INDIANPAOLIS -- Peyton Manning still needs more time.
Speaking at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, John Elway said he's not pushing Manning to make a decision on retirement.
"I met with Peyton a couple nights ago and we had a good talk," Elway said. "As I said after the game, we'll give him as much time as he needs. He still needs some more time so we're going to afford him that time. He deserves it after 18 years in this league."
Elway reiterated several times that he's not pressuring Manning one way or the other and will meet with the quarterback again in seven to 10 days.
The Broncos executive shot down suggestions that he needs Manning's decision sooner rather than later so he can move forward on contract negotiations with Brock Osweiler.
"We're really not in a hurry," Elway said. "It's really fluid. We know where Brock is and he knows what we have to offer. We still have a great deal of interest in Brock and we'd like to do something with Brock. We'll start down those tracks and we'll start talking to Brock about a new contract and see what we can do there. But with that in mind, also affording Peyton the time that he deserves. We're not in any rush. Like I said we have 12 days and we don't feel like we're in a rush there. We'll continue to talk to Peyton during that time and continue to work with Brock and get something done with Brock."
The overwhelming belief is that Manning will retire. At the very least he won't be back with the Broncos at a $19 million salary.
Deadlines spur action, but at this point Elway won't set one on a Manning decision.
Other notes from Elway's presser:
- In regards to a mega-deal with Von Miller:
"We're discussing with Von," Elway said. "We've exchanged some offers. We'll continue to meet with his representatives. We feel good about it. Obviously with the career he's had already and the way that he played this year, we're very hopeful to get something done."
Elway added he doesn't know if a deal will happen before the March 1 franchise tag deadline.
NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported earlier Thursday that the sides were optimistic a deal could be struck before the deadline, which could open up the tag for Osweiler.
- Elway said he still has to meet with Ryan Clady and DeMarcus Ware before discussing their futures.
Both veteran players could be in line to take pay cuts or be released to save cap space in order to sign Miller and Osweiler.
- Elway noted the offensive line is one area he will look to upgrade this offseason.
This meshes with in-season rumors that the Broncos tried to trade for Browns left tackle Joe Thomas.
- Elway praised Osweiler's play, once again noting the Broncos wouldn't have won the Super Bowl without the quarterback. Elway is completely comfortable handing the reins to the young signal-caller -- if he's re-signed.
"The sample size we got from Brock, we're excited with what we saw," Elway said.
Elway later told reporters that he'd rather not use the tag on Osweiler, but did not rule out using it on defensive lineman Malik Jackson, per The Denver Post.
- Hand size has been a big topic of conversation at the combine today. Elway said it was something he never thought of as a player, but does as a GM. "Hand size is important."
He relayed that a he measured his hand a few months ago. The results? 10 1/8, Elway said.
