Report: Broncos planning to part ways with Peyton Manning

The Broncos are reportedly not planning on quarterback Peyton Manning returning to Denver.

Peyton Manning has not yet announced whether he will retire after his 18th NFL season, but if he chooses to continue playing it will reportedly not be for the Denver Broncos.

Alex Marvez of Fox Sports reports the Broncos are planning on parting ways with the 39-year-old quarterback. As the team’s front office calculates how much money it can spend on off-season contract negotiations without hitting the salary cap, it is reportedly not counting Manning’s $19 million salary against that number.

On Saturday, Woody Paige of The Denver Postreported Manning was expected to make a decision on his NFL future within a week, and that he was likely to choose retirement. His 2016 salary becomes guaranteed on March 9, setting an unofficial deadline for his announcement.

Paige reported it was “implausible” Manning would sign a one-year contract with another team.

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Quarterback Brock Osweiler, who made seven starts in 2015 when Manning was injured, will become a free agent this off-season along with linebacker Von Miller and defensive tackle Malik Jackson. Getting Manning’s salary off the books will free up more money for the Broncos to spend on those players.

- Erin Flynn