Peyton Manning took some time after the NFL season ended to think about his future and decide whether or not he wants to play again next season. Manning is turning 39 next month and was limited by a quad injury in the later portion of the season. He ultimately told the Broncos that he wants to come back, but the question then became whether or not Denver wanted him back. It sounds like they do.
Writing in his “The Monday Morning Quarterback” column, Peter King says the Broncos “definitely” want Manning back next season.
I think the Broncos definitely want Manning back for 2015. Take that to the bank. John Elway knows Denver’s best chance to go deep in the playoffs in 2015 is with Manning at quarterback. Elway and the Broncos might quietly rattle some sabers about lowering Manning’s salary in 2015.
Perhaps all the reports about the Broncos being undecided on Manning’s future have to do with trying to get leverage for the QB to take a pay cut so he doesn’t count as much against the salary cap (he’s set to earn $19 million next season and count for $21.5 million against the cap). Though he had the quad injury and was not the same at the end of last season, Manning was still one of the best quarterbacks in the league the first part of the season. The Broncos have to be more confident in having him over backup Brock Osweiler leading the team.
