The Denver Broncos’ apparent desire to retain and develop quarterback Brock Osweiler could spell the end of Peyton Manning’s career in the Mile High City.
The Broncos have decided to “move on” from Manning and offer Osweiler a new contract, Darren McKee of Denver radio station KKFN reported Thursday, citing sources, according to CBS Boston’s “Toucher and Rich” show.
The decision on the Denver quarterbacks comes just six days before March 9, the start of the NFL’s new year and the day Manning’s $19 million salary would become guaranteed.
Manning, 39, hasn’t decided whether he’ll play a 19th NFL season or retire having just won the Super Bowl. Numerous rumors are swirling around, but McKee’s report suggests Manning’s future lies somewhere other than Denver.
Releasing Manning would free salary cap room for the Broncos to convince Osweiler to remain in Denver and shun free agency. The Broncos’ exclusive window to negotiate with the 25-year-old closes Monday.
Broncos general manager John Elway doesn’t have much time to shuffle his team’s quarterback deck, as circumstances could take it out of his hands as soon as next week.
Thumbnail photo via Ron Chenoy/USA TODAY Sports Images
