The Denver Broncos could be in for some major changes come 2015, as John Fox could potentially move on or get fired and this comes as Peyton manning has been dealing with a serious injury for a month and could consider retirement, while names like Demaryius Thomas, Wes Welker, Terrance Knighton and Julius Thomas will be hitting the free agent market and that leaves a lot up in the air for Manning after this latest playoff loss.
Manning also could hang things up and it comes after Adam Schefter reported that he was dealing with a quad injury down the stretch of the season. According to ESPN.com, Manning has been dealing with a torn right quad for about a month and that may explain why he was so hobbled in the game on Sunday. Schefter reported that Manning dealt with the injury back in December and it came in a game against the Chargers.
Jay Glazer at Fox Sports reports that the Broncos and John Fox could part ways after this playoffs loss, as John Elway may be making some major changes with the franchise. Glazer wrote that teams could target Fox if he is let go or resigns and on top of that, both offensive coordinator Adam Gase and defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio have also been targeted for coaching jobs. If Fox ends up leaving, Elway could look at one of those candidates, but he likely will have to act fast, as Gase has been a target for the San Francisco 49ers, Chicago Bears and Falcons.
Manning has lost in his first playoff game numerous times and now he adds another one to the list and this is another chance for the Peyton detractors to score some points. Manning's future is up in the air as well, but he is likely to come back and that puts pressure on John Elway to try and keep the roster together for another playoffs run. Pro Football Talk wrote over the weekend that Fox could be on the hot seat if the Broncos lost and now Elway will have some decisions to make.
The Broncos have won the AFC West every year that Manning has been with the team, but after the embarrassment in the Super Bowl last season and the early exit now, things could be different in Denver next year. The team put a ton of money into the defense, signing DeMarcus Ware, TJ Ward and Aqib Talib and now Elway will have to try and keep things together moving forward. Thomas and Thomas will cost some money, while Welker is likely gone after having a disappointing season while also dealing with concussion issues.
The Broncos have at least five starters hitting the market in free agency and other players like Brandon Marshall, Tony Carter and Steven Johnson are restricted free agents. Demaryius Thomas and Julius Thomas are the two big names to keep an eye on, as Demaryius was one of the best receivers in the league, while Julius tied for the lead with 12 touchdowns this year at tight end. Rahim Moore, Orlando Franklin and Wes Welker are also significant names hitting the market for the Broncos.