The Dolphins are in the market for a franchise quarterback, according to a report in the South Florida Sun Sentinel.

The report, by Sun Sentinel reporter and PFW Dolphins correspondent Omar Kelly, says Dolphins owner Stephen Ross may try to sign Peyton Manning if, as some expect, the Colts choose not to pay the four-time league MVP a $28 million roster bonus he is due March 8, five days before the start of the new league year, and Manning becomes a free agent who is healthy enough to resume his playing career.

Other options the team may consider, according to the report, are trading up in the draft to select Baylor QB Robert Griffin III or signing Packers free-agent-to-be Matt Flynn. Recently hired head coach Joe Philbin was Flynn's offensive coordinator in Green Bay and knows his capabilities perhaps better than anyone else, so his appraisal of Aaron Rodgers' backup would be expected to carry a lot of weight.

The Dolphins' quarterback this past season, Matt Moore, went 6-6 in 12 starts with 16 TD passes, nine interceptions and an 87.1 passer rating.

The way we see it

Although pursuing Manning, if he's available, would bring instant credibility to a Dolphins franchise that hasn't had a winning record since 2008, Manning might have better options as a free agent in terms of joining a team that's already a playoff contender. A more likely scenario is that the Dolphins would draft one of the top-rated quarterbacks in April or sign Flynn, who might be persuaded to join his former mentor — if Philbin is convinced that Flynn is the real deal.