Peyton Manning meets with Broncos
NFL football quarterback Peyton Manning, left, takes a tour with executive vice president of football operations for the Denver Broncos John Elway and Broncos coach John Fox at the Broncos' training facility in Englewood, Colo. Four-time MVP Manning opened his free-agency tour of NFL suitors Friday. (March 9, 2012) Credit: AP
Any chances of Peyton Manning donning a Jets uniform appear to be diminishing by the hour.
Manning met with Broncos officials Friday and reportedly has visits scheduled with the Cardinals and Dolphins. The free-agent quarterback wants to make a decision by Tuesday, when free agency begins.
The Jets, who had expressed interest in signing Manning, declined to comment. Incumbent quarterback Mark Sanchez hasn't spoken publicly since the day after the Jets' season ended in January. Few know how he's been feeling throughout an offseason filled with Manning rumors and people questioning his ability to get the job done on a consistent basis.
Manning was released by the Colts on Wednesday after 14 seasons with the team. Despite recovering from four neck surgeries and sitting out the entire 2011 season, he initially garnered interest from as many as 12 teams.
The Chiefs publicly expressed their interest in Manning at the NFL's scouting combine last month when coach Romeo Crennel said they'd like to pursue his services.
"He's one of the greatest players in the history of the league," Chiefs owner Clark Hunt told NBC Sports Network on Friday. "He's also an incredible person. We feel really good about the team we have in Kansas City going into the 2012 season, but we'll look for any opportunity to improve, and of course, that includes Peyton Manning."
According to the Denver Post, Manning arrived in town Friday on owner Pat Bowlen's private jet just after 1:30 p.m. local time. He flew in after initially meeting with some of the Broncos' decision-makers in Stillwater, Okla., where Oklahoma State University was holding its pro day. Broncos president John Elway, coach John Fox, general manager Brian Xanders and offensive coordinator Mike McCoy accompanied Manning on the flight to the Mile High City, a trip he seemed to want to take as part of a feeling-out process.
