The Denver Broncos have faced a lot of questions this offseason, and a vast majority of them have involved the future of quarterback Peyton Manning. For a while, it seemed that Manning might retire, and the question was whether the team could convince him to return for another season.
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Now, it seems that Manning wants to return, and he has reportedly been working out to get back to full health after his quad injury. But questions have arisen as to whether Denver actually wants Manning back, and if he does indeed intend to return, then the proverbial ball is in John Elway's court.
According to ESPN, Broncos CEO Joe Ellis flew to New Orleans Thursday morning to pick up Manning. The two then flew back to Denver for a meeting with John Elway. The fact that the team went through so much to meet with Manning would seem to indicate that all parties are on the same page about a Manning return, although no agreement was reached Thursday because of Manning's impending physical.
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The main concern with Manning is obviously his surgically fused vertebrae in his neck, but the areas above and below the fused area are where any problems might occur. For his part, Manning is not concerned.
"Don't see it being that significant, I feel pretty confident I would pass that physical, that my neck is in good shape," he said per ESPN. "I'd like to avoid a crowd standing outside the MRI room, if possible. I've felt secure about that the past three years and feel the same about that."
Even if Manning decides to return, the team may ask him to take a pay cut to help them retain some key players (such as the Demariyus Thomas and Julius Thomas) and be in the best possible position for a Super Bowl run, although that will become more of an issue after Manning's return becomes official.
New offensive coordinator Rick Dennison says that the team is not overly concerned about whether Manning makes his decision soon or not, saying that the coaches would build the playbook after he makes a decision.
"I'm letting him take his time, he deserves that," Dennison said.
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