Rams considering going after Peyton Manning for 2016

According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, Rams officials had “internal discussions” about the possibility of signing Manning in the offseason if the quarterback becomes available and decides to delay his impending retirement. “What I said was true: This could be it. …”

Peyton Manning could have an option if he wants to play one more year. Though Manning is signed for another year in Denver, Schefter writes that “most around the league do not expect him to return to Denver next season, if he returns at all”. It is widely expected that the Broncos will move on from Manning this offseason if the quarterback wants to keep playing. According to a previous report, Manning has informed people close to him that he will retire after the 2015 National Football League season.

If the soon to be 40-year-old quarterback does decide to come back, the first thing that will have to be decided is if the Broncos would even take Manning back?

Manning’s 67.9 QB rating was the lowest of his career and actually ranked behind Nick Foles (69.0) and Case Keenum (87.7) in that category this year.

Injuries and waning physical skills led Manning to throw nine touchdowns to 17 interceptions during the regular season. He missed several games due to injury and then was benched upon returning, though that was very short-lived.

Manning already said to the media during Super Bowl media day that he is not thinking about the statement and is focused on the task at hand, which is Sunday’s championship matchup with the Carolina Panthers. Nick Foles was terrible in 2015 as well, finishing as the second-worst rated passer in 2015. The Rams have plenty of other issues to figure out, but they can at least offer that.

Would it make sense for Peyton Manning to check out Los Angeles as a potential final destination? That seems highly unlikely as well.