RUMOR: Denver Broncos Attempted To Trade Peyton Manning

Nov 16, 2014; St. Louis, MO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) before the game between the St. Louis Rams and the Denver Broncos at the Edward Jones Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Anybody who watched what John Elway was doing during this off-season for the Denver Broncos, it just had the feel of a team that was gutting the organization from top to bottom and looking for a fresh start after a disappointing end to their playoff hopes in January.

Head coach John Fox was fired, along with most of his staff.

A number of veterans were allowed to leave in free agency.

Many believed that next on the list for Elway was moving on from Peyton Manning, who was mulling retirement at age 39. In the end that didn’t happen. Manning returned, eager to mesh with new head coach Gary Kubiak in hopes of taking one more crack at reaching the Super Bowl.

Recent rumors however indicate that the Broncos did in indeed try to move on from Manning.

Benjamin Allbright is a radio talk show host for 94.1 FM in Denver and has been featured on a number of prominent programs including ESPN and Fox Sports. So it’s safe to say his sources should have some credibility.

One can imagine how a Manning trade to Houston would’ve gone. The Texans are considered among the few teams in the league that are a quarterback away from contending for a championship what with stalwarts like J.J. Watt and Arian Foster in place. So it makes sense from that perspective.

Keep in mind the Broncos invested a 2nd round pick in Brock Osweiler three years ago. It was clear then that their intent was to have him learn behind Manning and eventually become the starter, similar to what the Packers did with Aaron Rodgers. The difference here is Green Bay chose to part ways with Brett Favre at that three-year mark. Nobody is sure what compelled Denver to allow Peyton to return.

Certainly the legacy and the fact he’s still one of the best in the game had something to do with it. In the end until either team offers an official comment, it’s all speculation. The bottom line is Manning re-negotiated his contract with a new no-trade clause, making it clear he had no desire to be dealt anywhere, leaving the Broncos the choice of letting him return or refusing.

Try to imagine being in that position and ask yourself whether you could refuse to let Peyton Manning come back.

Safe to say Elway wasn’t willing to open that Pandora’s Box.

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