Peyton Manning

A wild horse in the Peyton Manning Derby has won the race.

Actually, a team of horses won. The winner in the hottest contest since the NFL began free agency back in 1993 is the Denver Broncos, where exclusive negotiations are now underway.

It makes sense. If you are one of the most elite quarterbacks to ever play the game, why not choose a team run by another super elite quarterback? John Elway is the man in charge and if anyone knows how to build around a QB and make him feel comfortable, he's the guy.

The deal is expected to be a five year deal in the 90 to 95 million dollar range. Obviously, the sticking points, if there are any, will deal with the possibility of Manning being unable to play versus the level of guaranteed money he should be given. I would imagine that once that deal is done, it will be used a blueprint for the Saints and Drew Brees to come to terms.

Manning and Brees are both represented by agent Tom Condon and this contract will surely be used by Condon to prove the value of elite quarterbacks in the NFL. At the higher end of 95 million dollars, the contract averages 19 million dollars per year. Brees would earn between 15 and 16 million dollars under the franchise tag this season.

With some creative thinking, Saints GM Mickey Loomis and agent Condon should be able to make the numbers work. Of course, Loomis would like his quarterback to take less and Condon will want more. But I think a deal will be made before training camp.

A wild horse in the Peyton Manning Derby has won the race.