Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning will officially retire by the end of the week, according to long-time Denver Post columnist Woody Paige.
Manning’s $19 million contract for the 2016 season becomes official on March 9 if he’s still on the roster, so that’s served as an unofficial deadline for Manning to make a decision. The Broncos, undoubtedly, would not bring him back at anything close to that figure with several other major pending free agents, including quarterback Brock Osweiler.
Manning’s decision has been viewed as all but a foregone conclusion after winning his second career Super Bowl earlier this month.
Paige says that it is “implausible” that Manning, who will be 40 in March, would opt to sign with another team on a one-year basis. The L.A. Rams, Houston Texans and New York Jets are among the teams that have been linked as a potential landing spot for Manning, should he decide to try one more year.
But, based on Paige’s report, it seems that Manning will be content to ride off on top with a pair of Super Bowl and numerous NFL records, including all-time leading passer, all-time leader in passing touchdowns and wins for a starting quarterback in the NFL.
