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Report: Peyton Manning likely to return to Broncos in 2015

By Ethan Finkelstein

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In NFL news, sources close to Peyton Manning say the quarterback is expected to return to the Denver Broncos next season.

Peyton Manning maybe has some football left in him. At least, that is what reports are indicating.

According to the Denver Post‘s Woody Paige, sources close to the quarterback claim he is likely to return to the Broncos next season, pending the results of a physical. If such is the case, he will do so with an entirely new coaching staff, headlined by first-year hire Gary Kubiak. Manning, who will be 39 this coming March, is set to make $19 million in salary next season. While the reports indicate he wants to return to the field, his ultimate decision will hinge on his annual off-season evaluation, as stipulated per his original contract with the franchise.

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Manning’s health is certainly one of the chief concerns for the team, as No. 18 had an excruciating final month to the 2014 NFL regular season. During that stretch, the Broncos managed to go 3-1, but their quarterback looked off, throwing for just 990 yards, 3 TD, 6 INT, and a passer rating of 76.8. After securing a first-round bye in the playoffs with the second overall seed in the AFC, Denver would go on to lose to the Indianapolis Colts at home, 24-13, with Manning completing just 26 of his 46 pass attempts for 1 TD and 211 yards. It was an uninspired performance, one that may have ultimately cost John Fox his job as head coach.

Some time after the game, reports had surfaced that Manning was playing with a torn quad that he had suffered weeks prior against the San Diego Chargers. As a result, he will miss the annual Pro Bowl, but will be on the field at the Super Bowl to accept the Bart Starr Award, an honor given to players who exhibit exceptional leadership and character both in NFL uniform, and in their everyday lives.

There is a lot to look forward to should Manning return next season. Those familiar with coach Kubiak say that the potential pairing would be a perfect fit for Manning. The man at the helm of the Broncos had the following to say about his prospective quarterback:

“Well, it’s easy to build a playbook for him. I mean, he’s been the master at it for many, many years, and you’re talking about a Hall of Fame player, a Hall of Fame person.”

For Manning, there are still a few things left to play for. The first reason pertains to the remaining records he is within reach of. With just eight more regular season victories, he will take sole possession of first place all-time. Manning is also just 2,148 yards shy of Brett Favre’s career passing total.

But for Peyton, one thing remains paramount over all else: A fourth Super Bowl appearance. And as nice as that might be, a second ring would perhaps put a final ribbon on a career that will almost certainly be in the “greatest of all-time” discussion. It would finish the job he started back in 2012, when he first took the reins of the franchise. Owner Pat Bowlen would love nothing more, and general manager John Elway can certainly relate. The latter knows a thing or two about retiring on top.

H/T Denver Post

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