The NFL initiated its legal tampering window to recognize what was already taking place, with teams contacting agents for free agents well in advance of free agency.
So while the big news in Denver today will be the retirement press conference for Peyton Manning, there will be other quarterback news there as well.
Mike Klis of KUSA in Denver casually mentioned in a story about Osweiler praising Manning that Osweiler has a call lined up, saying “Houston is expected to contact Jimmy Sexton, Osweiler’s agent, during the tampering period.”
Teams can begin contacting agents and exchanging vague parameters today at noon, ET.
The Broncos are trying to hang onto Osweiler, offering a three-year, $45 million deal. And now that that bargaining position is known, teams such as the Texans know the mark they have to beat.
It’s clear why Houston would be interested, as they’re a a quarterback away from being a real contender with their base of defensive talent and a star receiver in the making in DeAndre Hopkins. And because of their success at overcoming their quarterback position last year, they’re picking 22nd, likely too low to acquire the kind of passer who could make an immediate difference.
So now Denver has more to do than hang the bunting and host a retiring legend today, as they try to make sure they have someone to replace him.