The wait is seemingly over, as it looks like Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos are finalizing the restructuring of Manning’s contract. Oh, finally! This has been in the works for what seems like an interminable amount of time. Broncos Country can breathe again.
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Along with the franchise tag for Demaryius Thomas, the wait for Manning has been weighing heavy on Bronco fans. Manning’s return has been inevitable, but the contract restructuring has caused media and fans to flounder without any real news. Speculation and hypotheticals have ruled, while facts were left on the fringe.
It has almost felt like the wait for Manning was holding the Broncos hostage, but in truth, nothing could really happen in the NFL until free agency. That means the big news here is that Manning is freeing up extra cash for the Broncos to use in the coming weeks.
Sep 14, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos general manager John Elway reacts prior to the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
The big concern with Peyton Manning returning to the Denver Broncos is which Manning will be returning to the field. The Manning of early 2014 who was lighting up the league, or late 2014 who was banged up and inefficient? Manning ended on a down note in 2014, but was still one of the top passers in the league.
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New head coach Gary Kubiak is bringing a quarterback friendly system, that leans on the run to set up the pass. For an aging player like Manning, who has never really been mobile, this should set up for a good marriage. Now the job is on the shoulders of Elway.
Manning has done what most Bronco fans wanted, taking a pay cut and freeing up cap space. It falls to Elway to use the new found cash to help bring in players that will improve the Broncos chance at bringing a Lombardi Trophy to Denver. There are glaring needs on this team, like offensive and defensive line.
Elway has proven he can win the offseason. If he can do it one more time, with a little help from Manning’s pay cut, the Broncos are set up for a deep run in the playoffs. Manning will have another shot at adding to his legacy, and perhaps the storybook finish.
Dec 28, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) warms up before the start of the game against the Oakland Raiders at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports