Broncos 'hopeful' Peyton Manning returns but don't have 'definitive decision'

Denver Broncos general manager John Elway said he and his team want Peyton Manning to return in 2015 but have yet to receive confirmation he will. 

"Peyton Manning is the best player for us. And that's why we're hopeful he comes back," Elway told reporters at the scouting combine Thursday. 

Elway went on to say the Broncos are still waiting for Manning to make a definitive decision.

"I believe he'll be back," Elway added.

Elway deflected a question about whether a contract dispute (there are rumors the Broncos want Manning to take a pay cut) is slowing down the process.

Manning is owed a salary of $19 million this year. That figure becomes guaranteed if Manning is on the Broncos' roster on March 9. 

In other words, it won't be much longer until Elway and the Broncos have their definitive decision.