Peyton Manning to Take Pay Cut, Still Make More Than Tom Brady
Peyton Manning is taking a pay cut, but he’ll still make more money than Tom Brady in 2015. ESPN was first to report the news that Manning’s salary will be reduced by $4 million in 2015.
As it stands now, Manning will make $15 million in salary and $2.5 million in bonus money, costing $17.5 million against the salary cap. Brady will make a $9 million salary and $5 million in bonus money for a cumulative $14 million cap hit. However, Manning reportedly could make all the money back in incentive clauses.
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Manning struggled mightily late in the 2014 season, and his poor performance in the playoffs against the Colts led to speculation that he might retire. He is opting in for another run with Denver, and his reduced salary gives John Elway a little more cap flexibility, if nothing else.
Both the Patriots and the Broncos have key players hitting free agency. The Patriots need to carve out a new contract for Darrelle Revis, and Devin McCourty, Shane Vereen, and Dan Connolly are set to hit the open market March 10. The Broncos used the franchise tag on Demaryius Thomas, but Julius Thomas, Terrance Knighton, and Orlando Franklin are all key free agents Denver could lose.
Both quarterbacks are willing to restructure their deals for more help. But given the way the 2014 season ended, Brady still looks like the better bargain, and the Patriots are still the team to beat in 2015.
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