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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.

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Why this window matters

#6 in the Athlore 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

The draft, major signings, trades and roster decisions are ordered chronologically. Complete draft boards, trade packages and free-agent jersey changes are embedded at the moment they happened.

  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.

    The complete trade package is preserved beside this moment →

    06TradeMarch 13, 2012To WAS20121STround assetTo LAR20121STround asset20122NDround asset+2 assetsWashington's RGIII trade-upWAS receives 2012 first · No. 2LAR receives 2012 first · No. 6, 2012 second · No. 39, 2013 first · No. 22 + 1 more5 original assets · 3 outcomes tracedOpen trade →

  2. March 15 · Free agency

    Mario Williams becomes Buffalo's record-setting addition

    The Bills made the former No. 1 pick the richest defensive player in league history at the time, signaling an aggressive attempt to end the franchise's long playoff drought.

    Follow the jersey change beside this moment →

    39Free agencyMarch 15, 2012From HOUHOUWILLIAMS90To BUFBUFWILLIAMS94Williams becomes Buffalo's record-setting defenderBuffalo made the former No. 1 pick the highest-paid defensive player in league history at the time.Houston Texans → Buffalo BillsOpen offseason →

  3. March 20 · Free agency

    Peyton Manning chooses Denver

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

    Follow the jersey change beside this moment →

    03Free agencyMarch 20, 2012From INDINDMANNING18To DENDENMANNING18Peyton Manning chooses DenverReleased after four neck procedures, Manning selected Denver following a league-wide pursuit and turned an 8–8 playoff team into an immediate power.Indianapolis Colts → Denver BroncosOpen offseason →

  4. March 21 · Trade

    Brandon Marshall reunites with Jay Cutler →

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

    The complete trade package is preserved beside this moment →

    26TradeMarch 13, 2012To CHICHIMARSHALL—To MIA20123RDround asset20133RDround assetBrandon Marshall to ChicagoCHI receives Brandon MarshallMIA receives 2012 3rd-round pick, 2013 3rd-round pick3 original assets · 1 outcomes tracedOpen trade →

  5. March 21 · Free agency

    Matt Flynn gets Seattle's open quarterback job

    The Seahawks signed Green Bay's backup after his six-touchdown finale, but third-round rookie Russell Wilson won the competition before Week 1 and changed the franchise's course.

    Follow the jersey change beside this moment →

    40Free agencyMarch 21, 2012From GBGBFLYNN10To SEASEAFLYNN15Flynn arrives as Seattle's presumed starterSeattle signed Green Bay's backup after a record-setting Week 17 performance, expecting him to lead Pete Carroll's offense.Green Bay Packers → Seattle SeahawksOpen offseason →

  6. 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.

    The complete draft board is preserved beside this moment →

    Draft board

    2012 NFL

    01
    1

    First overall selection

    Andrew Luck

    Indianapolis Colts

    Open every pick