It’s not a done deal, but the Denver Broncos [2] may have just hit the quarterback jackpot. ESPN’s Chris Mortensen and Adam Schefter [3] are reporting that four-time MVP Peyton Manning [4] has chosen the Mile High City as the setting for the second phase of a career rivaled by few others.

Manning has reportedly chosen Denver over a roster of programs—the San Francisco 49ers, the Miami Dolphins, the Tennessee Titans, and the Arizona Cardinals—that would have happily burned their playbooks to bring in the 35-year-old field general. Apparently, though, Manning was impressed with the Broncos’ vice president of football operations—a man named John Elway [5].

Bringing Manning to Denver changes a few things. OK, one big thing: the need for Tim Tebow [6]. Sources say that if a contract can be struck between the Broncos and Manning, the team will look to trade Tebow, who took the team to the playoffs last season in a Tugly fashion [7], but breathed life into an organization that sorely needed it.

Of course, Manning—if the neck injury that ended his career with the Indianapolis Colts doesn’t cause further problems—can do a few things that Tebow can’t. Like hit a receiver on a short route, read a defense, and avoid the rush. (According to ESPN, Tim Tebow was sacked 24 times on 293 dropbacks in 2011 while Peyton Manning was sacked 21 times on 1,399 dropbacks since 2008 [8].) If Manning does sign with the Broncos, the deal would be a giant coup for Elway [9] (pictured). Not only would it give him a free pass on 86-ing a hugely popular young quarterback who likely doesn’t have the mechanics to make it in the NFL, but Elway would also bring in a man who lifted the lowly Colts to eight division championships, three AFC Championship game appearances, two conference titles, and a Super Bowl championship. That’s not a bad resume.

The details have yet to be worked out, but if all goes according to Elway’s plan, Manning could be tossing it around here in Denver by mid-April. What do you think Denver?