Peyton Manning
QB FA
Sun 3/6/16 9:43 AM

Manning will announce his retirement from professional football on Monday, Chris Mortensen of ESPN.com reports.
EDGE Analysis
In a widely anticipated decision, Manning, who was set to turn 40 later this month, will hang up his cleats after claiming the second Super Bowl title of his career in February. Manning's play declined considerably this season, as evidenced by his 9:17 touchdown-to-interception ratio and meager 6.7 yards per pass attempt, while a torn plantar fascia in his left foot also inhibited him in the second half of the campaign. Though it was believed that other teams would be interested in bringing him aboard had the Broncos cut him loose when his 2016 contract became guaranteed March 8, Manning will instead leave the game while on top and while holding sole possession of many NFL records. The five-time league MVP is the NFL's all-time leader in touchdown passes for a career (539) and single season (55 in 2013), passing yardage (71,940), and victories by a quarterback (186).

Peyton Manning
QB FA
Sun 2/28/16 10:58 AM

The Broncos relay that Manning has yet to make a call on his playing status in advance of the 2016 NFL season, ESPN.com reports.
EDGE Analysis
This angle differs from a Denver Post report, which suggests that Manning, who will turn 40 on March 24, is planning to retire. Meanwhile, GM John Elway is expected to meet with the QB again after the NFL combine, which finishes up on Monday. In any case, we'd expect some clarity regarding Manning's playing future before March 9, when his $19 million base salary is slated to become guaranteed.

Peyton Manning
QB FA
Fri 2/19/16 5:37 PM

If Manning decides to play next season, he must take and pass a physical by March 4, The Denver Post reports.
EDGE Analysis
The Broncos wait patiently while Manning completes his vacation and returns to Denver with a decision in mind, but with a potential price tag of $19 million, general manager John Elway wouldn't be blamed if he turned the offense over to Brock Osweiler after the veteran struggled mightily this past season. Because Osweiler is an unrestricted free agent, organizations have the ability to extend offer sheets as early as March 7, or two days before Manning's contract becomes fully guaranteed. One way or another, the first week of March will have long-lasting implications, with Manning's decision spurring a domino effect across the Broncos' roster and the NFL itself.

Peyton Manning
QB FA
Sun 2/14/16 6:01 PM

Manning completed the 2015 campaign having completed 198 of 331 passes for 2,249 yards, nine touchdowns and 17 interceptions. He followed up by going 51 for 92 for 539 yards, two touchdowns and one pick in the playoffs.
EDGE Analysis
Manning was showing obvious signs of breaking down during the latter half of 2014, but chose to break out the duct tape for another rodeo. The results were career lows in yards, touchdowns, passer rating and, curiously, his second Super Bowl ring. Much-maligned Texans quarterback Brian Hoyer posted a 91.4 passer rating this season, Manning only managed to top that mark twice in 13 games between the regular season and playoffs. In the playoffs, Manning showed some flashes against his old foe, the Patriots, posting a passer rating of 103.75 and his only two scores of the postseason in the first half of the AFC title game. He had a combined rating of 67.53 in the other five halves of playoff games. Denver's defense carried Manning to his second championship, and now the pursuit to keep as much of that defense intact, and keep young Brock Osweiler in town, will likely end Manning's days in Denver. It wouldn't be a complete shock if Manning dodges retirement one more time and follows Joe Namath in ending his Hall of Fame career with the Los Angeles Rams. However, if Manning chooses not to ride off into the sunset, don't expect the night to be kind to Manning's 40-year old body in 2016.

