2012 NFL offseason

Peyton Manning chooses Denver

One of the greatest quarterbacks ever became a free agent after Indianapolis drafted Andrew Luck, then chose the Broncos after a league-wide pursuit.

Why this window matters

#6 in the Sportsboxd NFL offseasons ranking

Denver reached two Super Bowls, won one and produced the highest-scoring offense in league history during Manning's four seasons.

In the order it happened

The transaction timeline

Major signings, trades and roster decisions are ordered by announcement or completion date. Open linked trades for the original package and every downstream asset.

  1. March 10 · Trade agreed

    Washington makes the RGIII trade-up

    The Rams accepted three first-round picks and a second so Washington could move from No. 6 to No. 2.

  2. March 20 · Free agency

    Peyton Manning chooses Denver

    Released by Indianapolis after four neck procedures, Manning selected the Broncos following a league-wide pursuit.

  3. March 21 · Trade

    Brandon Marshall reunites with Jay Cutler

    Chicago acquired Marshall from Miami, restoring a productive quarterback-receiver partnership.

  4. April 26 · NFL Draft

    Luck and Griffin go first and second

    Indianapolis began its post-Manning era with Andrew Luck while Washington completed its move for Robert Griffin III.