Peyton Manning is still expected to give Denver an answer in a matter of days... The question, are you retiring already man...?

Manning has went on record to say, if up to him, he would like to continue to play. 

If up to him? That's a cryptic message. Reading between the lines, I can only imagine that means as a Bronco. A window that is all but shut after news today that the Broncos made "backup" QB Brock Osweiler. Surely it can not mean in the NFL as many teams would be glad to have him

Reportedly, a 12 million dollar a year offer was put on the table for Osweiler today. A number he can see matched by many other teams in search of a starting quarterback. This is especially true this year with increased cap space.

Denver has made it clear that they are moving on from Manning and onto Brock, with the offer given though, which should make him feel good about sticking around. He was able to lead the team to success when Manning went down to injury and showed he could lead the team in years to come.

Manning came back healthy and was able to get into the starting lineup again before leading the team to the Superbowl and a victory. Afterwords,the Broncos and their brass, led by former Denver star quarterback John Elway, probably thought (and hoped) Manning would ride off into the sunset.

Apparently Manning was not happy with the ending despite a sevond Superbowl W. Statistically it was maybe his worst season ever, and perhaps that is not how he wants to be remembered. This was exasterbated by a Superbowl victory highly overshadowed by both HGH use claims and an old sexual abuse scandal at Tennessee that resurfaced. 

Maybe not the best way to go out after all...Superbowl champ or not.

In the end, it seems Peyton's comment of if it was up to him he'd play further most likely means as a Bronco.  This seems now to not be an option if Osweiler takes the deal. He most likely will, leaving manning without a team. Plenty of suitors would still be interested in the QB, but most likely noone who can compete for a championship will be available. Something that would play heavily into Peyton's decision.

Ultimately if Osweiler signs the dotted line on a Denver contract, Manning will sign off on his retirement. 

Then again...maybe the sheriff will forgo playing with a contender to pad his stats and end on a high note with scandals behind him and a good statistical season that some more records can be broken in. In a couple of weeks time, we will know for certain. 

Photo:https://www.flickr.com/photos/denverjeffrey/7955629330/in/photolist-d81F...