Peyton Manning
QB FA
Mon 2/8/16 12:36 AM

Manning completed 13 of 23 passes for 141 yards and an interception in Sunday's 24-10 Super Bowl victory over the Panthers. He was also sacked five times and fumbled twice, losing one.
EDGE Analysis
Unlike his first Super Bowl victory nearly a decade ago, Manning was much more of a secondary figure Sunday, largely managing the game while C.J. Anderson ran effectively and the Broncos defense wreaked havoc on Cam Newton and company. The five-time MVP's arm was not a liability, although Manning did not test it downfield often, with his longest completion going for only 25 yards. His one interception came with 4:23 left in the second quarter, when Manning failed to see the Panthers' Kony Ealy in front of Emmanuel Sanders at the Carolina 20-yard line. The miscue was notably Manning's first interception in his last 164 postseason passes. He also endured heavy pressure from an aggressive Panthers front, suffering five sacks and losing a fumble on a hit by Ealy at the Panthers 48-yard line early in the fourth quarter. Having now capped off a 2015 season marked by injury and persistent questions about his arm strength with a Super Bowl victory, the matter of Manning's willingness to play next season will remain a burning question until he addresses the matter definitively one way or the other. Further complicating the decision may be the fact that Manning has already been informed he will eventually need hip replacement surgery, as Adam Schefter of ESPN reported earlier this week.

Peyton Manning
QB FA
Sun 1/24/16 8:16 PM

Manning completed 17 of 32 passes for 176 yards and a pair of touchdowns in Sunday's win over the Patriots in the AFC championship game. He also lost a fumble.
EDGE Analysis
The Sheriff's offense was limited to just 275 total yards on Sunday, but his ability to limit the turnovers and cash in on good field position secured a trip to next month's Super Bowl. Manning clearly isn't on the same level physically as he was in the past, but his experience and leadership ability have him knocking on the door of another championship as the sun sets on his storied career. Manning will now have a couple of weeks to rest up before facing the winner of Sunday's NFC championship game between the Cardinals and the Panthers.

Peyton Manning
QB FA
Sun 1/17/16 8:52 PM

Manning completed 21 of 37 passes for 222 yards in Sunday's win over the Steelers. He failed to connect on a single touchdown pass.
EDGE Analysis
The veteran had thrown for a score in 13 straight postseason games heading into Sunday's contest, but he failed to extended his streak, as C.J. Anderson plowed in the Broncos' only touchdown. Manning did manage to avoid a turnover, despite the windy conditions, allowing Denver to rely on their defense and rushing attack to grind out a win. The Patriots, who Manning did not suit up against in a Week 12 victory, will come town next week, with the right to go to the Super Bowl on the line.

Peyton Manning
QB FA
Thu 1/7/16 10:39 AM1 Comment

Manning has been named the Broncos' starter for their divisional round playoff game on Jan. 17.
EDGE Analysis
Head coach Gary Kubiak made the announcement Thursday morning after meeting with both Manning and Brock Osweiler, who had relieved Manning mid-season. Manning missed six games from Week 11 through Week 16 due to a plantar fascia injury, with Osweiler going 4-2 as the interim starter. Osweiler was under center to begin last Sunday's game against San Diego, but Manning entered in the third quarter as the Broncos struggled to move the ball. The veteran ended the game going 5-of-9 for 69 yards in the 27-20 Broncos victory. At this point, it's unclear whether Kubiak and the Broncos are committed to Manning as the starter throughout the playoffs, and it's not difficult to imagine Osweiler again coming on in relief at some point, should Manning struggle. As the No. 1 seed in the AFC, Denver will host the lowest remaining seed in the divisional round, which could be Houston, Kansas City or Pittsburgh.

Peyton Manning
QB FA
Sun 1/3/16 9:39 PM

Manning (foot) came on in the third quarter of Sunday's game against the Chargers for the ineffective Brock Osweiler, and he completed five of nine passes for 69 yards.
EDGE Analysis
Osweiler was 14 of 22 for 232 yards and a touchdown before getting pulled, but he also threw two interceptions and lost a fumble, which led to his benching. The Broncos' rushing game was excellent, as Ronnie Hillman had 15 carries for 117 yards and a touchdown and C.J. Anderson rushed 15 times for 95 yards and a score of his own. Manning wasn't overly effective in the game, but he moved the ball down the field and eventually led the Broncos to a 27-20 victory, giving them the top seed in the AFC playoffs. Given the switch in the middle of the game, Manning is fully expected to start the Broncos' first playoff game, which will come after their opening-round bye.

Peyton Manning
QB FA
Sun 1/3/16 3:19 PM

Manning (foot) is listed as active for Sunday's game against the Chargers.
EDGE Analysis
Manning is back in uniform Sunday against the Chargers, but he'll serve as the Broncos' No. 2 quarterback behind Brock Osweiler in the contest.