There was no reason for Peyton Manning to take a pay cut.
Let’s see if anyone would agree to reduce their salary by around 22 percent – and are still one of the best at what they do (despite the raucous from the cheap seats that you’re not worth it). Yes, I get it. Manning has made a ton of money on the field and off. With incentives, he will earn that $4 million back. But let’s not forget there are no guaranteed contracts in the NFL.
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This isn’t a restructure. What Manning did for John Elway and the Broncos was reduce his salary. If Tom Brady had done this, NFL Network and ESPN would have done wall-to-wall coverage exclaiming how incredible he is. Since it’s Manning doing it for the Broncos, it’s not a story.
This shows what matters most for Manning (despite the noise from the cheap seats that he’s all about the money): He wants to win and does whatever it takes to do so. This shows his teammates he’s willing to do what is needed for the betterment of the team. The only people who aren’t happy right now is Broncos left tackle Ryan Clady and his agent. Teammates don’t want to see anyone take a pay cut. Remember: no guaranteed contracts so guys want to make money and as much of it while they can.
January 22, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Team Carter tackle Ryan Clady of the Denver Broncos (78) during the 2015 Pro Bowl practice at Luke Air Force Base. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Let’s put some perspective on this Manning news. Imagine former Denver Nuggets big Javale McGee cutting his massive salary by 22 percent to help the Nuggets. Or Alex Rodriguez with the New York Yankees. Or Brady (he restructures but will make every cent he differed).
There was no reason for Manning to do this, and for some in Broncos Country it still wasn’t enough. That’s a common refrain for some in the media and Broncos Country.
Over the past three years, Manning has been fired and asked to take a pay cut. In between that, he’s thrown 140 touchdowns and won 40 games. There was a time he was “PFM.” Now it just seems he’s no better than Gus Freortte.
Next: The wait is FINALLY over
Next: Broncos, Manning agree to pay cut
Jan 11, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) calls a play 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