Peyton Manning did as he said he would, yet his status remains the same: undecided.
The Broncos quarterback flew to Denver to meet with the team's brass -- general manager John Elway and president/CEO Joe Ellis -- on Thursday to discuss his future, but no decision came out of the meeting, NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported, per a team source. Manning returned to New Orleans to continue training, presumably with an eye toward the 2015 season.
Denver wants to know of Manning's decision before its brass leaves for the NFL Scouting Combine next week, but with Manning still contemplating his future with the team, the preferred window is closing. Although offensive coordinator Rick Dennison said "there's certainly no rush" on Manning's decision, a second meeting might need to be expedited in order to meet Denver's time frame.
Adding to the pressure of the calendar is the requirement for Manning to pass a physical administered between Feb. 23 and March 5, per The Denver Post. The biggest factor, though, comes March 9. If Manning is on the roster then, his $19 million salary becomes guaranteed.
Manning, meanwhile, will continue to train with renowned strength and conditioning coach Mackie Shilstone, who is considered a specialist in career longevity. The latest news does little to let us know if we'll see Manning spend his 18th season in a Broncos uniform, or if Brock Osweiler's time is mere months away.
But the lack of a decision after one meeting likely raises the level of concern a couple ticks among Manning fans in Denver.
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