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I took last week off. It was not an overly busy week, but some things did occur, so let’s review the game film of some of the events of the week:

Denver

The Broncos signed defensive tackle Justin Bannan.

My take: Bannan, who also was a Bronco in 2010, is a solid player who will help in the rotation. Denver still needs a young defensive tackle, but this is a good addition.

The Broncos cut cornerback Andre Goodman.

My take: This has been coming since the Broncos signed Tracy Porter to replace Goodman. This is not a shock at all. I wonder if Oakland coach and former Denver defensive coordinator Dennis Allen will look at Goodman. He will turn 34 this year and he is in decline, but Goodman has strong experience, which could interest Oakland.

Receiver Demaryius Thomas made some critical comments about former quarterback Tim Tebow and expressed happiness with the Peyton Manning signing.

My take: Is anyone surprised by this? Thomas is a receiver. Playing with an erratic passer had to get frustrating for all Denver receivers. A Manning-Tebow swap is a receiver’s dream.

Kansas City

Tight end Leonard Pope signed with Pittsburgh.

My take: He wasn’t in the Chiefs' plans. Pope is a favorite of former Kansas City coach Todd Haley, who will now coach Pope for a third NFL organization. They were in Arizona together before Kansas City.

Oakland

The Raiders signed college basketball player Andre Hardy in hopes of making him a tight end.

My take: Why not? Former college hoopsters turned tight ends have hit it big. So it’s a low-risk endeavor. Don’t expect much from Hardy soon, though. He is probably a practice-squad prospect. This signing does not affect Oakland’s need for another tight end in 2012.

San Diego

The Chargers re-signed fullback Jacob Hester.

My take: He will back up Le'Ron McClain and will play special teams. Hester is a solid role player.

The Chargers signed former Oakland starting offensive lineman Mario Henderson.

My take: This is a depth move. Having a former starter as a backup is never a bad thing.

Marcus McNeill said he is planning to visit the Kansas City Chiefs. He was cut by the Chargers earlier in the week.

McNeill broke the news on his visit with the Detroit Lions. He is also scheduled to visit the Falcons and he said he won’t sign until he weighs all of his options. The news of the Kansas City visit begs some questions. The Chiefs are visiting with right tackle Eric Winston on Friday.

If Winston signs, the only way McNeill would join the Chiefs is if they want to replace Branden Albert at left tackle. I wouldn’t think they would want to replace Albert right now. If Winston doesn’t sign in Kansas City and McNeill does, McNeill would play left tackle and Albert could slide to right tackle. An Albert move to the right side has been discussed for a few years.

McNeill maintains he is now healthy following last season, which was cut short due to a neck injury last season. The Chargers cut him because he was owed a huge signing bonus. Interestingly, McNeill’s replacement is Jared Gaither, who was cut by the Chiefs during last season.

In other AFC West news:

NFL Network is reporting Oakland receiver Chaz Schilens is close to signing with the Jets. He was once a promising player for Oakland, but injuries derailed his Oakland career. UPDATE: Schilens is officially a Jet. He signed a one-year deal. He reunites with former Oakland position coach Sanjay Lal, who has the same job with the Jets.

ESPN’s Suzy Kolber reports the Cardinals are exercising a huge option for quarterback Kevin Kolb, so the Cardinals are out of the running for Peyton Manning. However, the 49ers have joined the race. For now, it appears the Manning chase is down to Denver, Tennessee and San Francisco.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports pass-rusher John Abraham is staying in Atlanta. Denver had been interested. Denver is also interested in Baltimore linebacker Jameel McClain, Tampa Bay linebacker Geno Hayes and Seattle cornerback Marcus Trufant.

The Denver Broncos arrived in North Carolina on Friday to find out there is another player in the Peyton Manning sweepstakes.

ESPN’s Chris Mortensen and Adam Schefter report that the San Francisco 49ers have emerged as a player in the Manning chase and that San Francisco officials have already seen Manning throw. Denver’s brass will watch Manning throw Friday.

