Okay, okay, maybe he’s only the second most talked about item, behind, of course, the surging Denver Tebows Broncos. Still, for the last several months, Manning has drawn more gossip and back-page press than the National Enquirer.

The Colts, whom he’s currently under contract with, are weighing their only options, trying to determine whether to retain him — eating a $28 million option bonus for a potential mentor to Andrew Luck — or cut him loose, an unfathomable scenario to Indianapolis’ faithful.

If it’s the latter, we may have early insight into where Peyton may end up.

Per NFL Network’s Jason La Canfora, “general managers around the league” have mentioned the Seahawks, Cardinals, and 49ers as “possible destinations” for Manning.

The recent buzz has linked Manning to the Jets, who are revamping their offensive coaching staff after a late-season meltdown culminated in locker room turmoil and dissension. Quarterback Mark Sanchez has been trashed lately, both by the media and his own teammates, who’ve publicly come out and suggested that Gang Green needs to look elsewhere for their franchise signal-caller.

Might the Jets heed their call, and, for the second time in four years, swoop in and acquire a future Hall of Fame QB? Could the Big Apple become occupied by the Brothers Manning?

To quote Lee Corso: Not so fast, my friend.

La Canfora threw cold water on the idea Thursday, saying the potential marriage doesn’t add up and is unlikely to materialize.

“People I talk to in the league just don’t see it happening,” La Canfora told “NFL Total Access on Thursday. “It just doesn’t add up to where (Manning) wants to be.”

No, the real horses in this race evidently reside in the NFC West.

On top of what La Canfora is hearing, CBS’ Charley Casserly, a well-respected name in league circles, dubbed the Cardinals as the “one team to watch” due to the probable departure of Kevin Kolb, and coach Ken Whisenhunt’s prior experience with an all-time great under center.

It’s a fit that’d make sense from a logistical standpoint, too. Arizona offers everything the Colts do — and more.

Manning would continue to play indoors, with an elite receiver, an above-average running game, and … the best part? Doing so in a division that even the Crimson Tide could give a run for its money.

ESPN.com reports that the Seahawks will place Rice on injured reserve, effectively ending the year of Seattle’s $41 million free agent prize.

Rice suffered a concussion during last Sunday’s loss to the Redskins — his second in less than a month.

He finishes the 2011 campaign with 32 catches for 484 yards and two touchdowns in nine games.

Rice missed the first two games after injuring his shoulder in the preseason, and now has played in only 15 contests in the last two years, placing a giant red-flag on the 25-year-old’s future.

He’ll return in 2012 as the Seahawks’ No. 1 receiver, but will need to first prove he can stay healthy for a full 16-game docket.

In the meantime, Ben Obomanu and Doug Baldwin should take over atop the Hawks’ depth chart.

Although it was (assumed to be) a tongue-in-cheek gesture, Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll went a step beyond, and took to Twitter Wednesday to offer Bron Bron an open invitation to Seattle’s roster in the form of a custom made jersey. Check it out above.

While James is known to be a bit of a jokester, it wouldn’t be the first time we see a player cross-over in sports; Michael Jordan and Bo Jackson come to mind immediately. And with LeBron out of a job, the possibility — although extremely faint — of him donning shoulder pads and the like becomes that much more tangible.

However, it’ll ultimately remain a pipe dream as James will stick to the hardwood, even if his season is truncated — or lost altogether.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Seahawks traded corner Kelly Jennings to the Bengals in exchange for defensive tackle Clinton McDonald.

Jennings, the ‘Hawks 2006 first-round pick, was a consistent member of Seattle’s secondary, starting all 16 games in every season but 2010 (14 games). He’s been bit of a disappointment considering his draft status, only recording two interceptions in his career, despite notching 47 pass breakups.

In Cincinnati, Jennings will step into the nickelback role with Jones on the shelf until midseason. He’ll play behind incumbent starters Leon Hall and Nate Clements, but doesn’t possess nearly the same athletic ability as the man he’s essentially replacing.

Jennings proved to be susceptible to the big play every now and then, so teams with deadly slot receivers will have a definite advantage in that department. Though, for $1.835 million — Jennings’ 2011 salary — they could’ve done worse in acquiring a fill-in.

Per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, middle linebacker Lofa Tatupu will be released by the ‘Hawks after the two sides decided to “mutually part ways.”

Seattle couldn’t reach an agreement on a restructured contract with Tatupu, putting the 28-year-old out of work — at least for the time being.

A six-year starter with the Seahawks, Tatupu started off his career like gangbusters, recording 300+ tackles, 6.5 sacks, and eight interceptions. In each of his first three seasons, the former USC Trojan made the Pro Bowl, and earned All-Pro honors in 2007.

Since then, however, Tatupu has fallen off hard. 2009 was by far his worst season, having played in just five games due to injury, and he didn’t exactly have a bounceback 2010 campaign.

Seattle had a better option to man the middle of their defense in David Hawthorne, so they’re simply cutting bait with the ineffective Tatupu and moving on.

Despite a downward trend in his career, he should attract some definite interest around the league and becomes one of the better middle ‘backers available in free agency.

Might the Eagles target Tatupu? Considering they’ve already signed just about every other football player known to man, there’s a chance they just may add him to their incredibly loaded roster.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter — the NFL’s busiest man — reports that the Seahawks and free agent receiver Sidney Rice have agreed to terms on a five-year contract that’s worth up to $41 million, including $18.5 million in guarantees.

