The Denver Broncos are ready to engage in talks on a new contract with Brock Osweiler, but they reportedly are waiting to do so out of respect to Peyton Manning.
According to KUSA’s Mike Klis, Denver plans on Osweiler being their starting quarterback in 2016, but they are holding off on negotiations until Manning announces a decision on his future. Osweiler can become a free agent on March 9, which is also the date that Manning’s $19 million salary for 2016 would become guaranteed. It is believed that Manning will inform the Broncos of his decision before that happens.
Klis also reports that the Broncos have begun negotiating “in earnest” with defensive end Malik Jackson, though he may still hit free agency. There have been no discussions with Super Bowl MVP Von Miller, with the Broncos believed to be planning on using the franchise tag on him and negotiating a long-term deal after that.
Osweiler started seven games as Manning battled injury in 2015, going 5-2 in those games before being benched during the team’s final game of the regular season, paving the way for the Manning renaissance. As long as Denver keeps that defense together, Osweiler would probably be able to win a few games. The team has said there is no deadline for Manning’s retirement decision, though both parties certainly know when that guaranteed salary kicks in.
