Despite a Denver Post report that Peyton Manning will announce his retirement in the coming week, we’re told that the Broncos have still not been apprised of Manning’s plans.
A source tells PFT that the Broncos have not been informed of any decision by Manning. The team expects to talk to Manning again in the week ahead, but as of Saturday night he hasn’t yet told the Broncos what he’s doing.
Broncos G.M. John Elway said on Pro Football Talk on NBCSN that he and Manning chatted for a couple hours and planned to talk again, and that the Broncos expect to know Manning’s plans before the start of free agency on March 9.
Realistically, the Broncos would have little choice but to cut Manning if he hasn’t announced his retirement before March 9, as they simply can’t justify keeping him around at his $19 million salary, which would be guaranteed if he’s still on the roster on March 9. So one way or another, some clarity on Manning’s plans is coming soon. But Manning hasn’t yet made clear to the Broncos what he’ll do.