There has been a lot of speculation recently on the status of future Hall of Famer Peyton Manning. The 38 year old, 14 time Pro Bowler recently ended his third season in Denver. The Broncos finished the regular season 12-4 but quickly bowed out of the playoffs with a loss to Manning’s former team, the Indianapolis Colts.
Since that time, rumors have been spreading on whether or not Manning would be back for the 2015 season.
After a meeting with general manager John Elway and other Broncos brass, ESPN’s Chris Mortensen is reporting that Manning is ready to go for 2015:
Peyton Manning reassured Denver Broncos officials, including general manager John Elway, that he is physically and mentally prepared to play at a significant level in 2015, league and team sources told ESPN.
The two sides met Thursday in Denver, and while retirement technically remains an option for Manning, it is not one he expressed to Elway and CEO Joe Ellis, sources said.
Both sides hope to have clarity on Manning’s future by the middle to the end of next week, though there is no absolute deadline for a resolution, sources said.
Elway has publicly stated that he wants Manning to return, but it is uncertain under what conditions and whether it includes a dramatic restructuring of the veteran’s contract.
Manning saw a slight drop off in completion percentage in 2014 as well as an increase in interceptions. The big question is if that had more to do with his age, his lingering quad injury or a little bit of both. Manning’s salary for 2015 is $19 million and it is guaranteed if he’s on the roster after March 9th. All signs point to Manning being a “go” for 2015 and if anything changes we will know in a hurry with that March 9th date quickly approaching.
