Tebow Time ending in Denver

It's going to take a while before football fans around the country will stop doing double-takes every time they see Peyton Manning donning an orange jersey.

Get used to it, folks. The 35-year old veteran just inked a five-year, $96 million deal. Sounds risky for a guy who has undergone multiple neck surgeries over the last year or two.

"I don't consider it much of a risk, knowing Peyton Manning. I asked him, 'Is there any doubt in your mind that you can't get back to the Peyton Manning we know of?' And he said, 'There's no doubt in my mind,'" said Broncos Executive Vice President of Football Operations, and owner of multiple franchise passing records.

In addition to adding a bona fide franchise quarterback, Denver now has one other thing to deal with: current starter Tim Tebow, the team's first-round draft pick in 2010.

The Broncos are expected to trade him, and so far, Jacksonville and the New York Jets appear to be the most aggressive suitors. He makes just $1.9 million next season, followed by $2.3 and $2.6 million in 2013 and 2014, making the 24-year old an attractive, low-risk option.

Tebow took over as the team's starter when the Broncos got out to a 1-4 start. By the end of the season, Denver sneaked into the playoffs with an 8-8 record.

But despite Tebow's success last year, Elway and head coach John Fox never seemed interested in keeping him the long-term starter. Tebow was hand-picked by former head coach Josh McDaniels, who lasted less than two seasons in Denver before getting fired.

"Tim Tebow's a great kid. If I want someone to marry my daughter, it's him. Tim is a great football player, but with the opportunity that presented itself here, we had to take advantage of that," Elway said.

The Broncos are significantly under their salary cap limit, which may have contributed to Manning's interest. Denver should be plenty active in surrounding him with further offensive talent in the offseason, through free agency and the draft.