Denver Broncos: 4 Players Who Could Follow Peyton Manning to Denver

Peyton Manning said late last week that he wanted to make a decision on his next NFL team on either Monday or Tuesday. The four-time MVP kept his word.

Word leaked out Monday morning that Manning and the Denver Broncos are working to finalize a contract that would make the former Colts quarterback the Broncos starter in 2012 and beyond. 

Now that we're close to giving Manning a new team, we can look towards other free agents—especially considering the Broncos cap situation—that may follow him to Denver. Here's an early list of four names that make sense:

C Jeff Saturday

Saturday has been Manning's center for the majority of his NFL career and is an unrestricted free agent.

Despite being 36 years old, Saturday showed in 2011 that he still has something left in the tank. Pro Football Focus ranked him as the No. 5 overall center last season. Given the Broncos struggles at center last season (J.D. Walton was the No. 35 overall center in 2011), Saturday is a natural fit.  

TE Dallas Clark

Clark has battled injuries over the last couple of seasons, but the free-agent tight end is still only two years removed from a 100-catch season with Manning.

The Broncos have some younger options at tight end but no established starter. Clark could come in and give Manning a comfort blanket right away.

WR Mike Wallace

Speaking on air shortly after the Manning news broke, NFL Network's Albert Breer brought up the possibility of Denver going after Wallace.

The Broncos have the cap space and a late first-round pick to offer the Steelers, so you can't rule out the possibility. If Manning and the front office see a need to add an explosive player, there's no one better than Wallace.  

RB Joseph Addai

Addai is another free agent who has battled injuries but clearly possesses a familiarity with Manning. Over six seasons in Indianapolis, Addai rushed for 4,453 yards and 39 touchdowns and caught 191 passes for another seven scores.

The Broncos have capable runners in the backfield, but adding Addai would give them a player well-versed in playing (and protecting) Manning in Denver.