Peyton Manning
Indianapolis Colts outside linebacker Erik Walden (93) sacks Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) during a 2014 game in Denver. Reuters/Ron Chenoy/USA Today Sports

Before Peyton Manning signed a two-year deal with the Denver Broncos this offseason, the team wanted the veteran quarterback to take a $10 million pay cut. But both sides eventually agreed to a cut of $4 million.

According to Mike Klis of Denver's KUSA-TV, the Broncos never seriously considered cutting or trading Manning but they did initially ask the quarterback to take the huge pay cut. The 39-year-old Manning eventually restructured his contract with the Broncos in the offseason, settling for $34 million over the next two years.

In recent days, reports surfaced that the Broncos offered Manning to the Houston Texans earlier in the offseason, before reaching the contract deal. According to reports, which the Broncos brass denied, the team was prepared to make Brock Osweiler the starting QB if Manning was traded.

Manning, who passed for 4,727 yards with 39 touchdowns last season, led the Broncos to a 12-4 record and the AFC West title in 2014. Denver made the postseason but lost to the Indianapolis Colts in the playoffs, after reaching the Super Bowl in the previous season.

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