The Facts: Following up on a previous item. ... Manning's end in Denver will occur no later than Tuesday at 2 p.m. That's when his $19 million salary becomes guaranteed.

Diehards Line: As Post staffer Troy E. Renck notes, cutting ties with Manning will free salary-cap space while leaving $2.5 million in "dead money" against the salary cap. The Broncos need cap room as they prepare to enter free agency Wednesday. Manning's exit would create room as would restructures from offensive lineman Ryan Clady and outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware, which have been broached. It would also allow the team to move forward with Brock Osweiler as their starter -- as they seem to be intent on doing. ... Renck went on to suggest that with Manning, the ideal scenario is that he and the Broncos mutually part ways, an amicable end to arguably the most productive free-agent signing in league history. It would free Manning to see if an opportunity emerges to entice him to play while working without a deadline.