Broncos Offseason: Could the Broncos Cut Manning?

After Adam Schefter told “Mike & Mike in the Morning” that Peyton Manning would like to continue playing, would the Broncos consider another pay cut or release him completely?

Just a few days ago, there was rumor circulating that Peyton Manning would be announcing his retirement from the league sometime this week. Well, it appears as if that is no longer the case for the time being.

According to Adam Schefter, who made a phone appearance on Mike & Mike in the Morning, he mentioned that “in a perfect world” Manning would like to continue playing.

Schefter never mentioned whom Manning would like to play for, but he did rule out the Rams and Texans. Is this a hint that he would like to return for the 2016 season?

If that is the case, it could put the Broncos in a really tough spot. With the team looking to retain most of the defense to the best of their abilities, I just do not see the Broncos willing to fork over $19 million dollars in 2016 in order to keep Manning.

Here is two ways the Broncos could at least lower the blow of that. The first option, and perhaps very unlikely scenario is that John Elway restructures Manning’s contract again this season. This one could be even lower than the $4 million paycut he took during the 2015 offseason.

The second scenario, and perhaps the most logical and what I think could happen, the Broncos release Manning before the $19 million is owed to him. If he is released before free agency starts, it would be $2.5 million dead money according to over the cap.

It has been mentioned that Manning’s $19 million is owed to him before March 9^th. However, he has to take a physical by Friday, March 4^th in order to be guaranteed that money. There could be a chance that he fails his physical and ends up being released.

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So, in those terms, releasing him if he fails the physical could free up some money before free agency begins. $19 million can go a long way and it could also help if Ryan Clady and Demarcus Ware restructure their deals.

I am all for Peyton Manning taking his time, but it all depends on what the Broncos want to do. They may not be willing to wait. We shall see what happens in the next few days.