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AFC South Shake-Up: Peyton Manning Almost Traded to Texans?

By Luke Schultheis

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According to Benjamin Allbright of 94.1 FM in Denver, the Broncos reportedly offered their iconic quarterback Peyton Manning to the Houston Texans earlier this offseason in a trade (via ProFootballTalk):

"“According to Benjamin Allbright of 94.1 FM in Denver, the Broncos tried to trade Manning to Houston during the offseason.  He cites “two unrelated official sources” for the report, adding that “certain elements” of the Broncos organization wanted the Brock Osweiler era to start in 2015.”"

In his recently restructured contract, Manning took a paycut to make only $15 million for 2015; however, he also included the addition of a no trade clause likely for this very reason. If this is true, then it’s a pretty unclassy move by the Broncos organization in my opinion.

June 9, 2015; Englewood, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) puts on a glove before the start of mini camp activities at the Broncos training facility. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Yes, Manning struggled late last season and in the playoffs, but he was also battling a torn quad. The 39 year old quarterback clearly isn’t the same old Peyton he once was in his 18th NFL season, but he still can be a plenty effective starting NFL quarterback all things considered. Let’s not forget that he still threw for 39 touchdown passes last season and accumulated 4,727 passing yards in the process for a sparkling passer rating of 101.5.

The new Broncos coaching staff under Gary Kubiak has no prior allegiances to Manning, but he’s still one of the best quarterbacks to ever play the game of football. Quite frankly, he deserves better than this at this late stage in his career.

The future Hall of Famer took a leap of faith after all by signing with General Manager John Elway‘s Broncos three years ago and subsequently took the team to their 1st Super Bowl in 2013, since Elway’s Broncos did it back in 1998. The latter more than anyone else should know the reverence that is required when dealing with an all-time great quarterback in the twilight of his career, having played until he was 38 years old himself.

It’s worth noting that the Broncos have since denied the report, but they could be just covering their bases after the failed trade to prevent further alienating Manning and some of their fanbase. While Manning’s waning arm strength and diminished passing velocity will continue to be an ongoing issue, he’s still a Top 10 starting quarterback in this league and should be treated as such instead of being kicked to the curb.

Of course, it’s relevant for the Indianapolis Colts because not only is Manning arguably the greatest Colt in the franchise’s history and one of the best players to ever play the game of football, but a move to the Texans could’ve drastically reshaped the playoff race in the AFC South.

Dec 22, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) throws his 51st passing touchdown of the season breaking the single-season record while rushed by Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) during the second half at Reliant Stadium. The Broncos won 37-13. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Campbell-USA TODAY Sports

Armed with J.J. Watt and Arian Foster, the Texans have been a competent quarterback away from making some serious noise in the division in recent seasons. Manning would’ve provided a serious upgrade to Ryan Mallett or Brian Hoyer and perhaps challenged the Colts for supremacy atop the AFC South.

However, if you believe the Broncos, the offer was never on the table. However, there are still some serious signs indicating that it possibly could’ve happened. Manning including a new no trade clause in his contract, and the Broncos hiring a new head coach in Kubiak made what once seemed preposterous suddenly now believable.

Aug 23, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) calls out in the first quarter of a preseason game against the Houston Texans at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

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