The Titans are also in the mix. Schefter reports that Miami is already out and that the Cardinals are expected to move on.

Earlier in the process, Schefter reported that Manning would prefer to stay in the AFC. Manning’s younger brother, Eli, is the quarterback of the New York Giants. The Giants beat the 49ers in the NFC title game.

If Manning is picking his next team based solely on talent, the 49ers may have the edge on Denver and Tennessee. Schefter reports that the 49ers may be a long shot, but their interest shows that this process is still fluid.

The Denver Broncos are taking the next step in the Peyton Manning process.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter is reporting the Broncos brass is flying to North Carolina on Friday to meet with Manning and to watch him work out. Schefter said this is simply the next step in the process and it doesn't mean Denver is the favorite to land Manning.

But it is significant for two reasons -- Denver will get the opportunity to see Manning work out and to see if he is recovering from a neck injury that kept him out for the 2011 season and because Manning and the Broncos will see if they are comfortable with taking the next step with each other.

Schefter said other teams will likely work out Manning. The four finalists have been considered Denver, Tennessee, Miami and Arizona. The Dolphins and Cardinals may be falling out of the race. The Dolphins are pursuing Green Bay’s Matt Flynn and the Cardinals have to make a final decision on a big bonus for quarterback Kevin Kolb on Friday. Because the Manning process is ongoing, the Cardinals have to make a fast decision.

Thus, Denver and Tennessee appear to be the teams in for the long haul for Manning. Schefter said another team can enter the fray, but that appears to be a long shot.

For now, the Broncos are preparing for their second meeting with Manning and the team has to feel good about its place in this chase.

While ESPN’s Chris Mortensen has reported that Peyton Manning has not eliminated any of the four teams he has visited with, ESPN’s Adam Schefter said on ‘SportsCenter’ on Thursday morning that the sense is the finalists might be Denver and Tennessee.

Manning has also visited Arizona and Miami. Before Tennessee entered the picture (Manning played at the University of Tennessee, and is a legend in the state), the Broncos and the Cardinals were considered the favorites to land Manning in most circles. So, perhaps the Broncos should feel good that Schefter is reporting they are hanging in the race.

ESPN analyst Bill Polian (who brought Manning to Indianapolis, and who remains close with Manning) said on ‘SportsCenter’ that football-wise, the Broncos and Titans are “almost a dead heat” in his opinion. Polian said perhaps Tennessee’s “home-field advantage” will be the deciding factor for Manning.

Polian also said the decision by Manning might take awhile. The Broncos remain committed to staying in this race, but if Manning doesn’t choose them, they could be in a bad spot. Denver entered free agency with $38 million in cap room, but hasn’t done anything yet, because Manning would change their free-agency plan.

After being wooed in Nashville -- including receiving a call from the governor of Tennessee -- Peyton Manning departed his meeting with the Tennessee Titans on Wednesday night still considering all four of the teams he has visited, according to ESPN’s Chris Mortensen.

Manning has visited Denver, Arizona and Miami and Tennessee. Mortensen reported that Manning is open to talking to other teams but is expected to make his decision soon. The Broncos -- who got the first crack at Manning on Friday -- are patiently waiting and they have yet to use any of their $38 million in salary cap room.

Meanwhile, if Manning wants to wear No. 18 as a Denver Bronco he can. The man who owns the retired number has given his blessing for it to be unretired for Manning. There has been talk Manning might opt to wear his college jersey, No. 16, in his next NFL city. That number is free and open in Denver.

San Diego quarterback Philip Rivers said he wants to see Manning in Denver because he wants a chance to try to beat the best.

As the Denver Broncos wait to hear from Peyton Manning, the Tennessee Titans have emerged as a strong competitor for the superstar quarterback.

