If Peyton Manning doesn't retire and wants to play another NFL season, could the quarterback end up with the Los Angeles Rams over the Denver Broncos?
Manning's future has been up in the air all season after dealing with injuries and putting up the worst numbers of his career and that has led to speculation that Manning will retire after the Super Bowl. Manning is under contract with the Broncos for one more season, but there is a chance that the team will want to move forward with Brock Osweiler, who is hitting free agency this winter.
According to Adam Schefter at ESPN, the Rams have had "internal discussions" about bringing Manning to Los Angeles if the quarterback wants to play for another season. Schefter writes that "most around the league" do not expect him to be back with the Broncos in 2016 if he decides to play for another year. Manning could end up retiring after the Super Bowl, but there is the possibility that he could want to play one more season.
Schefter writes that Manning still has to officially make the decision to play are not and it comes as the Rams are "still formulating their quarterback plans." The team did not get much production from Case Keenum and Nick Foles last season and that could lead Jeff Fisher to consider other options. Sam Bradford is unlikely after the team traded him last year to the Eagles, but adding a quarterback in the draft is a possibility.
Players like Carson Wentz and Paxton Lynch have been mentioned as options for the Rams and the team also could consider making the Manning move if he wants to play for another season. Schefter reports that Fisher said that Keenum is coming into the offseason as the starter and that Foles will get the chance to compete along with Sean Mannion. Foles had a tough season for the Rams and only completed 56 percent of his passes while throwing seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions.
Manning was not his usual self this past season while dealing with injuries and the realities of old age, as he had nine touchdowns and 17 interceptions while competing 59 percent of his passes. But even an aging Manning could be better than Keenum or Foles for the Rams and adding a player with Manning's past and star power could help fill seats for the Rams as they start a new era in Los Angeles.
The Broncos could be in a tough position regarding Manning, as they may be open to him returning, but Osweiler may finally want the chance to be the main starter after sitting behind Manning for years. With Osweiler hitting the free agent market, he could have some leverage in the situation and that could lead Manning elsewhere if he decides not to retire after the season.
