After the Denver Broncos‘ win in Super Bowl 50, John Elway said there was no deadline for quarterback Peyton Manning to make a decision about his future. But Elway acknowledged this week that there is indeed a deadline for Manning to make a decision, and it’s coming quickly.
The Broncos have a lot of decisions to make on some looming in-house free agents, most notably Super Bowl MVP Von Miller, quarterback Brock Osweiler and defensive lineman Malik Jackson, so it would be nice to know what Manning will do. When asked on Pro Football Talk, Elway said he will know what Manning will do by March 9. That is the start of the league year, and also when Manning’s $19 million salary for this year becomes fully guaranteed.
It’s safe to assume the Broncos want that extra $19 million in salary cap flexibility. It’s also possible they don’t want Manning back at all, at any salary, and if he intends to play next season an outright release would become the best option for both sides.
There’s plenty of evidence that Manning needs to retire. He had the worst statistical season of his career and is approaching 40 years old. But his hesitancy to tell the Broncos his plans suggests the possibility of an ego-driven decision to keep playing, and the Broncos simply can’t play the waiting game much longer.
News attached to Denver’s negotiations with Osweiler is surely being closely monitored by Manning, which may be a factor in any delay of his retirement decision. If not for a Super Bowl win and his name, Manning probably would have already been released based on how poorly he played last season. If he continues to drag his feet much longer, beyond a week in my opinion, Elway and the Broncos should be ready to cut Manning and move on.
