Peyton Manning Has Made His Decision. Signing With..?
March 19, 2012 9 Comments
After what seemed like a nationwide tour and plenty of deliberation, former Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning has finally made his decision.
The free agent has agreed to a contract with the Denver Broncos and will supplant Tim Tebow as the team’s starting signal-caller, according to ESPN’s Chris Mortensen who tweeted:
“Manning to Broncos…more coming on ESPN”
The Broncos beat out other top contenders such as the Arizona Cardinals, Miami Dolphins and Tennessee Titans in pursuit of Manning. Denver seemed like little more than a dark horse early in the process, but Manning developed a good relationship with Broncos executive vice president of football operations John Elway.
Denver finished just 8-8 last season, but that was good enough for an AFC West crown and a playoff appearance. The Broncos then shocked the football world when they upset the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round of the postseason, as Tebow threw for 316 yards and the game-winning score in overtime.
It is now being reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter (via twitter) that the Broncos will attempt to trade Tebow.
“More filed to ESPN: And now that Peyton Manning has directed his agent to get deal done with Denver, Broncos will try to trade Tim Tebow.”
Tebow completed barely over 45 percent of his throws last season, and it became increasingly obvious that Elway didn’t necessarily believe he was the answer. Because of that, Elway and the Broncos were aggressive in their pursuit of Manning and ultimately convinced him to sign.
With Manning in the fold, Denver has the potential to be much better than a .500 team this season and perhaps beyond. Not only is an improving defense that features pass-rushers Elvis Dumervil and Von Miller appealing, but the offense has plenty of excellent pieces as well.
Wide receivers Demaryius Thomas and Eric Decker have both shown the potential to be game-breakers, while running back Willis McGahee provided a great presence in the backfield last season.
Perhaps most important, however, is Pro Bowl left tackle Ryan Clady, who will be charged with the all-important task of protecting Manning’s blind side as he tries to come back from multiple neck surgeries.
It remains to be seen how long Manning will be able to hold up and whether he can return to his previous form. But if he is anything close to the quarterback he used to be, then it should be an exciting year in Denver.
The Broncos are giving him him a 5-year, $90 million deal?? 5 YEARS?!?!
I’m a huge fan of this deal, but, really??
I think he needs a brain surgery after this dumb pick. Why Denver? I think it was the least attractive team out of the 3. I guess he’s happy with only 1 superbowl. Denver has the 2nd toughest schedule this year. Thats nice to know when you have a bum neck. Good luck even making the playoffs this season………what a dummy
Horrible decision! 49ers all the way……
I don’t like the Manning family since they don’t want to play for my Chargers.
Broncos? not the best choice IMO
I just had a feeling he would sign with the Broncos. The other big question here is what happens to Tebow? I hear the Broncos are willign to trade him. Anyone think the Dolphins would pass him up?
Hey Broncos, have fun when on the first play manning runs as a bronco he goes down and out with a neck injury that ends his career. I love manning but neck surgeries are just way too risky, hopefully they have a good back up qb cause im pretty sure tebow will be flying on the wings of angels to another team.
The Broncos want to offer Manning a 5 YEAR CONTRACT????? Are they Nuts? Manning is coming off a 4th major neck injury and missed all of last year. Calling him fragile is an understatement. While on paper this is great, and it might be for the short term, you cant help but think this is just a short term band aid. Manning is 38, and you better believe Defenses will be gunning for him. They better find a reliable backup. Tebow wont be that, he’ll be gone. Brady Quinn? yikes.
lol smh men 8)
wow is dude serious? bad move 9ers was the way to go my man
if he can throw like the old Manning then he’ll succeed anywhere he goes. The man is a beast on the field. One of the best. Even tho he only has one ring he is still in the discussion as one of the best QBs not only today but for all-time.