Might Hutchinson help land Manning?

Tennessee’s pursuit of former Vikings guard Steve Hutchinson might be able to help them land Peyton Manning.

The Tennessee Titans are reportedly hoping the pursuit of one perennial Pro Bowler will help them land another.

The Titans were planning to meet with former Minnesota Vikings guard Steve Hutchinson, league sources told ESPN, and hoped adding him would make Tennessee a more tempting place for Peyton Manning to play.

The players have become friendly after spending time together during the Pro Bowl over the years, as Manning's been to 11 of them and Hutchinson seven.

Hutchinson, who was released by the Vikings during their three-player salary purge last week, also drew the Titans' interest before Manning entered the picture.

But at this point, any little bit that could help Tennessee break through to sign the former Indianapolis Colts quarterback would be seen as a benefit.

Titans owner Bud Adams made it clear where his priorities are this weekend.

"I want Manning," he told The Tennessean. "I'd love to see him in Titan blue after watching him so many years with the Colts – I want him. I am ready to do what it takes to get him aboard, and I think he'd be the guy to get us into the playoffs."

They were strong words, which the Titans will have to back up with stronger actions as the fight for Manning has been in full swing.

Manning was set to visit with Titans coach Mike Munchak and other Titans coaches Tuesday or Wednesday, sources told ESPN, but he's already met with three teams.

The most recent was the Miami Dolphins, where Manning spent six hours with head coach Joe Philbin, the NFL Network reported.

Manning has also had extensive visits with the Denver Broncos and Arizona Cardinals and ESPN reported last week the Broncos were in the lead, but the race was not yet over.

Tennessee's pursuit of Manning halted its previous focus on going after Houston Texans defensive end Mario Williams, a league source told ESPN.