Peyton Manning's pay cut for the 2015 NFL season confirms his return as the quarterback for the Denver Broncos. The team's general manager John Elway said that Manning's return and reduced salary can help boost the Bronco' lineup, according to USA Today.
Rumors about Manning's retirement from the team and his professional football career emerged shortly after the Broncos lost to the Indianapolis Colts in last season's AFC divisional round match.
After the loss, Elway met with Manning and told him to take several weeks off from the team to think about his future in the league. The general manager said that the vacation will help the quarterback decide if he really wants to retire from the sport, ESPN reported.
But after passing physical examinations and signing a new contract with Broncos officials on Thursday, Manning became an official active member of the Denver NFL team. As part of the deal, Manning will receive $15 million for the 2015 NFL season. This is $4 million less than what he should receive if his contract for the upcoming season was not restructured.
With the savings from Manning's price cut, Broncos officials can now turn their attention to drafting and signing free agent athletes. Also, Elway noted that with Manning's return, the team will need a new young breed of players who will accompany the 38-year old quarterback.
"It's a lot more dependent on balance, so therefore Peyton is hopefully not going to have to throw the ball 50 or 55 times," Elway said according to USA Today. "I think for an older quarterback it's a perfect system to be in. It's really a great system for any quarterback but I think it's even more helpful the older you get."
As for Manning, he is happy with his decision to stay with the Broncos and is looking forward to working with the coaches and his teammates in the 2015 season.
