The Denver Broncos just won the Super Bowl, but the front office probably already has their eyes on free agency. They have a couple of high profile players that will become unrestricted free agents. They will have some tough decisions to make because they only have $11 million in cap space, according to Over The Cap.
Von Miller will probably receive the franchise tag designation from the team, which will cost them around 14 million if he does not sign an extension before the season begins. Von's negotiations will likely follow the same timeline as Demaryius' negotiations last summer Von will sign a deal over $100 million sometime before the extension deadline before those that receive the franchise tag. His performance in the playoffs probably earned him an extra couple of million on his new contract.
The defense will likely lose two or three starters. I would love for them to find a way to keep Malik Jackson, but they will probably allow Malik Jackson to walk in free agency. He will probably command $10+ on the open market. He has been an absolute beast all season and whichever team signs him will be in a really good position.
Danny Trevathan is another one that the team will likely have to let go. Brandon Marshall is the better player (not a slight to Trevathan) and the Broncos cannot afford to pay two inside linebackers top five money. Todd Davis will be able to fill his void though. Coaches have been high on him this past year and proved himself when he got his chances this season.
Demarcus Ware could be cut during the offseason since he will be in the last year of his deal and the Broncos could save $10 million in cap space. If he leaves, he will probably sign a one year deal in Dallas to finish out his illustrious career. There is a slight chance that Denver could keep him under contract because of his leadership on the defense.
Brock Osweiler's situation could get tricky if he slips into the open market. The Broncos hope to get his deal done before the tampering period is over because there are plenty of needy teams in the league and one of them might be willing to overpay for the chance at a franchise QB. Hopefully they will be able to get him on a short 2 year deal at $14-15 million per year so he can prove himself for a full season before he becomes a $20 million per year player.
I don't see the Broncos keeping many of the older veteran players that are free agents. Mathis, Vernon Davis, Antonio Smith will all probably walk in free agency. Elway will likely have to draft a defensive end in order to replace both Jackson and Smith on the line, unless he is able to find someone cheap in free agency. Max Garcia made progress as the year went along and he should be ready to take the starting job at left tackle next season.
Jeff Heuerman tore his ACL early in training camp in his first year, but he should be able to do just as much as Davis did for Denver this season. I am actually excited to see what he is able to do in the passing game with Brock next season. There is no reason to bring Vernon Davis back since Heuerman should be able to easily replace his production from last season. All he needs to do is hang onto the ball.
Bruton is an important player to re-sign though. He broke his leg against the Steelers in week 15, which might bring his price down. Bruton is a very important player on the defense and it was evident when Stewart and Ward went down in the playoffs. Bruton is very good in coverage and is probably one of the best if not the best third safety in the league.
I am of the opinion that the Broncos should probably let Ronnie Hillman walk. CJ Anderson does everything better as a back. They can easily replace Hillman in the draft. He is not the dynamic back that the Broncos thought they were getting when they drafted him four years ago.
Elway has a lot of tough decisions to make this offseason, but his track record shows that Broncos fans should remain calm and trust the process.
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