Manning, who is also considering the Cardinals and Dolphins, is meeting with the Titans’ brass and then he is expected to make a decision on his future. There has been recent chatter that Manning may be swayed to stay in the AFC South and play for the Titans. Wednesday, Manning’s former boss didn’t do anything to end that talk.

Former Indianapolis general manager and current ESPN analyst Bill Polian said on "SportsCenter" that he thinks the Titans are the most logical landing spot for Manning. Polian cited that Manning and his wife, Ashley, have ties to the state. Manning was a legendary quarterback at the University of Tennessee.

So, location could be a big stumbling block for John Elway. This doesn’t mean Manning won’t be a Bronco, but the Titans may have an emotional edge. Whatever happens, I’m sure the Broncos want a resolution so they can proceed with the rest of their free-agency plan, regardless of the outcome of the Manning sweepstakes.

In other AFC West news:

ESPN Boston is reporting key San Diego backup safety Steve Gregory will visit New England on Wednesday. If Gregory gets a starting job, he will likely leave San Diego. Denver has also been linked to Gregory. The Chargers will likely look for help at safety in the draft.

Matt Williamson of Scouts Inc. believes the Chargers’ re-signing of center Nick Hardwick is a top under-the-radar signing.

Robert Meacham’s deal with the Chargers includes $100,000 in bonuses if he makes the Pro Bowl for each of the next two seasons.

The word is Oakland, Washington and New Orleans may be the early favorites to land Matt Leinart as a backup quarterback. Oakland’s connection is Leinart played for new Oakland offensive coordinator Greg Knapp in Houston. The Raiders are looking for a new backup.

The Oakland Raiders have been quiet in free agency so far Tuesday, other than seeing former starting quarterback Jason Campbell leave for Chicago.

This may be a reason: ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports when free agency opened Tuesday the Raiders had a league low $639,966 of cap space.

Now, that will improve when the release of tight end Kevin Boss kicks in. Oakland could also cut linebacker Kamerion Wimbley and defensive tackle John Henderson. So, Oakland (which already cut three other players and restructured the contracts of several players) will get some enough cap room to sign a few players and sign their small draft class.

But the question for rookie general manager Reggie McKenzie is this: Why didn’t he do all of his salary-cap shaving prior to free agency starting. Players are signing at a fast rate. I know Oakland is going to bargain shop, but there is no reason why it should give other teams a head start for any player. The Raiders’ don’t have a starting quality cornerback on the roster and top cornerbacks like Cortland Finnegan and Carlos Rogers are already off the market.

In other AFC West news:

• UT-San Diego reported that the Chargers want former practice squader Frank Summers to be the repair fullback. Jacob Hester, if he is re-signed, would spell Summers and play special teams.
• Add the 49ers to the list of the teams that want Oakland receiver Chaz Schilens. The Phoenix native is visiting the Cardinals on Tuesday and the Jets reportedly like him, too.
• NFL.com is reporting Seattle tight end John Carlson will visit the Colts in addition to the Chiefs.
• The Raiders reportedly gave defensive lineman Desmond Bryant a second-round tender in restricted free agency. It would be a shock if another team tried to sign him to an offer sheet.

The Kansas City Chiefs might be ready to spend some big money in free agency. ESPN’s Adam Schefter is reporting the Chiefs are one of three teams that have a visit set up with standout right tackle Eric Winston who was a surprise salary-cap dump in Houston

Schefter reports Miami and St. Louis are also looking to visit with Winston. He would be a terrific fit in Kansas City. He’d be a major upgrade over Barry Richardson, who was the weak link of Kansas City’s offensive line. Winston would solidify a unit that has been in flux the past few years. The University of Miami product started every game for the past five years in Houston.

Signing Winston would also likely allow the Chiefs to concentrate on signing either a defensive tackle or linebacker in the first round of the draft.

The Chiefs -- who have franchise receiver Dwayne Bowe and who have added cornerback Stanford Routt -- have a lot of salary cap room and should be able to sign Winston if they chose to. The Chiefs are entertaining Seattle tight end John Carlson on Tuesday.

