Report: Manning Expects Decide On His Next Team By Monday Or Tuesday

Albert Breer of the NFL Network reports that league sources have informed him that Peyton Manning has told all of the teams involved that he expects to decide on his next team by Monday or Tuesday.

Breer adds that those that are involved aren’t sure whether or not he’ll actually follow through with that time frame but that’s at least what he told them.

Previous reports had a decision coming from Manning as soon as Tuesday of this week but that eventually got pushed back and now teams are coming out of left field to sure interest in him so there’s really no guarantee that he’ll have a decision by then.

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Cardinals

Cardinals head coach Ken Whisenhunt mentioned that “acquiring Peyton Manning is no longer an option for us,” per Darren Urban of AZCardinals.com.

“Obviously something very unique and unexpected presented itself,” said Whisenhunt in a statement released this afternoon. “We’ve said it many times: if there’s an opportunity to make our team better we’ll explore it; we view the potential of adding a first-ballot Hall of Fame quarterback as one of those.”

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The Denver Post reports that a source believes that the Arizona Cardinals are out of the running for Peyton Manning.

Kevin Kolb has a $17 million option that will kick in if he’s still on their roster as of 4pm EST time today but reports have mentioned that Manning will have informed them about their chances by then. The Cardinals will pick his option if Manning chooses to sign with another team.

Broncos Offer

Mike Klis is now reporting that the Broncos are prepared to offer Manning a similar deal to the one that he signed with the Colts last year. Klis tweets that the offer is closer to “$90 million over 5 years.”

Chris Mortensen reports that no deal is expected today to be reached with Manning today.

Mike Klis of the Denver Post reports that the Broncos are offering Manning a five-year deal worth $60 million and includes $30 million guarantees.

Considering the level of interest from Titans owner Bud Adams, it wouldn’t be surprising to see them match or even surpass the offer. Remember, they’re already considering giving him a lifetime contract if it’s of interest to him.

49ers

ESPN’s Chris Mortensen reports that the 49ers are one of the mystery teams interested in Peyton Manning. Mort mentions that Manning has already worked out with Jim Harbaugh and even took a physical for the team.

San Francisco has long been mentioned as a possibility for Manning but the idea was largely based on speculation until now.

Mystery Teams

Mike Freeman of CBSSports reports that a source has informed him that there are “at least two teams” ready to enter the bidding for  Peyton Manning. Freeman adds that Manning has already spoken with both of them but doesn’t specifically name any teams.

This could just be teams checking in on Manning to gauge his interest in playing for them but the Titans and Broncos appear to be the clear favorites at this point in time.

Workouts 

Freeman also confirms ESPN’s Chris Mortensen‘s report that Peyton Manning will work out for the Broncos today at Duke University’s indoor facility.

NFL Network’s Michael Lombardi also mentions that Manning will be throw for the Titans following his workout with the Broncos, even though they haven’t set a date yet.

“This is just another step in the process,” explained Lombardi. “I don’t think we’re getting a resolution just because [Manning] is throwing for Denver.”