Broncos should pass on Eli Manning

Good morning, Broncos Country.

It didn’t take long for speculation about another famous Manning joining the Denver Broncos. With the breaking news of Eli Manning being benched by the New York Giants, word has already begun sprouting across the media in regard to the Denver Broncos being potential suitors for his services next season.

On ESPN’s SportsCenter yesterday afternoon, Adam Schefter made a hint that it’s a possibility that the Broncos could be suitors for Eli Manning, given his older brother Peyton’s link to the Mile High City.

While Eli has enjoyed a Hall of Fame caliber career with the Giants, surpassing 50,000 yards passing and accumulating 334 touchdowns in nearly fourteen seasons with the Giants — I don’t believe it is in the franchise’s best interest to attempt to acquire the veteran signal caller next offseason. Let me elaborate.

First and foremost, price could prove to be an issue for the Broncos. Manning has deal that runs through 2020 with the Giants and pays him an average annual salary of $20 million per season. That’s just about what the Broncos have (without rollover and potential cuts) heading into next offseason. I highly doubt Eli would take a large pay cut just to wind up in Denver.

Then one must consider that he is still under contract and a trade that may involve significant resources (high picks or promising players) may be the only way to acquire him. There are certainly other teams in the league in need of a quarterback, and it’s likely that someone (perhaps the Jacksonville Jaguars) would be willing to part ways with picks to acquire his services. Is giving up top-tier draft collateral or players on the rise something the Broncos should do for a player whose best years are behind him? Even if he is cut, the Broncos would be wise to ignore a potential free agent bidding war for his services.

While Peyton’s era in Denver provided big dividends for the Broncos, I don’t envision the potentiality of Eli bringing forth the same rewards. If I were John Elway, I’d ignore the temptation to lure another Manning to help resurrect a franchise that has been beyond abysmal this season. They haven’t had much luck finding a franchise quarterback in the draft, but with this year’s crop of prospects, it’s probably their best bet to draft one to ensure future success and stability long-term.

Eli Manning to the Broncos? Thanks, but no thanks. That is an idea the Broncos need to pass on.

As always, thank you for reading and here is today’s offering of Horse Tracks.

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