Broncos make Peyton Manning decision before he does

If Peyton Manning wants another shot at glory, it appears it will have to be outside of Denver.

As the world waits to see whether it’s seen Manning’s last act on the football field, a gritty Super Bowl 50 victory, or whether the legend will be back for another season, Denver is proceeding without him.

In discussing deals with free agents while mindful of the salary cap, the Broncos are acting as if Manning’s $19 million 2016 salary — and $21.5 million cap hit — will not be on their books, with the presumption being that if he does not retire, he will be cut, according to Fox Sports.

With Brock Osweiler — a free agent who showed potential in Manning’s absence last season — Denver is believed to be earmarking significant money for the 25-year-old over the draining cap commitment of 39-year-old Manning.

Of course, GM John Elway likely hopes Manning calls it quits and takes the team’s decision out of its hands. The Denver Post reported Friday what everyone assumed — that Manning would hang up his cleats — citing two sources saying he would retire by the end of this week. The Broncos quickly quenched that report, with the team’s VP of public relations denying Manning had made a decision.

 

	Patrick Smyth @psmyth12
Peyton has not made a decision on his future. Plan remains for him to continue talks with the team this week. twitter.com/danielpetty/st… 6:07 PM - 27 Feb 2016

The unofficial deadline for Manning would be March 9, when free agency begins and the two-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback’s contract would be guaranteed.

But the Broncos aren’t waiting around for him to make a decision. Now, the question is whether another team is penciling in a gaudy contract for the icon, who will turn 40 next month. Like the Rams?