AP

The Broncos reportedly aren’t negotiating with quarterback Brock Osweiler as they await a decision from quarterback Peyton Manning on whether he’ll retire, even though many believe the Broncos don’t want Manning back. This tactic creates a significant risk that other teams will be negotiating with Osweiler during the rampant tampering portion of the offseason calendar.

In turn, this increases the risk that Osweiler will leave the Broncos. And one of the team’s top running backs believes that would be a mistake.

“It’s not my decision, but letting him go would not be too smart,” Ronnie Hillman told SiriusXM NFL Radio on Sunday, via NFL.com.

Of course, Hillman also will be a free agent, and there’s a chance the Broncos will not bring him back. Especially after gaining zero yards on five carries in Super Bowl 50.

As to Osweiler, the question ultimately becomes whether another team will offer him significantly more than the Broncos would offer, and whether the Broncos would match it to keep him. If not, Denver’s new starter in 2016 could be entirely new to the team.