Schefter: Peyton Manning Would Like To Continue Playing

Update:

Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk writes that the delay in regards to Peyton Manning announcing his plans for the 2016 season could be him trying to get the Broncos to release him, rather than place him on the reserve/retired list.

If Denver adds him to this list, they would control his rights should he unretire and what to seek an opportunity with another team.

Releasing Manning would give him the opportunity to pursue any and all opportunities without restriction should a team have interest in him either in free agency or down the road.

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ESPN’s Adam Schefter mentioned on “Mike & Mike” Tuesday that Peyton Manning would like to continue playing next year.

Schefter mentions that it’s tough to identify a team willing to sign him to the kind of contract that would make it worth him coming back.

According to Schefter, the Rams and Texans won’t be options for Manning, even if he’s willing to play for another franchise.

The Broncos are widely expected to move on and try to re-sign Brock Osweiler before the start of free agent.

In the end, Schefter believes he’ll take the time to consider other opportunities like being a color analyst for a network or possibly joining a front office in some capacity before deciding on retirement.

Last night, James Palmer of NFL Media reported that Manning is not expected to announce a decision regarding possibly retiring from the NFL this week.

Manning will, however, meet with president John Elway and HC Gary Kubiak at some point in the week.

A report from the Denver Post said that Manning had decided to retire, but the report has already been amended and refuted by a number of reporters around the league.

The Broncos have said that they plan on giving Manning all the time he needs in making a decision about his future in the NFL, but it seems likely that they would prefer to know before the start of free agency next week.

Manning, 39, is entering the final year of his five-year, $96 million contract that includes $18 million guaranteed. He was set to make a base salary of $19 million in 2016.

In 2015, Manning appeared in 10 games and thrown for 2,249 yards while completing 59.8 percent of his passes to go along with nine touchdowns and 17 interceptions. Pro Football Focus has him rated as the No. 29 quarterback out of 37 qualifying players.

We’ll have more regarding Manning’s future as the news is available.