Peyton Manning Shouldn’t Have to Take a Paycut in 2014

Feb 2, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) leaves the field after Super Bowl XLVIII against the Seattle Seahawks at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

With the news that Arizona Cardinals wide receiver did a contract re-structure to save the team almost $10 million in cap space, it got me wondering if Peyton Manning might do the same.

Manning is scheduled to make $15 million this up-coming season, which compared to a lot of other QB contracts and looking at Manning’s incredible performance in 2013 is a complete bargain/steal/theft/etc. or whatever you want to call it.

Manning’s deal is already a team-friendly one, allowing the Broncos to basically opt out if his neck is deteriorating in health. He also signed on with the Broncos before quarterbacks were getting even more than ridiculous numbers.

In my estimation, Manning’s contract is fair and the Broncos shouldn’t insult him by asking if he will take a pay cut. If anything, Manning could ask for a raise since guys like Joe Flacco are making any money.

It’s probably best if this topic just doesn’t come up again for the Broncos, and they should just happily ‘Pey’ the ‘Mann’ his money.

A re-structure for Manning could come next season, when he is due to make $19 million, but even then, he’s still getting close to or even less than market value.

The Broncos will have to find other ways to get their cap situation in order, probably starting with Champ Bailey’s $10 million salary which will have to be re-done. Truthfully, the money that’s locked up for the Broncos is what is projected to come. They don’t have a ton of guys who are making more than they are worth right now, as the next biggest contracts after Manning and Bailey are Ryan Clady, and then a bunch of other guys at $6 million or less.

It’ll be interesting to see what they choose to do.