Peyton Manning is not ready to call it quits just yet. The Denver Broncos quarterback did not exactly end 2014 on a high note. The Broncos entered the season expecting to return to the Super Bowl and avenge their loss to the Seattle Seahawks. However, that was cut short with a loss to the Indianapolis Colts as Manning ended the year with an injury and rumors of retirement. After speculation that he was ready to call it a career, the quarterback will return in 2015.
According to ESPN, Manning has informed the Broncos that he will return to the team in 2015 and expects to compete at a high level once again. He told the team he was physically and mentally prepared for another season in the NFL. The two sides met in Denver after speculation ran wild about a potential retirement, but Manning told both John Elway and Joe Ellis that he is coming back and is ready to play for the Broncos once again.
Manning's return does not necessarily mean the Broncos will not make moves at the quarterback position. Right now, they have $19 million in guaranteed money invested in Manning, but if the quarterback was considering retiring this year, he likely will face the same decision next offseason. The Broncos have Brock Osweiler who they were prepared to invest in for the future, but he might not be enough for the Broncos. The team could eye to draft a rookie to help develop sooner rather than later.
With Manning's return confirmed, the focus shifts back to the other offensive stars. Both Demaryius Thomas and Julius Thomas will be free agents come March and the clock is ticking to get them under a contract before the market opens up. With Wes Welker potentially dancing off to retirement, getting both playmakers re-signed could be a priority.
According to the Denver Post, Demaryius Thomas could be forced into a franchise tag while Julius Thomas inks the long-term deal. Both players would be highly sought after if available and Denver is trying to avoid the situation. Denver has the salary cap space to retain everyone, but certain long-term contracts might have to wait one more season. Both Thomas' plus Emmanuel Sanders and second-year pro Cody Latimer make up a strong offense for Manning to come back to if Denver can get all of the deals in place.