In other AFC West news:

• Oakland free agent Michael Bush bashed folks for reporting that he is visiting the Cardinals. Bush earlier tweeted that he was in Arizona, but said nothing about visiting the Cardinals.
• Schefter is reporting that Denver free agent Eddie Royal does not yet have a deal done with the Redskins. It has been reported elsewhere that the deal is done. Yet, Schefter said both sides are working to finalize a deal. It makes sense. Royal performed well for Washington coach Mike Shanahan as a rookie in Denver in 2008.
• The Raiders have officially announced they have cut tight end Kevin Boss. His release was first reported Monday. His agent tweeted earlier Tuesday he expected his client to be cut Wednesday.
• Schefter reported that the Broncos were one of a few teams to opt to take the extra $1.6 million in salary cap room next year instead of this year. Most teams were given the extra cap room because cap money was taken away from the Redskins and the Cowboys because of cap infractions. The Raiders were one of two teams not to be rewarded extra cap room because of a lesser infraction. The Raiders didn’t face any more penalties.
• Yet another veteran guard is available. Carolina cut Travelle Wharton. If the Chargers want a veteran to replace the recently retired Kris Dielman, they’ll have their choice. However, the team will likely put Tyronne Green at the spot.
• Former Oakland starter Jason Campbell has agreed to a one-year deal with Chicago, according to Schefter. I will have more thoughts on this deal later Wednesday.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter is reporting San Francisco is battling Dallas for Kansas City cornerback Brandon Carr. There is little chance Carr will return to Kansas City. The Chiefs chose instead to sign former Oakland cornerback Stanford Routt last month.

If Carr goes to San Francisco, perhaps Oakland could get in on 49ers’ free agent cornerback Carlos Rogers. The Rams are talking to Saints cornerback Tracy Porter. He has been considered a possible candidate for Oakland, because he played for new Raiders coach Dennis Allen in New Orleans.

In other AFC West news:

Oakland free-agent Michael Bush tweeted that he has just arrived in Arizona. He did not indicate whether he is visiting with the Cardinals. However, with free agency open, it’s a possibility. UPDATE: Bush later tweeted that he is in Arizona to train.

NFL.com is reporting Kansas City quarterback Kyle Orton is getting interest from Washington and Dallas. The Redskins are expected to draft Robert Griffin III, so Orton would likely be a backup in both spots. Kansas City has said it would like to see Orton return and compete with Matt Cassel. If Orton doesn’t opt to stay, perhaps it is because he thinks Cassel will be the starter in Kansas City.

NFL.com is reporting Oakland receiver Chaz Schilens will visit Arizona and the Jets. Schilens is from the Phoenix area.

ESPN's John Clayton is reporting Washington is talking to Denver receiver Eddie Royal. That makes total sense. Washington coach Mike Shanahan drafted Royal in 2008, and Royal excelled under Shanahan as a rookie.

The fact that Peyton Manning is going to visit with representatives from Miami and Tennessee probably doesn’t affect Denver’s chances of signing the quarterback. But it does affect the timeline.

ESPN’s Chris Mortensen is reporting Manning will meet with coaches from the Dolphins and Titans. However, the meetings aren’t expected to be full-blown visits. Manning had extensive facility visits with the Broncos and Cardinals during the weekend. According to Mortensen and Adam Schefter, the Broncos and Cardinals remain favorites to land Manning.

However, because Mortensen is reporting that Manning won’t talk to Titans officials until after Wednesday, Manning likely won’t make a final decision until Thursday at the earliest. Free agency starts Tuesday at 4 pm ET. The Broncos’ plan in free agency will very likely be affected by whether they sign Manning or not. But Denver is just going to have to deal with the timeline change, and the Denver Post reports the Broncos are among the teams to have preliminary talks with Manning’s agent.

