The Denver Broncos and Peyton Manning found a way to make their contract agreement fair to both sides. While reported as a 5-year, $96 million deal, it is essentially a 1-year, $18 million contract - all guaranteed - with a medical waiver for 2013 and 2014.
In layman's terms, Manning will take a physical next March and depending on the results the rest of the contract could be voided or kick in.
The deal is extremely fair to both sides. There is a huge financial investment for one season for the Broncos, but Denver isn't on the hook for a long term contract. If Manning isn't what he used to be, the Broncos can move on.
It is much like the contract Manning had agreed to with the Indianapolis Colts last season which gave the team an out if Manning was unable to play. We all see what happened.
The perception, however, is that Manning will come back as strong as ever, and the Broncos will be set for the next 3 to 4 seasons. Either way, this contract is a HUGE win for the Denver Broncos and John Elway without being a loss to Peyton Manning.
A job well done on both sides.