Peyton Manning will not rush his decision to retire, nor will the Denver Broncos give him an ultimatum, but there now appears to be a de facto deadline for some kind of resolution. Just days before the start of the new league year for the NFL, the Broncos reaffirmed their stance of letting Manning take his time deciding his future.
The Broncos have now reiterated that sentiment and have not informed the future Hall of Fame quarterback that he would be cut from the team if he does not retire. Brock Osweiler may be the future franchise QB, but this new development leaves open the possibility of him sitting another year or at least splitting time with Manning one way or another.
The Broncos will be responsible for Manning's $19 million salary next season if they do not cut him before Wednesday, March 9. Meanwhile, the Broncos are known to be negotiating a new contract for Osweiler, who played seven games this season while Manning was sidelined with a foot injury.
Broncos head coach Gary Kubiak indicated last week that neither he nor team President John Elway have set a deadline for Manning to make up his mind. In addition to those comments, Kubiak also called Osweiler "special" and made it clear the team wants to bring him back.
Given that the Broncos want to retain Osweiler for now and for the future while also keeping as many of their defensive core players as possible, there seems to be no room for Manning's salary. The team has already applied the franchise tag to linebacker Von Miller, but they will certainly try to sign him long-term next winter.
The Seattle Seahawks have shown what having a talented, cohesive defensive unit can do for a team, but they also illustrated how frustrating it can be for both the front office and the players to make sure everyone is paid their due while staying under the salary cap. The Broncos are already in for some cap difficulties this offseason, such as potentially losing Malik Jackson, who is projected to be one of the more coveted defensive players available in free agency.
