Remember the reports from earlier this year that said the Denver Broncos were undecided on Peyton Manning’s future? Remember how it took a long time before they finally got him under contract for next season? Yeah, apparently there was a lot more to that despite John Elway’s denials.
Benjamin Albright reported on Twitter Tuesday that the Broncos tried to trade Manning to the Houston Texans over the offseason. Recall that the Texans were finalists to sign Manning when he chose Denver after Indy released him. Albright also says some people in the organization wanted to turn the team over to backup QB Brock Osweiler.
#Broncos attempted to trade Peyton Manning this off-season to the Houston #Texans per more than one source in position to know. (1/2)
— Benjamin Allbright (@AllbrightNFL) June 23, 2015
2/2 Certain elements of Broncos organization wanted Osweiler era to begin this season.
— Benjamin Allbright (@AllbrightNFL) June 23, 2015
There was speculation as early as mid-January that the team was trying to force Manning out. They got rid of some of his favorite coaches, including John Fox. When they eventually brought Manning back in March, it was at a discounted rate.
In the end, Elway was doing well up until now. He shopped Manning, tried to get rid of him, downplayed the speculation that they didn’t want the QB back, then brought him back at a discounted rate, all while not completely insulting the Hall of Famer. After this, though, Manning might be somewhat upset with the organization.
For what it’s worth, some within the Texans denied the report:
Sorry this took so long, but I wanted to talk with 3 Texans sources I trust about Manning report. All tell me it's not true.
— John McClain (@McClain_on_NFL) June 24, 2015
What would you expect them to say?
