No pressure on Manning over future

Denver Broncos general manager John Elway said Tuesday Peyton Manning will not be pressured into a quick decision over his future, hinting that the quarterback may still have a role with the franchise if he plays on.

Manning is widely expected to announce his retirement after clinching the second Super Bowl of his 18-year career on Sunday at the age of 39.

Manning said in the aftermath of Sunday's win over the Carolina Panthers he planned to take his time before making a decision.

Elway said Tuesday the Broncos would allow Manning as long as he needed.

"There is no deadline. We'll let Peyton enjoy this," Elway said. "Eventually we'll sit down and talk to him. There is no timeline for this."

Elway emphasized that Manning's future was entirely up to him.

"Important thing is, it's going to be his decision," Elway said. "Where we get a chance to sit down and talk to him, that's up to Peyton, where he is in that process, what he thinks he can do, how he thinks he can play ... what he wants to do from here on out."

Manning regained his place in the starting line-up after being benched during the season in favor of deputy Brock Osweiler.

The Broncos are understood to favor using Osweiler as a starter next season, but will need to lock him into a deal soon before he becomes a free agent on March 9.
Source: AFP