Warren, on the other hand, hasn’t been so cooperative.

The Denver Post reports the Broncos would like to reduce Warren’s base pay from $4 million to somewhere in the ballpark of $1.5 million, but the 31-year-old is unwilling to give in and has skipped the team’s voluntary offseason conditioning program.

Because the workouts are not mandatory — yet — Warren is technically not a hold out. However, the club encourages all players to attend, so Warren’s absence says everything you need to know about his attitude.

Although considered the “odds-on favorite” to start at nose tackle for the Broncos, Warren’s future is clouded with health concerns after missing the last two years with hip and triceps injuries.

Understandably, the team is apprehensive about paying him “starter’s money” when there’s no guarantee he can make it through training camp, let alone an entire season.

It’d be wise of Warren to report sooner than later, even with a lowered salary, or else he may (and probably will) find himself unemployed — again.

Though that deal has since fallen through, the same type of rumors are starting up again, this time involving the Broncos, who’ve reportedly shown an interest in the veteran cornerback.

Two NFL sources tell the Denver Post’s Mike Klis that the Broncos “have expressed interest in acquiring” Samuel, floating over two proposals to Philadelphia — one involving a late-round draft pick, and the other an undisclosed player.

However, Denver “no longer believes” they can strike deal with the Eagles, so a swap ultimately appears unlikely.

Philly has made it clear they’re looking to deal Samuel, preferably in advance of next Thursday’s NFL draft. Despite negotiations apparently stalling, the team, at this point, would take just a fifth or sixth-round pick for the 31-year-old, so talks can still re-ignite at any point.

If there’s no progress in the coming days, look for a deal to be consummated on draft day, with the Broncos as the most likely suitor. No matter the destination, however, it’s become painfully obvious Samuel will have a new home in 2012.

An NFL source tells the Denver Post that the Broncos will play host to the Steelers in the first NBC Sunday Night Football contest on September 9.

This game will be one of an expected handful of primetime matchups for the Broncos, who’ve unsurprisingly become a national showcase with Peyton Manning now in tow.

Aside from Manning, however, the storyline is intriguing; the Steelers’ season shockingly ended at Mile High Field this past January in the AFC Wildcard playoffs, as former quarterback Tim Tebow led his team to an improbable overtime win over Pittsburgh, who were heavily favored at the time.

The rest of the 2012-13 schedule is currently being revealed on NFL Network. Tune in or check out NFL.com for the entire docket.

One man who knows Peyton Manning better than most all but answered the question with a resounding ‘yes’.

Per the Denver Post, Duke head coach David Cutcliffe, whose overseen Manning’s recent workouts, proclaimed the quarterback to be in “great shape, not good shape,” adding that his arm strength and velocity on passes are up to snuff.

“He can make all the throws, his release times are perfect, and we pay a lot of attention to that. It’s arm speed and getting rid of it. His velocity is good. It’s just a matter of, like any other NFL football player, you’ve got to feel good,” Cutcliffe said. “He’s in great shape. Not good shape, great shape, and that’s part of what we did here as well.”

Asked how soon before Manning could take his place back under center, Cutcliffe answered with an encouraging response.

“He could play a game. We’ve done it, we’ve simulated games, and he’s done well. He’s going to do nothing but get stronger and going to play up to his standards,” Cutcliffe said Thursday in a phone interview with The Denver Post. “I know that’s his goal, and there isn’t any reason, there is no indicator otherwise.”

Confirming a prior report which stated Manning is capable of hitting 50-yard passes, Cutcliffe’s two-cents are especially noteworthy considering he coached him at the University of Tennessee, and has been watching the Canton-bound signal-caller throw for “nearly two decades,” including the much-discussed session in Durham earlier this month.

It’s only getting started (but, as a consolation, should soon be over.)

Per FOXSports.com (via Orlando’s WKMG-TV), it has come down to two for Tim Tebow, who’s quickly being ushered out of Denver with the arrival of you-know-who.

According to the report, which cited a “close” source, Tebow will be traded to either the New York Jets or Jacksonville Jaguars on Wednesday.

