Peyton Manning is not planning to retire at the end of the 2015 season, at least according to one NFL reporter.
Appearing on “Football Night in America” Sunday night, Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk said he spoke to someone familiar with Manning’s plans who said the 39-year-old plans to play in 2016, even if he is not a member of the Denver Broncos.
“I’m told he currently intends to play next year, even if it’s not for the Broncos,” Florio said.
Tony Dungy, who is a co-host on the program, said that he has not heard the same information as Florio. Dungy coached Manning for several years when the two were with the Indianapolis Colts.
Manning is currently nursing multiple injuries, the most notable of which is a torn plantar fascia in his foot. Brock Osweiler started for the Broncos on Sunday and threw for 250 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions in a 17-15 win over the Chicago Bears.
Given the way Manning played down the stretch last year and through the first half of this season, there is a growing sense that Osweiler could steal his job if the former Arizona State star plays well. Some NFL teams are reportedly already thinking about offering Manning a job (details here) when he hangs up his cleats, but that may not be until the end of 2016.
Manning is under contract with the Broncos next season for a base salary of $19 million. He restructured his deal for 2015 prior to the season.
