The Denver Broncos were never going to trade Peyton Manning.
Responding to a Tuesday report that the Broncos discussed Manning with the Houston Texans early this offseason, NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport told the Rich Eisen Show Wednesday that the account of the alleged trade talks was "not how it went down."
It's Rapoport's understanding that the Broncos might have fielded a call on Manning, but did not make any calls themselves.
Teams casually touch base with each other throughout February and early March to perform due diligence for the new league year.
The Texans needed a quarterback. Manning reportedly had a desire to sign with Houston back in 2012 and was being asked to accept a steep pay cut in Denver.
Why not reach out and gauge the Broncos' interest in turning their offense over to the highlyregardedBrock Osweiler after Manning crumpled down the stretch in 2014? It's easy to see why the Texans would inquire into Manning's availability.
When so many quality reporters -- and the Broncos themselves -- deny there were legitimate trade talks, though, it's even easier to file this one in the "discard" pile.
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