The Dolphins and, of all teams, the Packers were also involved in trade talks, which eventually came down to just New York and Jacksonville.

Tebow is expected to net the Broncos a third-round pick, but I wouldn’t be stunned to see a deal involving a conditional fourth-round selection that, if certain conditions are met, would turn into a third.

He’s said to prefer playing time over heading home to Jacksonville to play with the Jags, but there are multiple reasons why either club would be interested in the quarterback.

For the Jets, whom reportedly “intensified” talks with Tebow’s camp, they view him as a God-send (pardon the pun here) for new offensive coordinator Tony Sparano, who’s expected to bring with him the Wildcat offense. A team source also confirmed Tuesday that Tebow is viewed as a good option to help heal the locker room — and city, similar to what Knicks baller Jeremy Lin has done in the Big Apple.

That may be the biggest reason of all why Gang Green pulls the trigger.

Why Jacksonville? Well, obviously, the hometown connection is there, so they have that going for them. That aside, new (and already outspoken) owner Shahid Khan is said to be deep into negotiations with the Broncos’ brass, and more importantly, has vowed time and time again to put the Jags back on the map.

An NFL source tells Mike Klis of the Denver Post that the Broncos are hammering out the parameters of a contract with Manning and his reps, which would pay the free agent $60 million over five-years, including $30 million guaranteed — “give or take.”

The source also indicated the sweepstakes have come down to Denver and Tennessee, confirming recent reports that the Dolphins and Cardinals are now out of the race.

“We’re still in it,” said a Broncos source. “We don’t know. We’ll know more over the weekend.”

Klis, whose best covered ManningWatch from the outset, cautions that the team would like to see Manning throw and clear him medically before wrapping up a contract.

And, as I type this, a white van carrying a contingent of Broncos staff — VP of football operations John Elway, head coach John Fox, and head trainer Steve Antonopulos — arrived at Duke University, where Peyton will demonstrate his supposed improved health and increased velocity.

If Manning checks out, the Broncos might then “sweeten their offer, or lock in their guarantee,” all but assuring #18 heads to the Mile High City.

Though the Titans, who’ve offered the free agent a “blank check” and future front-office position, will also reportedly work out Manning, they may not have the opportunity if he and the Broncos each like what they see this afternoon.

Stay tuned.

UPDATE: Klis corrected himself, stating they’re “working off” the five-year, $90 million deal Manning recently had voided by the Colts. Either way, the Broncos remain all “in.”

My previously reported contract parameters for P. Manning were too low. Broncos, Titans, 49ers working off his old five-year, $90 mil deal

— Mike Klis (@MikeKlis) March 16, 2012

His deal called for him to make _ gulp! _ $61.4 mil over 2 yrs; $69 mil over 3 yrs. Broncos understand the parameters. They’re in.

— Mike Klis (@MikeKlis) March 16, 2012

On a day when Manning was in Tennessee, and Mario Williams in Buffalo (still), linebacker Von Miller fired off a powerful tweet, stating he’d give up his 2012 salary if both Manning and Williams join the Broncos.

Mario and Manning = I will play this season for free, super bowls are priceless!!!

— Von Miller (@MillerLite40) March 15, 2012

Originally, Miller said he would take a pay cut for the two, but upped the ante exactly fifteen minutes later.

You know Denver’s front office was smiling — that is, if they saw these comments.

Sandwiched in between those tweets, the second-year sack artist gushed about “Mr.” Manning, and opined that Tim (as in, Tebow) wouldn’t mind #18 coming aboard.

I’m “positive” Tim wouldn’t mind competing with Peyton… “We” all could learn something from Mr. Manning. #truth

— Von Miller (@MillerLite40) March 15, 2012

Of course, Tebow would most certainly be gone if Manning did sign with the team, but let’s not kill the buzz Miller’s got going here.

In fantasy land, where both Manning and Williams were added to the Broncos roster, they’d instantly become AFC — and possibly Super Bowl — contenders. It’s a highly improbable scenario, though, as the club doesn’t have that kind of cash to so easily dole out.

