The Denver Broncos are expecting the return of Peyton Manning in 2015 after hiring Gary Kubiak to take over as head coach and the team could have some major changes, as Demaryius Thomas, Wes Welker and Julius Thomas are all free agents and that could lead the team to target Larry Fitzgerald if he is released by the Cardinals.
Manning has not made his decision official on coming back for 2015, but recent reports have the legendary quarterback returning for another season. According to the Denver Post, Manning plans on returning for next season, as sources have said to Woody Paige that he will take his annual physical and let the team know before March 9 that he wants to come back. Gary Kubiak takes over as head coach for the Broncos after John Fox was let go and both Kubiak and John Elway have both said that they want the quarterback to return.
The Broncos lost again in the playoffs after getting one of the top seeds in the AFC and that was one of the reasons why the team let Fox go. Elway and Fox reportedly disagreed with how to move forward into 2015 and now Kubiak takes over after previously working as offensive coordinator with the Ravens. Kubiak has a long history with Elway and while he normally uses a Kubiak runs a Shanahan West Coast offense, Kubiak said to reporters that he wouldn't "force" his offense on Manning.
Kubiak said that he would give Manning "wide latitude" when it comes to the offense if he returns and that he would be open to using different schemes. Manning is set to make $19 million if he returns next season and right now the main backup is Brock Osweiler. The Broncos will have some tough decisions to make, as Demaryius Thomas and Julius Thomas are both hitting the free agent market. Wes Welker also has his contract up, but he is not expected to be re-signed.
Thomas the wide receiver is likely to stay, as he was the top target this season for Peyton Manning, making 111 receptions for over 1600 yards and 11 touchdowns. The team has Emmanuel Sanders, who had over 100 catches last season, and that likely means Welker is gone, as he will be a free agent after a down season. The Broncos may look at some lower level options, but the priority is to try and keep Thomas and their own players. Thomas the tight end had 12 touchdowns and losing him would be tough for Manning.
The Broncos ranked fourth in the league in passing yards per game and they will have some changes on offense, as the team lost coordinator Adam Gase to the Bears. Gase followed John Fox and now Kubiak comes in with a different scheme, but he expects to work with Manning to find the best offense for the quarterback. Elway and Kubiak are on the same page and they want Manning back and so far all signs point to him returning to Denver for another season despite losing in the playoffs again.