The Denver Broncos expected Peyton Manning to return for the 2015 season and that decision is closer to official, as reports have the quarterback informing the team of his decision and this comes as John Elway has to deal with Demaryius Thomas, Julius Thomas, Wes Welker, Orlando Franklin and Rahim Moore hitting free agency for new head coach Gary Kubiak.
Manning said after the season ended that he would take some time to reflect on things and then make a decision on the 2015 season. According to ESPN.com, Chris Mortensen reports that Manning is ready to return and he will be back for 2015, telling John Elway and the team that he is "physically and mentally" prepared to come back for this season. Manning was expected to return, but this "reassuring" to Elway can allow him to focus on other areas without worrying about Manning coming back.
Manning will be 39-years-old next season and he is coming back after being injured down the stretch and getting bounced in the Broncos' first playoff game. Chris Mortensen reports that Manning has told the team he wants to return, but there are more steps that need to happen before things are official. Manning will have his $19 million for 2015 is he is on the roster on March 9 and that means his formal physical exam will happen before that date.
Mortensen also writes that the Broncos could explore a restructure for Manning's contract to help lower the salary cap, as they have some big name free agents to try and sign back. Demaryius Thomas is the number one target for the team and he could be in line to get the franchise tag if the team can't work out a long term contract. The Broncos are projected to have about $25 million in cap space and that could be enough to sign both Thomas and Julius Thomas.
Thomas the tight end is the one that could leave of the two players, as he is expected to get numerous offers in free agency. Thomas has scored 24 touchdowns over the past two season and he could be a target for teams like the Raiders, Seahawks, Browns and Jets. Wes Welker likely will be gone after hitting free agency, while players like Jordan Cameron and Jermaine Gresham could be potential replacements if Thomas the tight end leaves as a free agent.
Thomas the wide receiver is nearly guaranteed to stay, as he could be hit with the franchise tag without a long term contract. According to ESPN.com, the tag number for wide receivers should be around $13 million next season. Thomas is coming in after putting up career high numbers with 111 catches for 1619 yards and 11 touchdowns last year. Over the last three seasons Thomas has been the top target for Peyton Manning, putting up at least 92 catches and 1430 yards in 2012-13 with 35 touchdowns combined over the past three seasons.
The Broncos went 12-4 last season but lost in their first game of the playoffs. The team was 6-0 while winning the AFC West division for the fourth straight season, but after the postseason the team opted to move on from John Fox and bring in Gary Kubiak.