Yes, Von, even if you threw in your $1,329,563.

I can’t stress “a bit” enough.

On cue, Peyton Manning topped headlines Tuesday now that he’s narrowed it down to the final two teams — again.

“Multiple NFL sources” tell Mike Klis of the Denver Post that Manning has placed the Broncos among the final two choices on his list, whittled down from a reported 12.

Why? Well, Peyton “likes” that coach John Fox will allow him “carte blanche” control over the offense, and thinks Colorado would him and his family a good “quality of life.”

He’s also factoring in weather to the equation “as he struggles” to make a decision.

Klis, a longtime Broncos beat reporter, has been more plugged into this situation than most, so feel free to take his word for it. He also says teams still in the hunt for Manning include the Titans, Dolphins, and Cardinals.

The Texans withdrew their own name from the hat Tuesday, saying they’ll take Matt Schaub over the future Hall of Famer. Ditto for the 49ers, who “are no longer in” on Peyton.

Among the three, Arizona seems to be his second choice, as he was “really into” the Cards’ pitch over the weekend. Tennessee arranged a meeting with Manning — and wily owner Bud Adams is ready to back up the Brinks truck for him.

The Dolphins appear to have fell out of favor to Manning, despite the fact that he owns a home in Miami. It may go down as another black-eye for the organization, and, in particular, owner Stephen Ross, who has repeatedly failed in bringing a big name to the club.

From the moment he first met with John Elway and the rest of the Broncos’ brass, all signs pointed to Manning would inevitably sign there. There’s no doubt he’s torn over what is essentially a life-changing decision, but the scale is — and has been — tipped slightly in Denver’s favor.

Though, if the iconic quarterback does end up in Denver, he may recognize a face or two.

Assuming Manning signs with the Broncos, two of his former longtime pass-catchers — receiver Reggie Wayne and tight end Dallas Clark — could join him in the Mile High City, CBSSports’ Pete Prisco hears.

The word I hear tonight from one league exec is he thinks Manning, Wayne and Clark all might be going to Denver

— Pete Prisco (@PriscoCBS) March 13, 2012

Of course, this possibility exists not solely because of Manning, but because both free agents will need the work — Wayne is on the outs with the Colts, who last week released Clark and three other players.

Wayne was once adamant about becoming a package deal with Peyton, ideally in Arizona where he’d complement Larry Fitzgerald quite nicely. However, with the Broncos possessing a slight lead in the sweepstakes, Wayne’s tune has since changed, and he’s said to be interested in returning to Miami.

The problem with that is the Dolphins, despite a private 5-6 hour meeting Monday, don’t appear to be a serious contender in the Manning derby, ruining the desired package.

Clark may not have a choice or preference, as his interest around the league won’t be particularly high after a miserable, injury-riddled 2011 campaign.

Both Wayne and Clark’s situations seem mostly dependent on Manning at this point. But, while they’re at it, just go ahead bring Pierre Garcon aboard, too. Might as well officially turn Denver into Indy West.

[Photo: Doug Benc/Getty Images]

It almost seems real.

Robert Griffin III may be the best incoming rookie in video game history, but he’s got nothing on the Broncos’ current signal-caller.

Current, as in things may change depending on Peyton Manning.

Nevertheless, Tim Tebow, at the moment, is the 5-1 favorite to become the cover boy for ‘Madden 13′, the Sporting News reports (via Bovada.lv).

Like last year, ESPN SportsNation will determine who graces the blockbuster game with an online tournament in which fans get to pick the winner.

Think of it as a March Madness bracket … just an EA Sports version. There will be a field of 64 players, which will be cut down to 32 by March 21. And so on, until the winner is revealed live on ESPN in April.

As of now, Tebow leads the pack, with fellow quarterback Cam Newton in a second-place tie with Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski. The Giants’ Victor Cruz and Packers QB Aaron Rodgers complete the top-five.

If Tebow does come out on top, best believe there will be many a Tebowmaniac swamp-rushing their local Gamestop.