Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning, who said Friday he hasn’t made up his mind about playing in 2015, could decide as early as this week that he is returning for an 18th season, according to ESPN’s Chris Mortensen.

Sources said Manning has been persuaded to play under new head coach Gary Kubiak, who has said he is willing to fit his scheme for the quarterback’s strengths.

Manning attended the 50th Gatorade party late Friday night with several athletic icons, including New York Yankees great Derek Jeter. But the report said Manning will not announce he will be having a farewell season in 2015 because that’s not his style and he does not want to lock himself into a final year just yet.

“I’m still trying to take some time to evaluate some things,” Manning said Friday after receiving the Bart Starr Award in Phoenix. “I’m not interested in making this a lingering thing. I’d like to make a decision soon.”

Manning said he has met and had dinner with Kubiak and will make his decision based on a number of issues, especially whether he can “help the team” win.

Manning said he also plans to sit down with general manager John Elway when he returns from vacation.

The Broncos won the AFC West this season but lost in the divisional round of the playoffs to the Indianapolis Colts. Manning played with a strained right quad.

Manning, who turns 39 in March, had multiple neck surgeries before joining the Broncos three seasons ago. He has been checked every year to ensure that his neck can still withstand the hits.

The Broncos have requested that Manning let them know his plans by March 9 — the day before teams must exercise their rights on veteran players under contract. He is due $19 million next season.

Kubiak has said he wants to build a playbook around Manning’s talents, assuming Manning returns.

“I want to be the best support system I can be for Peyton. … We’ve had some very good conversations, and we’ll have many more,” Kubiak said when he was introduced as the new coach. “It’s easy to build a playbook for him. I mean, he’s been the master at it for many, many years, and you’re talking about a Hall of Fame player, a Hall of Fame person.”