Peyton Manning’s future remains the fulcrum of the Broncos’ offseason, an announcement clearing the way for a flurry of moves. Manning is not expected to decide on whether to retire until closer to the first of March.

He has been on vacation, following a typical offseason blueprint. Hall of Fame coach Tony Dungy advised Manning to remove the emotion, to clear his head before making any announcement. He is following the advice, and Broncos general manager John Elway said he’s comfortable with Manning “taking his time.”

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A deadline exists because Manning’s $19 million 2016 contract guarantees on March 9 and he must take and pass a physical by March 4. If Manning decides in early March, it creates a window for the Broncos to aggressively pursue a deal with quarterback Brock Osweiler before March 7, when free agency explodes with unofficial agreements. The Broncos aren’t planning to negotiate with Osweiler until Manning’s intentions are known.

The best-case scenario is a seamless Manning exit, since last season’s performance makes it unlikely he would return to Denver. And the Broncos aren’t paying two starting quarterbacks.

When Manning makes his move, the hard work begins, littered with questions. Can the Broncos agree on a deal with Osweiler without rancor? It is a complicated equation. Osweiler has earned the right to test the open market, and I am sure his representatives would prefer Kirk Cousins signs to establish another loose comparable. It’s likely Osweiler will require a three-year deal, if not four.

Knowing Elway, he has a number in mind between $11 and $17 million annually. He’s brilliant at delaying decisions until they must be made, and has shown discipline to walk away when a move is not in the best interests of the 53-man puzzle.

Osweiler remains the leader to return, with a veteran such as T.J. Yates signed to compete with the promising Trevor Siemian for the backup job. If Osweiler talks stall, other options, as a matter of speculation, could include Robert Griffin III and Colin Kaepernick (which would require a trade). Osweiler’s situation draws a spotlight because of the importance of his position.

Von Miller, too, commands attention. But the outside linebacker isn’t going anywhere. The Broncos can place the franchise tag on him by March 1, buying time to negotiate a long-term deal which both parties are motivated to accomplish.And given DeMarcus Ware’s friendship with Miller and desire to continue playing, I’d find a way to keep him in the fold as well, even if that means an extension as a way to restructure the final year of his deal.

Beyond Osweiler and Miller, it’s clear some players won’t be back. It’s a byproduct of having a great team.

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That means safety David Bruton, who has earned the right to start somewhere, and return man Omar Bolden, are less likely to return. Ronnie Hillman showed enough to be a team’s No. 1 back, a role not available in Denver. Will he be lured away by Chicago, Tennessee or Dallas?

There will be defections. There always are. When Manning decides, it will accelerate clarity on the futures of others, starting with Osweiler.

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