Report: Peyton Manning Agrees to Pay Cut

Photo Credit: AP Photo/Ed Andrieski, File

Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning has agreed to not only return to football, but to take a pay cut as well. Coming into the 2015 season, Manning was set to be the highest paid quarterback based off of his $19 million base salary.

The pay cut is intended to be a $4 million cut; this move will bring his salary to $15 million. Along with the restructuring of the contract, Manning will earn $2 million incentives for winning the AFC Championship and an additional $2 million for winning the Super Bowl. Keep in mind that Manning’s 2016 contract remains intact at $19 million for the year.

Initially the pay cut was intended to be larger than the set $4 million, according to Mike Klis of the Denver Post. Reports have claimed that Manning had been, “irked,” by the request. Regardless of Manning being irked or not, he will return to the Denver Broncos on a lower salary than originally intended.

The pay cut reduces the stress of the Broncos’ payroll by $4 million, as stated previously. This money will be used elsewhere to retain potential free agents on their team now, or to pursue free agents in the coming weeks. While Manning is certainly not the first to take a pay cut, he provides an example to future stars who will approach a “win now” mentality. Quarterbacks such as Tom Brady and Tony Romo, have taken the necessary pay cuts to supply their franchises with money to provide a support case around them.

Many have believed that Manning would return for the 2015 season, even if it means playing with a torn right quadriceps for a good portion of the previous year. Manning will remain an elite talent in the National Football League (NFL), and continue to provide the Broncos with a winning mentality.

Providing the Broncos with the mentality of a winner is crucial. With the previous seasons, 2013 and 2014, not ending how they intended (Super Bowl victories), it seems that their time is slowly ticking downwards. The ultimate goal for the Denver Broncos, and by a variety of other NFL franchises, are to win a Super Bowl. Anything less will be considered a failure for both Manning and the Broncos.