Ultimately, the Broncos want Manning badly and they are willing to wait to get him.

The Peyton Manning sweepstakes may be winding down, and two things are becoming apparent.

The Denver Broncos have a real chance to change the landscape of their organization, and the Kansas City Chiefs better make a push for Manning if they want him. ESPN’s Adam Schefter and Chris Mortensen reported Sunday that Denver and Arizona appear to be the favorites to sign Manning.

They reported that other teams can get still get in the picture, but they quoted one source as saying his “gut is that Manning is leaning toward Denver." The report suggests Denver may have an advantage because Manning has a relationship with Denver football czar John Elway and head coach John Fox. Manning visited Denver on Friday and then went to Arizona.

Chiefs owner Clark Hunt has said the team is interested in Manning, but there haven’t been any reports that progress is being made on that front.

There is a chance Manning could make his decision in the next couple of days. The Broncos, I think, would like to see a decision made prior to 4 p.m. ET Tuesday when free agency begins. The Broncos’ needs and approach to free agency would be different if Manning is a Bronco.

While the Broncos could very well look to trade Tim Tebow if Manning is signed, Tebow could still be in Denver’s plans if the rare opportunity to sign Manning fails. Thus, Denver’s needs on offense will be completely different depending on who is the quarterback.

If Manning is signed, watch for Denver to gear up the passing game and go after receivers (Reggie Wayne, anyone?) and another tight end (Dallas Clark, anyone?). Basically do what it takes to try to win within the two- or three-year window that Manning, who turns 36 this month, would be in Denver.

For example, I think San Diego receiver Vincent Jackson -- who is from Colorado -- could suddenly be an option in Denver if Manning is signed. If Tebow is the quarterback, Jackson would not be an option. If Tebow is the quarterback, Denver will look to upgrade the running game much more than the passing game.

We will find out soon enough which direction Denver is going, but it appears it has a strong chance of moving forward with one of the best quarterbacks ever to play.

The Denver Broncos have gotten a jump on the Peyton Manning chase.

Television news helicopters followed Manning’s ride from a Denver-area airport to the Broncos facility, where Manning is meeting with team officials. It won’t be his last visit. ESPN’s Adam Schefter has reported that Manning will visit the Cardinals; Kansas City owner Clark Hunt has said the Chiefs have interest in Manning as well.

Expect Manning to make his decision within the next several days. The veteran quarterback will weigh several options before making his decision. Let's look at how the Broncos and the Chiefs stack up in several areas:

Finances

Denver: It has already been reported the Broncos are willing to spend whatever it takes to get Manning. Denver owner Pat Bowlen has seen Manning beat his team’s brains in for years. He’d happily pay to get Manning on his side.

Kansas City: The Chiefs are in great salary-cap shape. They can easily hang with any other team’s offer for Manning.

Supporting offensive cast

Denver: The Broncos have strong offensive linemen, a good running game and some solid receivers. There is room to get better and I’m sure the Broncos would promise Manning improvements, even allow him to make suggestions.

Kansas City: The Chiefs have a better supporting cast in the passing game than Denver. Manning would likely be thrilled to throw to receivers Dwayne Bowe, Jon Baldwin and Steve Breaston and tight end Tony Moeaki. The Chiefs can run the ball, too. And Manning would reunite with former Colts teammate guard Ryan Lilja.

Defense

Denver: The Broncos have an improved defense and are expected to try to get better. If the six-game suspension of linebacker D.J. Williams holds up, however, it will weaken the group.

Kansas City: Romeo Crennel’s defense was fabulous at the end of last season and it has a chance to be a stellar group with a few additions. Manning would have to be impressed by this group.

Coaching staff

Denver: Denver head coach John Fox loves veteran quarterbacks and is a noted players' coach. He and Manning would be a natural fit. Offensively, the Broncos showed last season that they are more than willing to adjust their system to their quarterback. Manning would like this group.

