Peyton Manning Rumors: Why It Will Work with the Denver Broncos

Since hitting the free agent market, Peyton Manning has had official visits with three teams including the Miami Dolphins, Arizona Cardinals and Denver Broncos.  Of the three, Denver might just win the lottery for Indy's favorite son.  

It's hard to imagine a scenario where Manning and the oft-discussed Tim Tebow can co-exist on the same lineup but it can work and it could mean a lot to the city of Denver. 

Here are some of the reasons why.

It's Down to Two

IT'S DOWN TO TWO

Per ESPN's reports, Manning has already had official visits with the Broncos and the Arizona Cardinals.

Only a week ago, the Washington Redskins and the New York Jets each had a dog in the fight.  Of course that was before the Redskins moved up to the No. 2 pick in the draft and were hit with a $36 million salary cap penalty. 

The Jets made the moderately surprising move of offering the much debated Mark Sanchez a 5-year contract extension. 

And with free-agency officially kicking off by 2 p.m. today, it would be a stretch to consider the Dolphins a legitimate contender at this point.

Manning doesn't want to doddle and a decision could be made soon.  There's a good chance that decision could wind up with Peyton sporting the navy and orange.

John Elway

JOHN ELWAY

Peyton Manning doesn't have the benefit of time on his hands as would a rookie or a player ten years his junior.  He wants another Superbowl and he wants it NOW. 

As far as dealing with front office types, it doesn't get any better than John Elway. 

Mike Klis of the Denver Post reported that Manning was very impressed with his visit to Denver this past weekend and it was due in large part to the understated nature of the visit.  But this also has to do with the chemistry between himself and Elway. 

Elway is one of the best ever, so that automatically puts him at eye-level with Manning who, as most of you would agree, shares the same distinction.  Elway also knows what it takes to win a Superbowl and can recognize that Manning, nearing his 36th birthday, is still hungry for one. 

There are few front-office bosses who can understand the quarterbacking trade quite like Elway does and, being that he himself was at the end of his career when he won a ring under Mike Shanahan's watch, he should be able to put Peyton in a good position to contend. 

Tim Tebow

This is the real question on everyone's mind and surely the biggest potential roadblock in bringing Peyton to Denver: What will happen with Tim Tebow?

Mark Kriegel of Foxsports.com does well to address the danger inherent in Denver fans forgetting the man who pulled together a string of improbable wins in 2011.  It's certainly not something to take lightly, as Tebowmania absolutely ripped through the headlines this past season and had pundits and analysts alike wondering whether Tebow really was a legitimate starter in the NFL. 

But, imagine, if for a second, that Manning does sign with the Broncos and Tebow stays.  No, he wouldn't start but he would be in one of the most enviable learning positions a young quarterback ever has been in the history of the NFL. 

Three different eras of the NFL would be represented within the organization in Elway, Manning and Tebow.  There's no telling what he could learn in terms of the passing game with Manning under center in Denver and, while it's a long shot, it could help Tebow make himself into a capable passer. 

It would also help rid Broncos nation of any concerns over depth at the quarterback position.  With Manning and Tebow, the Broncos could put some interesting offensive packages on the field and we'd get to see Tebow play in a more hybrid role alongside Manning's theatrics in the pocket. 

It's not the most formulaic approach to dealing with a potentially tricky quarterback situation, but it could work and it could help solidify that position in Denver for years down the road.

With or Without Tebow, the Broncos Give Peyton Everything He Needs to Win

It really comes down to what Denver, versus the other potential suitors, can provide Manning in the way of a nucleus that is built on upon his arrival. 

Denver has all the required pieces according to David Krause of the Denver Post. 

In his piece, Krause interviews CBS veteran coverage-man and longtime fried of Manning, Jim Nantz.  Nantz goes on to say:

"

He said Manning’s meticulous nature means he’ll put together the best case for his next team.

“When he’s been going on the barnstorming tour, he’s got to be saying: Is the team committed to winning? With Denver, check ‘yes.’

“Does the team have a nucleus of players who if I come in I can help them win? Check ‘yes’ for Denver.

“If I’m healthy, is this team capable of winning and going to win another Super Bowl? Check ‘yes.’

"

Manning is at the point in his career—his life—where the thought of building from scratch is just burdensome.  What Manning would bring to the table is essentially the only missing piece in the Bronco's equation.  It was what Tebow tried mightily and still failed to deliver. 

The Broncos have a history of winning, they're well-versed in fostering great quarterback talent.  It would also be somewhat of a storybook finish for Manning to go out winning big as a Bronco, much the same way that Elway did over a decade ago. 

Regardless of whether Tebow stays or gets traded away to say, Jacksonville or Kansas City, Manning will make it work.  That's what he's done for 14 years.  

If at the end of it all Tebow does stay and becomes an understudy to one of the greatest ever, then consider it an added blessing to the people of Denver.  After Manning walks away, Tebowmania can resume and will be bigger and better than ever.  

In short, the city of Denver wins and that's the most important thing of all.