Peyton Manning Assures Broncos He’s Ready To Play In 2015

Update:

Ian Rapoport confirms the previous report that Peyton Manning has told both people close to him and the Broncos that he wants to play in 2015.

However, issues reportedly remain.

According to Rapoport, the two sides will still need to decide whether or not he’ll have to take a pay cut and if he’ll be running Gary Kubiak‘s offense next season.

———–

Chris Mortensen of ESPN reports that Peyton Manning reassured Broncos officials, including general manager John Elway, that he is “physically and mentally prepared to play at a significant level in 2015.”

According to Mortensen, Manning did not express any desire to walk away from the game during their recent meeting. Though, Mortensen admits that this “technically remains an option for Manning.”

Manning reportedly took it upon himself to get a comprehensive evaluation from Mackie Shilstone, a performance manager and trainer, in recent weeks.

Sources tell Mortensen that Manning received a strong assessment based on numerous workouts and tests.

On top of that, Manning’s quad injury has reportedly fully healed, so that’s no longer a concern.

The two parties will still need to figure out what’s going to happen with Manning’s contract, which could include a possible restructuring, and a physical exam that’s required as part of his agreement.

As of now, it remains uncertain whether Manning’s contract will need to be dramatic restructured.

Earlier in the day, Mortensen mentioned that he wouldn’t be surprised if Manning made a formal announcement that he’s returning at some point next week.

“I would be surprised if we don’t have some type of word next week some time,” Mortensen said, via Pro Football Talk. “That’s when I would expect that we would have word, officially, that Peyton is going to play football.”

According to Mortensen, “Manning has got his heart, his mind, his spirit and his body ready to play in 2015.”

Manning, 38, has another two years remaining on his five-year, $96 million contract, which includes base salaries of $19 million for the 2015 and 2016 seasons. If he’s still on the team’s roster as of the final day of the 2014 league year, his base salary becomes fully guaranteed..

Manning’s 2014 season ended with him throwing for 4,727 yards while completing 66.2 percent of his passes to go along with 39 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. Pro Football Focus rated him as the No. 10 quarterback out of 39 qualifying players.

We’ll have more updates regarding the Broncos and Manning as the news is available.