Thursday 5 March 2015 22:37, UK
Peyton Manning is reportedly going to take a $4m pay cut to stay with the Denver Broncos.
Manning earned $19m in 2014 and is entering the fourth year of a five-year, $95m contract, but he is willing to reduce that to $15m in 2015, according to reports in the US media.
It has also been suggested that the 38-year-old will still be able to earn the $4m back in performance bonuses if the Broncos win the AFC Championship and the Super Bowl ($2m for each success).
Manning is now set to undergo a medical exam before the revised deal is officially announced.
The future Hall of Fame quarterback was hampered by injuries during the Broncos’ play-off defeat at home to Indianapolis, and there was some speculation about whether he would return for the 2015 NFL season in a Broncos jersey – or if he would even play again.
Manning still threw for 4,727 yards, 39 TDs and 15 INTs last term, and led Denver to the AFC West title.
The five-time NFL MVP is now set to embark on his 18th season in the NFL and needs only 2,148 yards to break the all-time career passing yardage mark owned by former Green Bay Packers star Brett Favre.
Manning was reportedly approached by Broncos general manager – and NFL Hall of Famer - John Elway to reduce his salary so the team could give his wide receiver Demaryius Thomas the franchise tag and it has been estimated that Thomas’ tag will cost the team around $13m.
