Manning Restructure Can Help In Free Agency Plans

Jan 11, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) reacts against the Indianapolis Colts in the 2014 AFC Divisional playoff football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Colts defeated the Broncos 24-13. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

UPDATE: Peyton Manning has passed his physical and has officially signing his restructured contract, marking his 18th season in the NFL.

The long awaited return of Peyton Manning has finally arrived. Broncos Country can let out a sigh of relief that the seasoned veteran signal caller is returning to the Mile High City. While the Denver Broncos are not out of the water just yet since he needs to pass a physical, this is great news for the city of Denver. Now the planning can begin with just five days left until the new league year begins.

Speaking of the new league year, how does the restructured contract of Peyton Manning impact the Denver Broncos when it comes to their free agency plans? While it appears that four million dollars may not seem like a whole lot to many people, I was always taught that every little bit helps. Four million may not seem like much, but it could be a huge difference when it comes to signing various players if they are in-house players or free agents. Every little dollar counts in this day and age. Who knows, if it were to even come down to that one dollar to sign a player, it helps.

Peyton Manning’s restructure could help the Broncos get a sought after free agent like Bryan Bulaga or re-sign a player like Terrance Knighton because of that extra four million. As Ian stated in his article, the Broncos have about $17.2 million in cap space to work with. Adding Peyton Manning and his new restructured contract, that brings it to $21.2 million. I honestly would rather have the latter ten times out of ten.

Not to mention the Broncos have a little bit more money to work with when it comes to Demaryius Thomas’ contract. That extra four million dollars could be exactly what they need to sign their franchise tagged player to that long deal that makes both parties happy.

While it may seem like four million may not be a whole lot in football terms, if a team can play the cards right, it can be exactly what they need to seal that extra deal to get the one additional player they need that could be the difference between a great team and a Super Bowl winning team.