It seems that the Denver Broncos want Peyton Manning back, and it seems like he is itching to return for another season. But nothing is ever quite that simple, and before the team brings Manning back to play another season, they may ask him to take a pay cut.
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Manning is scheduled to be one of the highest-paid players in the league in 2015, and Denver could certainly benefit from being able to use part of Manning's salary to pay other players. But according to CBS Sports, Manning may be the one with leverage in a salary dispute.
The simple reason is that Manning is so good that virtually any other quarterback would represent a significant drop-off. While Manning was not good down the stretch, that was likely due to his leg injury. If Denver were to go from Manning to backup Brock Osweiler at quarterback, the team is likely not contending for a Super Bowl, regardless of how talented the rest of the roster looks.
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For comparison, the Broncos could look around the AFC for other cautionary tales. The 2014 Houston Texans had a strong defense led by should-have-been-MVP J.J. Watt, and offense features a solid offensive line and dynamic playmakers in Arian Foster, DeAndre Hopkins, and Andre Johnson. Still, they had Ryan Fitzpatrick at quarterback, and they were unable to make the playoffs.
Denver can also look at their team history. John Elway retired following his second Super Bowl win after the 1998 season, and the team turned the reins over to young Brian Griese at quarterback. The two-time defending Super Bowl champs went 6-10 in 1999.
The team may certainly still ask Manning to take a pay cut, and he will likely be receptive to the idea if it helps the team field a winner. But those who are demanding that Denver draw a line in the sand over the issue are missing the larger point that the Broncos likely need Manning more than he needs them, particularly after he seemed willing to retire earlier in the offseason.
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