Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning was widely expected to retire this offseason following the team's Super Bowl victory, but there is now a report that Manning wants to continue playing for at least another season. If he does decide to come back, he likely won't be playing for the Broncos, who are expected to part ways with him as they move forward with Brock Osweiler as their quarterback.
There is an off chance that he could be back in Denver is Osweiler signs elsewhere in free agency (which is very unlikely, but could happen), but that's very unlikely. So, where else could he end up? Here are the three teams he is the most likely to play for next season:
3) New York Jets
New York finally found something resembling a quarterback in Ryan Fitzpatrick last year, but he is a free agent. The Jets haven't been linked to Manning at all, but the idea of playing in a big market definitely appeals to him - as would playing with two dominant wideouts in Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker. Still, the Jets would be a distant third behind the other two teams on this list.
2) Houston Texans
Manning is looking to join a contender, and Houston won their division last season despite having dreadful quarterback play all season long, and Manning could be the answer they've been looking for. He'd love to play with DeAndre Hopkins, who led the league in receiving last year, plus he'd have the chance to face the Colts twice a year.
The Texans are also expected to draft a quarterback, probably Penn State's Christian Hackenberg, and Manning could serve as an excellent mentor.
1) Los Angeles Rams
All in all, the Rams are far and away the biggest favorite to land Manning. They have already expressed interest in possibly acquiring him as a major upgrade over Case Keenum and Nick Foles, hoping he can work with their talented defense and star running back Todd Gurley to turn them into a championship contender.
Being the quarterback of the new team in Los Angeles is something that definitely appeals to Manning, as the roster and chance to step in and start immediately. If he is playing in 2016, the odds say it will be with the Rams.
Back to the NFL Newsfeed