The Denver Broncos are denying rumors that Peyton Manning has been on the trade block, but the future for the team’s high-priced quarterback remains uncertain.
In the last week, rumors have built that the Broncos were shopping Manning around the league, with the Houston Texans reportedly very interested.
But now, several sources close to the team are denying the reports, saying the Denver Broncos have no plans to part with Peyton Manning. Instead, it was the Texans doing the talking, the new reports claimed.
“I do believe there was some conversation between the Texans and several teams who have quarterbacks,” NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport told the Rich Eisen Show . “What it sounds like is that the Texans — without a quarterback and before they signed (Brian) Hoyer and (Ryan) Mallett — reached out to teams and tried to see what was there.”
But NFL.com noted that the trade speculation could make some sense for the Broncos, who will only have Peyton Manning for a couple more seasons, at most. After Manning struggled down the stretch, the team may have more incentive to find out exactly what they have in Brock Osweiler, the report noted.
There are other rumors that a rift has been growing between Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos over the team’s offseason moves. Peyton is reportedly miffed that the team hasn’t signed his favorite target, Demaryius Thomas, to a new deal.
Peyton Manning is already upset Demaryius Thomas doesn’t have a new deal. If there isn’t one, don’t expect to see DT when camp begins
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) June 11, 2015
It’s difficult to tell how deep this rift may be, as Peyton is saying all the right things publicly. He’s said he feels energized by the new system installed by head coach Gary Kubiak.
“I’m going to tell you one thing I am not: I am not bored in the least bit. I am stimulated by studying. I feel like I’m engaged in trying to learn something new from Gary Kubiak [and] Rick Dennison and learn a little something new from Owen Daniels. Any time somebody has a question of me, I’m glad to answer that, about a route from Owen or James Casey. That’s been the truth.
Changes, instead of being stymied by any type of change, be stimulated by them. That’s been true for me, and that’s been a real positive, to tell you the truth.”
While Peyton Manning may genuinely feel stimulated by the team’s changes, that hasn’t stopped the rumors about his departure from the Denver Broncos. Such is the offseason.
[Image via Getty Images]
