Peyton Manning deal done? Denver Broncos set noon news conference

The Denver Broncos have called a news conference for noon PDT today, presumably to introduce Peyton Manning as their new quarterback.

On Monday, Manning instructed his agent to negotiate a deal with the Broncos, with the four-time Most Valuable Player having chosen them over Tennessee and San Francisco. Manning is expected to command a contract in the neighborhood of $95 million over five years.

The Denver Post reported today that Manning was considering calling Frank Tripucka, the first quarterback in Broncos history, to request the use of jersey No. 18. That was Tripucka’s number, which the club had retired. Last week, Tripucka told reporters he would be honored if Manning were to wear it.

Pro Bowl cornerback Champ Bailey told the Post he tried to stay objective throughout Manning’s decision-making process, “But as I was putting it together, I always thought we had the best fit for somebody like him.”

The arrival of Manning likely means the Broncos will trade quarterback Tim Tebow, who is hugely popular but not nearly the passer Manning is.

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Peyton Manning deal done? Denver Broncos set noon news conference