Peyton Manning will become the next quarterback of the Denver Broncos, barring a snag during intensified contract negotiations that have commenced under the instruction of the four-time MVP to his agent Tom Condon, according to multiple sources.
Once the Manning deal becomes official, Denver will try to trade Tim Tebow, according to sources.
A contract between the two sides is expected to be a formality. Broncos vice president of football operations John Elway and Manning first discussed the parameters of a five-year, $95 million contract during their March 9 meeting in Denver, the first time the former Indianapolis Colts quarterback visited a team during his free agency.
Finally. In Denver, Manning joins an offense that features two promising receivers in DeMaryius Thomas and Eric Decker along with a solid running game. The 49ers definitely offered more talent and a much better defense, but perhaps Manning decided that playing in the AFC (and not against brother Eli in the playoffs) was more important. He's coming off a serious neck surgery and is joining a new team, so he is not a shoo-in for top 5 numbers as some might suggest. We expect his ADP to land somewhere in the 5th-8th round range as the offseason wears on. Thomas and Decker get a big boost with Manning in town.
The signing will impact Alex Smith, who has been flirting with Miami. The 49ers will no doubt make him an offer, and with the way QBs have been turning down the Dolphins, he's likely to re-up with San Francisco. That means the Dolphins will continue their hunt for a QB to potentially replace Matt Moore.
Tim Tebow is likely on his way out and the Broncos have reportedly tested the trade waters to prepare for this scenario. It wouldn't be outrageous to think he'll land in Miami or Jacksonville, given his ties to the state of Florida.
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