The Denver Broncos are still reeling from their second-straight disappointing post-season loss. Among the many questions going into the offseason, the return (or exit) of Peyton Manning undoubtedly leads the list.
But, according to pro-bowl defensive end, DeMarcus Ware, it’s not so much of a question of IF Manning will return to the Broncos next year; but when?
“Me and Peyton will always talk back and forth about things. Now he’s just looking forward to the next season and how we can get better,” Ware told USA TODAY Sports on Thursday. “I think he’ll be back. I feel like he still has a couple years in him. He just needs time to get healthy, rest,” Ware said. “Calm the brain down. Turn it off a little bit and then hit the restart button once it’s time.”
While it’s been reported that general manager John Elway has stated he’d like to see Manning return, anyone with an eye for football can recognize Peyton Manning’s natural decline. He’ll be 39 in March, a young man in the real world, but considered ancient in the NFL. Although Manning is still playing at a higher level than most of the other QBs in the league, he is beginning to resemble a concrete ceiling. The Broncos bet the farm on multiple, high-paid free-agents and still were a playoff flop, with much of the reason coming from the QB position. That hasn’t been Manning-esq historically, however recently, it’s been all too familiar.
Manning is a surefire 1st ballot Hall of Famer, so not bringing him back if he wants to play will be easier said than done for Elway. However, with no coaching staff and so much uncertainty surrounding the Broncos, will it be worth it for Manning to extend the end for ANOTHER year? Either way, the Broncos have until March 9 to decide. That’s when Manning’s full 2015 salary ($19 million) becomes guaranteed.
[h/t USA Today]