Denver had ‘very preliminary’ talks about trading Peyton Manning to Houston; what could the Broncos receive?

Even Peyton Manning, a five-time NFL MVP destined to garner the Pro Football Hall of Fame's prominent golden jacket, can't escape offseason trade talk.

Manning was the focal point of 'very preliminary' discussions between Denver and Houston about acquiring the 39-year-old Broncos quarterback nearly four months ago, according to Denver 94.1 FM radio host Benjamin Allbright. His two-part tweet also suggests Broncos' front office personnel wanted backup play-caller Brock Osweiler, who completed 17 passes for one touchdown in three years behind Manning, taking the helm.

Broncos spokesman Patrick Smyth immediately downplayed the report via Twitter, saying Allbright's "speculation is false, and you're report is inaccurate." Manning's agent, Tom Condon, and Texans' beat writer John McClain also refuted Allbright's claim.

Multiple sources denying the report isn't unusual, especially since both teams have since moved on; Manning restructured his contract to include a no-trade clause while Houston signed journeyman quarterback Bryan Hoyer to a two-year deal. The timing, however, somewhat validates Allbright's claim.

Allbright's radio station reported talks happened before Manning agreed to a new contract on March 4 (the Texans signed Hoyer less than a week later). A no-trade clause has never been implemented in a Manning contract, even in Indianapolis where he essentially cornered the Colts into releasing him. That Manning would agree to this, and a $4 million pay cut, does more than show "the Sheriff's" unwavering devotion to the Broncos.

It assures Manning that he will go out on his own terms.

Denver is fielding an expensive, stationery, yet accomplished signal caller whose 2011 season-ending neck surgery is still cause for concern, though Manning's only significant injury in 2014 was a December quad injury that didn't fully heal until February.

Despite ranking among the league leaders in passing yards, touchdowns, and interceptions in three years with the Mile-High club, Manning's declining splits in the first and second half of seasons leave little doubt as to why Denver reportedly held 'very preliminary' trade talks.

Between 2012-2014, Manning averaged 8.5 yards per attempt and 329 yards per game in the season's first eight games. Production fell to 7.7 and 290.3 in next eight games, respectively. Postseason numbers mirrored the latter and included a 66.7 completion percentage.

Sure, his decline has a lot to with an aging skillset, as it will this fall. But it also coincides with incoming head Gary Kubiak and his divergent offensive philosophy.

Manning earned his nickname from the legendary way he calls audibles on the line of scrimmage. As Houston's coach for the better part of eight years, Kubiak didn't give his quarterbacks the same authority. In 2013, McClain noted that Kubiak didn't allow his offense to switch into hurry-up mode, regardless of the defense's alignment. Manning may not be as submissive, but that doesn't mean he won't completely override Kubiak's game plan.

Kubiak has already said he will limit his veterans by forcing them to take days off from practice. In doing so he saves Manning for pivotal games while giving Osweiler a few snaps, and possibly a few starts during the final year of his rookie contract.

Denver's original plan in drafting Osweiler imitated what Green Bay successfully did with Aaron Rodgers and Brett Favre. Rodgers developed into a Super Bowl-winning superstar while Osweiler has idly stood by while Manning broke record after record.

Now, the Broncos are left contemplating their future at quarterback. Suddenly, trading Manning doesn't sound implausible.

Details about the brief talks Denver and Houston had may never see the light of day, but it's safe to assume the Broncos had three priorities in mind: freeing up cap space, giving Osweiler - or another young quarterback - a reason to stay in Denver, and, possibly, help on the defensive line.

Manning took a pay cut - from $19 million he was owed - to offset costs of designating wide receiver Demaryius Thomas with the franchise tag, among other returning players they tendered offers to. Those funds could have gone to adding playmakers at safety and nose tackle. Little was done to address the positions during the May NFL draft, other than selecting defensive tackle Darius Kilgo in the sixth round.

Houston bolstered their already impressive front line by signing five-time Pro Bowler Vince Wilfork to play alongside Jared Crick and do-it-all tackle/tight end J.J. Watt. For Manning, the Texans would surely have given up a small defensive cog. Picturing Manning in the same backfield as Arian Foster, DeAndre Hopkins, and possibly Watt could have justified going over the salary cap.

For the Broncos, it would have meant rebuilding around a team already built for the postseason independent of an injury-prone player, albeit one that can still play at a Pro Bowl level. The problem is Denver can't wait for Manning to gas out. His deteriorating health will continue to be an issue, as his contract already has.

If Allbright's sources are correct, Denver's first opportunity to make a change passed them by. They can't balk a second time around.