The deal is contingent on Rice passing a physical, which is no slam dunk considering the former Viking missed most of last season after undergoing hip surgery.

As with many high-profile signings, “overpaid” is a word that immediately comes to mind when glancing at the total amount of the contract. In Seattle’s case, though, it may be justified.

The ‘Hawks already lured offensive coordinator Darrell Bevel away from Minnesota, and also acquired former Vikes quarterback Tarvaris Jackson on Tuesday. Adding Rice into the equation means there should be familiarity both on the sidelines and in the huddle.

Rice, who was one of the top prospects on the open market, instantly becomes Seattle’s new playmaker, replacing Mike Williams, who’s more suited as a possession threat.

But this will all be for naught if Jackson continues to display his patented inability of getting his wideouts the ball. Taking that into account, as well as Rice’s injury history, makes this a classic example of a high-risk, high-reward gamble.

Darrell Bevell

As we approach Championship Sunday, there has been more coordinator movement; one team brought aboard an offensive boss, while another gave their DC the boot.

The Seattle Seahawks have hired Darrell Bevell to be their new offensive coordinator. Bevell, who was in-limbo with the Vikings, became the ‘Hawks’ leading candidate for the job after Minnesota chose his replacement yesterday. As Minny’s offensive coordinator for the last five seasons, he’s generally coached solid offenses, though 2010 was a down year for his unit — the Vikings finished 29th in points. In Seattle, Bevell will try to improve an offense that averaged just 89 rushing yards per game this season.

He replaces Jeremy Bates, who coach Pete Carroll and the organization decided to let go due to “philosophical differences.” Bevell is now the fourth Seahawks OC in the last four years, but this hire should stick – he’s already worked with quarterback Matt Hasselbeck during his one season with the Packers. If they can get some consistency out of Hasselbeck in 2011, the offense should pick up its productivity with a new mind drawing up the plays.

While Bevell got his opportunity with a new squad, the Titans’ Chuck Cecil was given his walking papers. Tennessee informed Cecil that he will not be retained after two seasons as their defensive coordinator. Despite the sudden bad news, Cecil took it in stride.

“I was pretty surprised. Nothing surprises you in this business. You just have to move on. I can’t be more thankful than the opportunity I was given and I’ll take those things with me to my next job” Cecil said. I don’t want to turn this into a negative spin kind of thing. That’s life in the NFL. I owe a debt of gratitude to Jeff Fisher and Bud Adams and the Titans organization and I wish them the best of luck moving forward.’’

It’d be a stretch to say this was a shocking move; Cecil’s defense finished the season 26th in total defense and was ranked near the bottom in yards allowed. Cecil also showed poor judgment in Week 4′s game against the Broncos when he gave the middle finger to an official after a play. He was eventually fined $40,000 by the league for the gesture and the Titans organization was not pleased, to say the least.

Ultimately, Tennessee finished 6-10, losing eight of its final nine games, and the defense’s performance (or lack thereof) is what did him in. Fortunately for Cecil, he has the kind of resume that will likely land him a job as a positional coach with another team.

Mike Williams

UPDATE (1/3): The deal is official and the Seahawks have confirmed it. Still no mention on how much it’s worth.

Before the Seattle Seahawks take on the St. Louis Rams tonight with the NFC West division on the line, they’re looking to re-sign their leading receiver to a new deal.

According to FOX Sports’ Jay Glazer, the Seahawks will agree to terms with Mike Williams on a three-year contract extension. The value of the new deal is unknown, though it’s not expected to be overly lucrative.

Williams, deemed a bust by many after essentially eating his way out of the league two years ago, had a great return to the NFL with the ‘Hawks. Despite being on an offense that doesn’t exactly light up scoreboards, Big Mike lead the team with 62 receptions for 735 yards, while looking like a very solid possession receiver.

Now that he’ll be in Seattle for at least the next couple of seasons, Seattle can focus on pairing him with a speedster who’s capable of getting behind defenses. Rookie Golden Tate could fill that role, although he’s just not there yet.

Look for quarterback Matt Hasselbeck (or Charlie Whitehurst) to target Williams tonight as the Rams defense could be had through the air. It wouldn’t shock me if Williams finished with a respectable stat line en route to capturing the division.

Raheem Brock

Per the Seattle Times, Seahawks defensive end Raheem Brock was arrested for DUI early on Saturday morning.

The incident took place at 3 a.m. local time on Interstate 5 in Seattle. Although he was cuffed, police didn’t take Brock to jail and he was free to go, charges pending.

Because this is first run-in with the law since entering the league, he’s unlikely to be severely disciplined by commissioner Goodell.

The former long-time Indianapolis Colt, Brock signed with the Seahawks prior to the season and has recorded three sacks to date.

He was also active in Sunday’s win over the Cardinals.

Randy Moss

Free-agent Randy Moss will be the big story of the day. Which teams put a claim in on him? Who will be awarded the future Hall of Fame receiver?

We know of at least four teams that are out of the Moss sweepstakes.

According to multiple reports, the Dallas Cowboys, New York Jets, Cleveland Browns, and Seattle Seahawks are not interested in claiming Moss. There’s also another handful that are unlikely to pursue him.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter states the Dolphins are a “very possible landing spot”, which confirms the Herald’s story earlier in the day. Schefter also includes the St. Louis Rams, Oakland Raiders, and Tennessee Titans as potential destinations for Moss.

The news is coming in fast, so expect the updates to continue as the day goes on.