(Newser)
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Is Tebow-mania on its knees in Denver? Peyton Manning has told his agent to begin negotiations with the Broncos, sources tell Adam Schefter and Chris Mortensen of ESPN. In a TV appearance, Schefter said Manning "fully intends" to play in Denver, and has already discussed the parameters of a 5-year, $95 million contract with GM John Elway. If the deal goes through, Denver will try to trade Tim Tebow.
Sources say that the negotiations will iron out language to protect the team in case Manning's neck ailment comes back to haunt him, but Manning has already passed a physical. Both sides expect talks to be a formality, and Manning has forbidden his agent from speaking further with his other suitors, the San Francisco 49ers or Tennessee Titans. Denver is now expected to pursue free agent Jeff Saturday, a former Colts center whom Manning brought up in discussions with all the teams who wanted to sign him.
