The Facts: After agreeing to a $4 million pay cut, Manning is back for his fourth season with the Broncos, 18th in the NFL. "I don't talk about my contract. I never have in 18 years and I'm not going to start now," Manning said Wednesday afternoon. "I've been working real hard and I'm excited to be back with the Broncos. Can't wait for April 13 to get here when the team can finally come together. I'm excited to get to work and get to know the new coaches and looking forward to trying to make 2015 a special year."

Diehards Line:This was the first pay cut of Manning's career. Manning, who turns 39 on March 24, was first approached about the possibility of taking less pay on Feb. 11. That day the team flew him in from his hometown of New Orleans on owner Pat Bowlen's private plane. Manning met later that day with Elway. When negotiations began, the Broncos were seeking a far more severe pay cut than $4 million. It wasn't salary-cap relief the Broncos were seeking so much as cash. That Manning can make the $4 million back in incenctives suggests it wasn't easy for him. Whatever the case, Manning will take his physical examination at Broncos headquarters on Thursday morning. "I see that as being pretty routine," he said. He will then sign his revised contract and have one more meeting with GM John Elway. Manning will then rejoin his family and the offseason before returning for team conditioning on April 13. For the record, Manning's cut will push the Broncos' cap room to around $20 million.