Manning. Flynn spent his first four seasons in Green Bay learning the West Coast offense under new Dolphins head coach Joe Philbin. The system and the terminology will all be the same for Flynn, which makes for an easier learning curve. A case certainly can be made that Manning is good enough to play in any offense. But he will command some say in the system and force Miami's coaches to adjust. The Dolphins don't have to worry about that with Flynn.
• Flynn should be more affordable. Although Manning's contract will have plenty of incentives, he deserves to be paid like an elite quarterback if he stays healthy. If Manning's neck is not an issue in 2012, he will be the more expensive option.

Those are the main points from Flynn supporters. They're valid, but I still say a free agent like Manning is so rare that Miami has to chase him first. A healthy Manning makes Miami an instant contender. Flynn is still somewhat of an unknown.

The most important issue is the medical check. If Indianapolis releases Manning, which is the expectation, it will have something to do with Manning not being 100 percent. Miami, or any other team, would have to be confident Manning will be ready to go by September.

Here are the most interesting stories Monday morning in the AFC East:

• In a surprise move, the Buffalo Bills interviewed Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III at the NFL combine.

Morning take: I wouldn’t make too much of this if you’re a Bills fans. Buffalo has the No. 10 pick and just paid starting quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick $59 million. The interview was more for due diligence.

• Here is good news for the Miami Dolphins: The Green Bay Packers are not expected to use the franchise tag on quarterback Matt Flynn.

Morning take: This means Miami’s No. 2 target will certainly hit the open market. The Dolphins will explore Peyton Manning over the next few weeks. If that’s not an option, Flynn is next.

• Will New England Patriots left tackle Matt Light retire this offseason?

Morning take: Light is under contract for one more year and is considering it. But even if Light walked away, New England is well-stocked at offensive tackle with Sebastian Vollmer and Nate Solder.

• Is Notre Dame receiver Michael Floyd a possibility for the New York Jets?

Morning take: Floyd was one of the stars at the combine, and he could be available to New York with the No. 16 pick. The Jets can go in a lot of different ways, but I think safety and right tackle are bigger needs.

Jermichael Finley's recent $15 million contract with the Green Bay Packers may not seem like much on the surface. But his $7.5 million salary per season should be a cause for concern for the reigning AFC champion New England Patriots.

Finley, who caught 55 receptions for 767 yards in 2011, is setting the bar pretty high to keep quality tight ends. The Patriots have two dynamic tight ends in Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez, and both had more catches and more yards than Finely last season.

If Finley is worth $7.5 million per season, how much are New England's tight ends worth?

Is Hernandez (79 receptions, 910 yards) worth $8 million per year? Is Gronkowski (90 receptions, 1,327 yards) worth $9 or $10 million per year? There is very little chance the Patriots can pay two players that kind of money at the same position. They wouldn't have enough cap room to be strong in other areas.

The good news is New England doesn't have to worry about this problem for at least two more years. Gronkowski and Hernandez were drafted together in 2010 and have two seasons remaining on their rookie contracts.

But at some point, the Patriots have to pay up. New England will need to choose between their two great tight ends -- and both will be deserving of at least the annual salary Finley just received.