Contracts Broncos Must Consider Cutting in 2023 Offseason

After a disappointing 2022 season, the Denver Broncos will look to turn things around in 2023. But before they can do that, they'll likely need to make the right moves this offseason to put them in a better position to contend in a competitive AFC West.

Denver doesn't have a ton of financial flexibility at the moment, though. According to Over The Cap, the Broncos are projected to have $9.4 million in available cap space for the 2023 season. That's not a ton of room to work with.

So in order to make any substantial additions to its roster via free agency, Denver will need to clear some additional cap space. And it could do so by parting ways with several players.

Here's a look at several players the Broncos may want to consider cutting this offseason.

Graham Glasgow, OG

AP Photo/Jack Dempsey

Denver Broncos guard Graham Glasgow (61) takes the field for player introductions against the Arizona Cardinals during an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 18, 2022, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)

Graham Glasgow seems like an obvious player for the Broncos to cut this offseason, based on his contract situation for 2023. The 30-year-old interior offensive lineman has a $14 million cap hit for next season, and only $3 million of that would be dead cap.

So if Denver releases Glasgow, it would be saving $11 million, which is a substantial amount. But the Broncos would also be losing a starter on their offensive line.

Glasgow, a seven-year NFL veteran, has started 33 games for Denver over the past three seasons. That includes 13 in 2022, when he also appeared in all 17 contests.

But the Broncos should be able to find somebody to take over Glasgow's role at a lower cost. The best move may be for them to cut him while also decreasing the average age of the offensive line, setting them up better for the future.

Ronald Darby, CB

AP Photo/Bart Young

Denver Broncos cornerback Ronald Darby (23) celebrates against the Indianapolis Colts of an NFL football game Thursday, Oct 6, 2022, in Denver. (AP Photo/Bart Young)

Ronald Darby has been a productive cornerback throughout his eight-year NFL career when he's on the field. However, that's been an issue for the 29-year-old, as he's dealt with numerous injuries throughout his time in the league.

Darby has missed at least five games in five of the past six seasons. In 2022, he was limited to only five contests in his second year in Denver due to a torn ACL. Now, he's entering the final year of his contract with the Broncos in 2023.

With Darby carrying a $12.6 million cap hit for next season, it may be time for Denver to part ways with the veteran corner. The Broncos would only have to pay $3 million in dead cap, so they'd be clearing $9.6 million in space by releasing him.

Plus, Denver's secondary performed quite well in Darby's absence. It should continue to do so considering the unit has standouts such as Patrick Surtain II and Damarri Mathis.

Chase Edmonds, RB

AP Photo/David Zalubowski

Denver Broncos running back Chase Edmonds (19) runds past Los Angeles Chargers in an NFL football game Sunday, Jan. 8, 2023, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

The Broncos acquired Chase Edmonds in the deal that sent Bradley Chubb to the Miami Dolphins just ahead of the trade deadline this past season. However, the 26-year-old running back didn't end up having a significant role in Denver.

In five games, Edmonds had 125 rushing yards, 61 receiving yards and no touchdowns. It's unlikely he'd be a factor for the Broncos in 2023, when they'll have Javonte Williams returning from injury to serve as their lead back.

If Edmonds isn't a key part of Denver's future offensive game plans, he could be a cap casualty this offseason. He has a $5.9 million cap hit for 2023, and none of that is dead cap, so there's no downside for the Broncos in releasing him.

It would be a bit surprising if Edmonds returns to Denver's backfield next season, so it appears he'll likely be on to his fourth team in three seasons.