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REPORT: Peyton Manning intends to play in 2016 even if it's with another team

Peyton Manning plans to return in 2015 and 2016, according to an NBC report.

Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

Mike Florio reported on NBC Sunday Night Football that Peyton Manning intends to play football in 2016, even if it's not with the Denver Broncos. We're not sure where this report came from, but Florio is credible enough to share. This report comes just hours after Brock Osweiler played really well in a win over the Chicago Bears.

The fact that Tony Dungy has heard no such thing from Manning is something too, but there does appear to be something going on behind the scenes. Florio also noted that Gary Kubiak is already noncommittal at quarterback for next weeks game against the New England Patriots, which kind of makes it sound like Manning isn't quite done yet here in 2015.

Vic Lombardi immediately gave his take that if Manning decides to play in 2016, it certainly won't be as a member of the Denver Broncos. That seems to be a given as Manning as clearly lost something physically this year.

I think John Elway is the point now where he's going to need to make a decision long term at quarterback. Either Manning is the guy moving forward and through the rest of the season, or they need to move forward with Brock Osweiler and never look back. The way forward should reveal itself after next weeks game against one of the best teams in football. If the Broncos can compete with the defending Super Bowl champions without Manning, then I think they need to make the change permanent.