Peyton Manning Already 95% Bronco

According to the Denver Broncos they are 95% sure that they will sign Peyton Manning this off-season. When that will be is still a mystery as Pro football talk reports that Peyton Manning is now unlikely to decide on his new team prior to free agency. According to Vic Carruci

If this is true it means that the Dolphins need to make a contingency plan, which many assume will be Green Bay Packers backup quarterback Matt Flynn making an exodus to rejoin his old offensive coordinator Joe Philbin in Miami. That is not the most promising future for Miami. So far all we know about Flynn is that in two starts in the N.F.L. he has been very impressive. While the offensive system will be the same, the weapons will not be the same and the more Flynn plays the more video will be on him for defenses to learn his strengths and weaknesses.

If Peyton ends up Denver that also poises a lot of other questions like what else does Denver then have to trade Tim Tebow? The early answer to that question seems to be yes. That Peyton Manning has let it be known through his sources (or people pretending to be close to Peyton Manning) that he doesn’t want to play with “that circus”. It also is apparent that regardless of what John Elway has said that he does not believe in Tebow long term. What kind of value does Tebow have in the trade-market? My sense is that personnel men, coaches and even players from other teams don’t value Tebow highly. Tebow has endeared himself to Broncos nation, but if you just listen to what players say after they play Tebow it’s clear that he’s not viewed in a positive light by opposing defenses. I really think his trade value will be much lower than Broncos fans think (I mean like a 4th rounder or lower low. Maybe a 2nd rounder at most). Especially considering if Peyton signs after the start of free agency it’s possible that the other QB needy teams fill their need with the available free agents meaning the Broncos would have no leverage with Tebow.

The other question is do the Broncos have to bring in Reggie Wayne, Pierre Garcon, and Dallas Clark. Does this immediately make the Broncos “Colts West”. I think they’ll bring in Clark for sure, and maybe Garcon.

The Broncos with Peyton Manning would have to be considered immediate contenders for the division title. And they have a lot of cap room to build on that as well.

Should be interesting, but if you believe the Broncos front office it might be time to start ordering your #18 jerseys and sell your Tebow jerseys before it’s too late.