Decisions to Be Made on 2010 Free Agents

Thus far in the early season of 2009, it looks as if Denver has found a winning formula. A strong defense along with enough playmakers on the offensive side of the ball to get the job done. Well, Denver is in danger of losing some of those playmakers next year in free agency.

Denver had arguably their best draft class ever in 2005. This class included Marshall, Dumervil, Scheffler and Kuper. All of their rookie contracts are ending this season.

Starting with the most infamous case: Brandon Marshall. Though he's been a nuisance in the media and has had scuffles with Denver's front office, he has been a huge part of why Denver is 4-0. While making a hair under $2 million this year, receivers of his caliber make much more. I could only find a user-friendly payroll database that goes only through 2008, so I will use the numbers from this source (USA Today). In 2008, Lee Evans, not exactly a game-breaker, made over $11 million. Marvin Harrison made over $7 million. Even in a bad economy, the proven playmakers, like Marshall, will command deals that pay out higher than those numbers. The 2009 franchise tag for a WR is $9,884,000 for a one year deal.

Elvis Dumervil is proving to be the number one playmaker on defense. His 8 sacks in 4 games put him on a record-setting pace of over 30 sacks for the season. While he hasn't actually reached those numbers, it is plausible that he will be in the 20's when all is said and done. In 2008, Terrell Suggs made $8.475 million. Jason Taylor made $7.5 million. Again, this is one year removed and the numbers just keep going up for a big-time pass rusher. Albert Haynesworth, a DT who's specialty isn't rushing the passer, signed a $100 million deal this year. The 2009 franchise tag for a DE is $8,991,000

Tony Scheffler has turned out to be a good tight end. Has he had the effect of a Jason Witten? No, but Denver's offense is not run like that of the Cowboys. He catches everything that comes his way and has improved on his blocking. In 2008, Jeremy Shockey's total compensation was almost $2.5 million. Antonio Gates was $3 million. The 2009 franchise tag for a TE is $4.462 million.

Chris Kuper is possibly one of the most unheralded players in the league. When healthy, Denver's O line is one of the most dominant in the league. In 2008, Steve Hutchinson made $4.5 million. Ben Hamilton made $3.6 million. The 2009 franchise tag for an O lineman is $8.451 million. This number is a little skewed as tackles, guards and centers are all lumped into one category. Tackles are viewed as much more valuable than guards.

Lastly, you have Kyle Orton. He will be a free agent next year. While he's not playing lights-out, he's proving to be a winner as he did in Chicago. I won't go into the past salaries of QBs as it is yet to be determined as to how Orton will fare this year. But if he continues to throw a couple of TDs every week and keep the errors to a minimum as he's been doing, Denver will have to compensate him more than the $1 million they're giving him this year. The 2009 franchise tag for a QB is a whopping $14,651,000.

The Jay Cutler trade may have been a blessing in disguise. He too will be a free agent next year, unless he is signed before then. Years ago Michael Vick signed a $100 million deal. The price for a QB that could potentially be the premier QB in the league in the next few years will be off the charts. However, the question still remains about who to sign and who to franchise. I am of the opinion that Dumervil is the top priority. It's nearly impossible to find a DE/OLB that has the abilities that Doom has. What do you think?