Terrance Knighton faces an uncertain future, but his feelings for the Broncos remain constant. The popular free agent defensive tackle wants to return Denver, where he has emerged as a locker room leader and consistent contributor on the field.

“I have made it clear that I want to be here. I know I might not be their top priority because of all (the team’s other free agents). I am comfortable here. I love the city. I love the fans, and I love the organization,” Knighton told The Denver Post Friday. “And I love the fact that (general manager) John Elway puts together a championship-caliber roster every year. Being in Jacksonville, I know what it’s like on the other end of the spectrum. With team success comes player success. Me being happy is way more important than money.”

For Knighton, this week became a bit of a nightmare. Near the end of the regular season he predicted the Broncos would win the Super Bowl — confidence he admitted drawing from Elway’s midseason talk to the team — and Denver bowed out meekly at home against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday.

Knighton made no excuses. He insisted that former coach John Fox had the team prepared following the bye week, and he doesn’t question the conservative defensive game plan.

“The Colts came in with a stronger mentality. Our coaches had us ready. But the playoffs are about who wants it more. And obviously they wanted it more,” Knighton said. “I can only speak for myself. I played as hard as I could. My stats weren’t great, but effort doesn’t show up. I wouldn’t change anything with my effort. The loss is another reason why I want to be back in Denver. We owe the city and the fans a championship.”

Elway acted quickly following the playoff exit. He mutually parted ways with Fox on Monday. Elway revealed that he disagreed with Fox on how to get the team to the “next level.” The GM wants a like-minded coach and has zeroed on former Broncos backup quarterback and ex-Houston Texans boss Gary Kubiak. Knighton said he was unaware of any friction between Elway and Fox, but admitted Elway’s season-ending news conference resonated.

“When he says something as the GM on how he expects the team to look and play, you listen. If that’s his feeling for the team, then you know there are going to be some changes,” Knighton said. “It’s a message sent to guys on the roster.”

The biggest question is whether Manning will be on the roster next season. Elway said he wants him back. Knighton is not sure how the coaching change might impact Manning.

“If Peyton’s healthy he can play at a high level. The fact that he threw 39 touchdowns for a 12-4 team shows that he has a lot of football left,” Knighton said. “But if the new coach wants to go in a new direction then I think he would retire.”

Troy E. Renck: trenck@denverpost.com or twitter.com/troyrenck