Peyton Manning was in the building.

The free-agent quarterback arrived by Pat Bowlen’s private plane about 1:35 p.m. today at the Centennial Airport. Accompanying Manning on the flight in were Broncos’ front-office boss John Elway, head coach John Fox, general manager Brian Xanders and offensive coordinator Mike McCoy.

After departing the plane, Manning and the Broncos’ contingency set off The Great Toyota Sequoia Chase.

A TV camera-equipped helicopter followed the Sequoia on its slow, short ride from the Centennial Airport to the Broncos’ headquarters before the SUV disappeared into Bowlen’s personal garage.

Driving the SUV was Fred Fleming, Bowlen’s longtime assistant. Fox was in the front passenger seat. Elway and Manning were in the back seat. Xanders and McCoy rode behind them.

Arguably the most decorated free agent in NFL history, Manning clearly has the Broncos on his short list of teams where he plans to finish his NFL career. The long-time Indianapolis Colts quarterback was released earlier this week amid concerns about four neck surgeries that forced him to miss the entire 2011 season, a $26 million bonus payment that was due and the team’s opportunity to select highly prized quarterback Andrew Luck with the No. 1 pick in the upcoming NFL draft.

Manning, who turns 36 on March 24, has been cleared to throw by his neck specialist, Dr. Robert Watkins. One NFL source said Manning will also visit the Arizona Cardinals and Miami Dolphins after visiting with the Broncos. A source said Manning would like to make a decision by Tuesday, the first day of free agency.

The Manning visit began with Elway, Fox, Xanders and McCoy flying to Stillwater, Okla., where they attended the Oklahoma State pro day workout Friday morning that featured quarterback Brandon Weeden.

As the Broncos’ contingent watched the Cowboys’ pro day, the plane went on to Miami to pick up Manning, who has a condominium in South Florida. The plane then flew Manning back to Stillwater, where it picked up the Broncos’ group.

Manning toured the facility and met with the Broncos brass at Dove Valley until 7:15 p.m. when the group departed with a police car leading their way.

While Manning is unquestionably the Broncos’ current top offseason priority, the team is also making time for option B. The Broncos have the No. 25 pick in the draft, plus the 25th selection in the second round. Weeden, who turns 29 in October, is considered the second-best passer to Luck in the draft. He is projected to be chosen between the Broncos’ top two picks.

The pursuit of Manning creates doubt about Tim Tebow’s future with the Broncos. It’s possible the Broncos may keep Tebow, the incumbent quarterback who will draw a relatively modest $1.572 million this season, as a package player if they sign Manning. Or the team may try to trade him before the draft.