NFL Rumors: How Peyton Manning to Broncos Affects the Rest of League

According to Chris Mortensen of ESPN, Peyton Manning has decided to play for the Denver Broncos.

This ends weeks of speculation where the veteran free agent had narrowed his choices to Denver, the San Francisco 49ers and the Tennessee Titans.

While this immediately makes the Broncos contenders in the AFC, the fallout from this decision will affect people throughout the league.

The first move goes to the San Francisco 49ers. Coming into free agency, most expected the team to re-sign quarterback Alex Smith. 

However, the pursuit of Manning forced Smith to look out for himself. The former No. 1 draft pick visited the Miami Dolphins and discussed a possible fit.

With Manning out of the picture, there are now two teams that need a starting quarterback with very few external options. 

Considering how much Smith thrived in his first year under new head coach Jim Harbaugh, it would make sense for the veteran to return to his former team.

If Miami misses out on Peyton Manning, then Matt Flynn, then Alex Smith, the fan base will not be happy. Another year of Matt Moore and a likely losing record could hurt the franchise for years.

Besides Smith, the player most affected by Manning joining the Broncos is Tim Tebow.

One of the most divisive athletes in sports would be immediately relegated to backup duty, so Denver is going to attempt to trade him while he still has value.

Miami would be desperate, but there is little indication that Tebow is the type of franchise quarterback they are looking for as they build towards the future.

A better fit might be the Jacksonville Jaguars. Although the team spent a first-round pick on Blaine Gabbert, the quarterback struggled in his first year in the NFL.

In addition, Tim Tebow has an amazing following in the area due to his excellent collegiate career. Even if the unorthodox quarterback is unsuccessful on the field, he would be a great addition for a team that has struggled to sell tickets over the past few years.

Finally, the closure of the Manning scenario will help the teams involved sign other free agents.

Although the Titans and 49ers lost on a chance to get a future Hall of Fame quarterback, they retain a good amount of cap room to sign other free agents to help their team.

Also, the Broncos will have more than a few veterans willing to take pay cuts to have a chance to play with the veteran quarterback.

The football world was completely focused on the Manning saga. Now that it is over, front offices can get back to normal operations as everyone tries to improve their team.