Kansas City: Crennel runs a New England-like ship. No opponent knows how important coaching was to New England’s success better than Manning. I think Crennel and his staff would work well with Manning.

Intangibles

Denver: The Broncos have something no other competitor for Manning has: a Hall of Fame quarterback running the show. John Elway would give Manning what he wanted, and he understands what it is like to be in Manning’s shoes as few others do.

Kansas City: The Chiefs don’t have a Hall of Famer running the show, but Hall of Famer Len Dawson is never too far off.

Room for friends

Denver: The Broncos could be open to signing several of Manning’s former Colts teammates, including center Jeff Saturday, receiver Reggie Wayne and tight end Dallas Clark. That would appeal to Manning.

Kansas City: The Chiefs are pretty set at receiver and tight end. I could see them making room for Saturday, however.

Ability to win now

Denver: The Broncos went from being 4-12 in 2010 to going 8-8 and winning a playoff game in 2011. With Manning and a few more pieces, the Broncos would be a threat to make a deep playoff run.

Kansas City: The Chiefs went 7-9 in 2011 despite several injuries. Adding Manning could make the Chiefs a dark-horse Super Bowl choice.

Conclusion: Both teams have strong selling points to Manning and both have the means to get it done. It will come down to a comfort level for Manning, who will also consider other teams. But there’s no doubt that both the Broncos and Chiefs will be in this chase for the long haul.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter is reporting the Denver Broncos will be one of the teams that inquire about Peyton Manning, who is now free to sign with any club.

Denver’s interest makes sense. We wrote Tuesday that we thought the Broncos could be one of the teams to make a play for Manning. ESPN analyst Trent Dilfer said Tuesday he believes Denver, along with Arizona, makes the most sense for Manning.

The fact that the Broncos are going to inquire about Manning doesn’t mean they’ll be big players, but it does show the team has some interest in Manning. Let’s look at some of the factors:

Tim Tebow: The Broncos have said Tebow will go to training camp as the starter. I don’t think their interest in Manning is an indication the Broncos are searching for a reason to get out of their commitment to Tebow. The opportunity to sign Manning is a unique one. I think Manning is one of the few quarterbacks Denver could bring in as its starter this season that wouldn’t cause fan backlash. Everyone would have to understand the reason why he is being brought in. However, if Denver’s pursuit of Manning doesn’t go anywhere, I think the Broncos will still give Tebow this season to prove himself.

Broncos VP John Elway: I knew Elway would be tempted to pursue Manning. Both are legendary quarterbacks. Elway owes it to himself to gauge Manning’s interest in being a Bronco.

Coach John Fox: Fox loves veteran quarterbacks, and he has a very outgoing personality. Players love working for him and he runs a player-friendly show. The defensive specialist would give Manning the keys to the offense.

Supporting cast: Manning could make a major difference on this team. He would benefit from the team's strong running game and the Broncos do have some young receivers and an improving defense. The Broncos would still have to add a receiver or two and a tight end in addition to their other needs. They have room under the salary cap to get better. I don’t think this roster would be a deterrent for Manning.

New San Diego defensive coordinator John Pagano expressed his delight in the fact that his brother, Chuck, became the head coach in Indianapolis on Wednesday. Yet, John Pagano made it clear he has no designs on leaving the Chargers to join the Colts’ staff.

“It would be an honor to work with my brother, but I have the job I’ve always dreamed of,” Pagano said in a statement released by the Chargers. He was promoted to defensive coordinator from linebackers coach earlier this month. Chuck Pagano was the Ravens’ defensive coordinator prior to being hired by the Colts.

Meanwhile, it wouldn’t be a surprise if former Oakland coach Hue Jackson was a candidate to be offensive coordinator in Indianapolis. He worked with Chuck Pagano in Baltimore. Jackson interviewed for the quarterback coaching job in Arizona on Monday.

Meanwhile, new Oakland general manager Reggie McKenzie confirmed the inevitable.