Broncos awaiting Manning’s signature on contract

Tebowmania reached its apex in the playoffs, when he threw an 80-yard touchdown pass to Demaryius Thomas on the very first play of overtime to beat the Pittsburgh Steelers. The next week, though, Tebow was smothered by the New England Patriots, who routed the Broncos, 45-10.

Afterward, Elway declared Tebow was the Broncos‘ starting quarterback heading into training camp this summer but said the left-hander would have to improve his flawed mechanics and footwork to win the job heading into the season.

He also said he’d spent time tutoring Tebow himself and would add more quarterback competition through the draft and free agency.

Several Broncos predicted the free agency floodgates will swing wide open once Manning officially joins the team.

“I think we’ll sign some guys, probably a few guys, like Dallas Clark, Jeff Saturday, guys waiting to see what Peyton was going to do,” Ayers said. “Defensive guys want to play with a lead, and I’m pretty sure guys are going to assume Peyton will put up points in this offense, we have some weapons.”

With Manning joining the Broncos, oddsmakers in Las Vegas immediately made Denver one of the top choices to win the Super Bowl next season, which will be played in Manning’s hometown of New Orleans.

___

AP Sports Writer Pat Graham contributed to this report.

___

Follow AP Pro Football Writer Arnie Stapleton on Facebook and http://twitter.com/arniestapleton

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.