Peyton Manning is officially returning to the Denver Broncos in 2015 despite several rumors of possible retirement being in his future. After the coaching change, Manning has made it clear that he is committed to coming back to the Broncos, but it will not be at the high price his original contract dictated. In need of adding some more fire power to the roster, Manning has accepted a pay cut to help in free agency.
According to ESPN's Chris Mortensen is reporting that Manning and Denver Broncos have agreed to a new contract in 2015 that sees that five-time MVP accepting a $4 million pay cut. Manning will make $15 million in 2015 instead of his originally planned $19 million. The quarterback does have incentives that could get him back to that original amount. Manning would get $2 million for winning the AFC Championship Game and another $2 million if he wins the Super Bowl.
"I don't talk about my contract. I never have in 18 years and I'm not going to start now," Manning said, via the Denver Post . "I've been working real hard and I'm excited to be back with the Denver Broncos. Can't wait for April 13 to get here when the team can finally come together. I'm excited to get to work and get to know the new coaches and looking forward to trying to make 2015 a special year."
So what will the Broncos do with the extra money? Demaryius Thomas hopes they spend it on him. The wide receiver was hit with the franchise tag that will pay him $12.823 million in 2015, but Thomas wants the long-term deal. The chances that happens this season feel relatively slim considering John Elway has stated he would like to beef up the offensive line and add some defensive bodies to the rotation. Aqib Talib, TJ Ward and DeMarcus Ware could be the next players to get asked about restructuring considering they all hae big cap charges that kick in when free agency begins.
The Broncos will likely make another addition at the wide receiver spot considering Julius Thomas and Wes Welker are walking away. According to NFL.com, the Broncos are a prime landing spot for Andre Johnson. In 2015, the Broncos will be left with Thomas, Emmanuel Sanders and unproven Cody Latimer. That is not enough for Manning. The Broncos could easily target Johnson once he is released by the Houston Texans. Johnson could be targeting a reunion with Gary Kubiak while getting to work with Manning. Players like Brian Hartline, Michael Crabtree or Brandon Gibson could be solid additions as well.