Super Bowl 50: Offseason Outlook for Panthers and Broncos

While Super Bowl 50 didn't live up to all the pregame hype, it did teach us once again that defense wins championships. Or at the very least, defense helps win championships.

Denver has several free agents who will be of the utmost importance to returning the Broncos to this past season's level of success.

Where else would we start than with the Super Bowl MVP, Von Miller?

Miller easily boosted his stock by dominating the Carolina offensive line, recording 2.5 sacks and two key forced fumbles.

Many teams will likely pursue the accomplished pass-rusher this offseason, but it will be hard to keep him from returning to Denver, especially with a potential franchise tag option.

Re-signing defensive end Malik Jackson might not prove as simple after Denver already committed long-term money to defensive lineman Derek Wolfe before the end of the season.

Gregory Bull/Associated Press

Jackson's loss would be difficult for Denver to overcome after a strong 2015-16 campaign that included five sacks, so it seems likely the team will use a draft pick to bolster the defensive front.

Linebacker Danny Trevathan and defensive back Omar Bolden will also be highly sought-after free agents, so the Broncos will need to focus their efforts to bringing back two key pieces of their dominant 2015-16 defense.

Now, let's switch over to those guys on offense.

It seems logical that Peyton Manning will walk away from his storied NFL career and officially retire at some point soon, opening the door for Brock Osweiler.

Jack Dempsey/Associated Press/Associated Press

Osweiler filled in admirably during Manning's injury-plagued 2015-16 campaign and seems poised to receive multiple offers in free agency, seemingly more than $10 million per season, according to Troy E. Renck of the Denver Post.

However, a return to Denver has to be appealing to the former Arizona State Sun Devil, so it seems fairly likely he'll be coming back to the Broncos.

Running back Ronnie Hillman's inconsistent performance this past season could lead the Broncos to pass on him in free agency, especially with C.J. Anderson and Juwan Thompson already on the roster.

If anything, Denver seems more likely to use a draft pick on a running back to provide some depth, as opposed to looking to free agency for answers.

The Broncos likely won't retain guard Evan Mathis up front because of the salary he could demand, while left tackle Ryan Clady could potentially be gone this offseason as well.

Both offensive linemen would receive great interest from potential suitors, which would leave Denver without much depth up front.

While the Broncos could use draft picks to make up for any losses up front, expect Denver to try to keep at least one of these veterans to stabilize the offensive line next season.

Carolina doesn't face the same difficulty of bringing back multiple star players but knows cornerback Josh Norman will be in high demand this offseason.

Norman proved to be one of the true elite defenders in the league, dominating some of the most elite wide receivers on a weekly basis.

Depth in the secondary after Norman is also a bit concerning, as it remains to be seen whether the tandem of Cortland Finnegan and Charles Tillman will remain on the team next season.

The return of Kelvin Benjamin from injury will help the Carolina wide receivers, but expect the Panthers to shop around for more receiver depth.

While Alshon Jeffery might be a little out of their price range, more affordable options such as Mohamed Sanu and Rueben Randle will be available on the market.

If Carolina doesn't feel it's necessary to commit money to the skill positions, there is plenty of depth at the wide receiver position in the 2016 NFL draft.

Giving Cam Newton more options than just Greg Olsen will be important in turning Carolina into a perennial contender in the NFC.

Mike Tolbert has played extremely well for the Panthers, and it will be interesting to monitor if the Panthers bring back the veteran fullback for another year.

Tolbert's blocking and receiving abilities make him a unique talent, so bringing him back will likely be important for Carolina.

After watching Cam Newton take a beating in Super Bowl 50, Ron Rivera's staff has to be looking into adding some depth on the offensive line for the coming season.

Whether it be through the draft or free agency, the Panthers need to do whatever it takes to protect their franchise quarterback.

Expect the defensive line to be a point of emphasis for the Panthers in this year's draft as well, as Carolina didn't have much depth with the exception of Jared Allen and Kony Ealy throughout the year.

Punter Brad Nortman is also a free agent this offseason, and his abilities would be missed if the Panthers were unable to re-sign him.

Carolina has fewer holes to fill than most contenders, but bringing in the correct players could be the difference in turning the Panthers into eventual Super Bowl champions.

While the offseason isn't as much fun for football fans as the actual season, it's often the time where teams win or lose championships.

The great thing is, we won't know until the 2016 season kicks off in the fall.