Last-Minute Guide to Denver Broncos' Free Agency
The NFL free-agent market will open for business in less than 48 hours. For the Denver Broncos, that could mean watching several big-name players walk out the door.
But the team will also be actively working the market to find ways to patch those holes and improve its roster.
How John Elway is going to do that is what makes things interesting, considering he has attacked the market with a fierce aggression in recent years.
He may have to be a little more patient this time around, but that doesn't mean he and the organization can't be successful in bringing new players to Denver.
Here is a last-minute look at how things are shaping up as Denver heads into this critical portion of the NFL offseason.
Salary Cap Space
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Currently, the Broncos have a little over $19 million in available cap space, according to Over the Cap.
That puts the Broncos right about in the middle of the league in terms of money to spend, so they will be able to make some moves.
However, they probably won't go on the spending spree that they have the past two seasons where Elway has brought in high-profile players such as DeMarcus Ware, Aqib Talib, T.J. Ward, Emmanuel Sanders and Wes Welker.
Instead, expect to see the Broncos try to find the best value that they can, particularly along the offensive line.
The $4 million pay cut that quarterback Peyton Manning accepted gives the team a bit more flexibility.
Marshall, Cornick and Garland Will Be Back, Johnson Won't
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Troy Renck of The Denver Post reports that the Broncos have tendered contracts to exclusive rights free agents Brandon Marshall, Paul Cornick and Ben Garland.
Marshall had an excellent 2014 season, and tendering contracts to Cornick and Garland shows the team wants to keep as many offensive linemen as it can.
Cornick struggled at times last season in limited action, but the team clearly sees something in his potential. Garland could have a chance to earn a critical role with the team in 2015.
"Humbled to get one more opportunity, to play for the best team in the world. #blessed
— Ben Garland (@BenGarland63) March 6, 2015"
However, Mike Klis of The Denver Post writes that the team chose not to tender a new contract to linebacker Steven Johnson.
Johnson, an undrafted player out of Kansas, has played in 41 games for the Broncos. He has provided good depth off the bench for a team thin at the linebacker position for the past three seasons.
But where the Broncos will miss Johnson the most is special teams, where he was one of the best players on the unit. But with Corey Nelson and Lamin Barrow entering their second year, the Broncos obviously felt that Johnson was expendable.
Julius Thomas, Orlando Franklin Look to Be on the Move
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Two big pieces of Denver's offense appear to be heading to new teams after signing big contracts as free agents. Neither departure should come as a surprise to fans in Denver.
Bleacher Report's Jason Cole tweeted out Sunday that Julius Thomas has a deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars that is all but official.
"Two sources indicating TE Julius Thomas is just about done/signed in Jacksonville
— Jason Cole (@JasonPhilCole) March 8, 2015"
Thomas has blossomed into one of the league's best tight ends over the last two seasons, in which he has caught 108 passes for 1,277 yards and 24 touchdowns.
But it became clear several weeks ago that the Broncos would not be able to meet his salary demands.
It appears that not only will Orlando Franklin be leaving Denver, he will be joining another AFC West team in the process.
Pro Football Talk reports that an unnamed source has told Michael Gehlken of The San Diego Union-Tribune that a deal between Franklin and the San Diego Chargers is imminent.
.jpg?w=256 "Colts Jaguars Football")
Which Players Should Be on Denver's Board?
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The Broncos may take a wait-and-see approach when the free-agent market officially opens, and they may not even sign a single player on the first day.
However, they can't afford to be complacent. Right tackle has to be high on the team's wish list, and with the Dallas Cowboys coming to terms with Doug Free, other teams will be heavily pursuing Bryan Bulaga.
That could force the Broncos to look to the NFL draft for a new right tackle.
However, Clint Boling would be an ideal replacement for Franklin, and he is a player who the Broncos should make a significant offer to.
Though he would cost the team more, Mike Iupati could also be a target for the Broncos.
Staying on the offensive line, the Broncos also need to look at the center position. Rodney Hudson and Stefen Wisniewski are two players who would make a lot of sense.
With Thomas on his way out, tight end should also be addressed. Owen Daniels is a player who the Broncos will likely make a strong push to lure to Denver, and the team may feel that its own free agent, Jacob Tamme, is also worth retaining.
Depending on what happens with Terrance Knighton and Rahim Moore, defensive tackle Dan Williams and safety Ron Parker could also be guys who the Broncos look into. They would both be affordable players who could bring a very high return.
Day 1 Predictions
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As stated before, things could be quiet for the Broncos when the free-agent market officially opens on Tuesday.
Elway will have to be very meticulous with each move he makes—but at the same time, he can't be afraid to pull the trigger. After all, this might be the very last chance he gets with Manning.
He also isn't going to upgrade the offensive line entirely through the draft. He must make a major move to address that issue.
"Broncos have shown interest in Rodney Hudson, per Denver Post http://t.co/BwoZdCaVQn
— Arrowhead Pride (@ArrowheadPride) March 5, 2015"
Though the team could easily get into a bidding war for the services of Boling, one they could easily lose, Elway will find a way to bring in one of the aforementioned centers.
Either Hudson or Wisniewski will wind up in Denver, perhaps as early as Tuesday.
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