Team Needs:

QB, CB, OT, LB, TE, DT, IOL, WR, SS

Available Draft Picks:

1(10), 2(41), 3(72), 4(126), 5(149), 5(157), 6(183), 7(239)

Starting Cap Space:

$18,376,719

Trades:

Denver trades 5(149) to Cincinnati for WR John Ross

Rumor has it that John Ross is on the trade block for the Cincinnati Bengals and the Denver Broncos could definitely use his speed on the outside, especially with Joe Flacco’s big arm under center now. A fifth round pick is nothing compared to the potential return on investment.

Restructures:

None

Cuts:

QB Case Keenum to save $11,000,000

Not exercising LB Brandon Marshall’s option to save $8,843,750

S Darian Stewart to save $3,568,750

With the newly-acquired Joe Flacco on the roster, Case Keenum is almost definitely on his way out and I can’t find any team willing to take on that massive contract so they’re just going to have to eat that money up. I included not exercising Brandon Marshall’s just for those that aren’t aware that the Broncos are most likely not exercising his option. Darian Stewart just hasn’t performed at a high enough level to justify his salary anymore.

Re-signings:

LB Shaquil Barrett for 4 yrs, $29,779,505

DL Domata Peko for 1 year, $2,200,000

LS Casey Kreiter for 1 year, $1,105,000

OL Elijah Wilkinson for 1 year, $645,000 (ERFA)

WR Tim Patrick for 1 year, $570,000 (ERFA)

DL Shelby Harris for 1 year, $3,110,000 (2nd-round tender)

Shaquil Barrett was a no-brainer re-signing to keep with this pass-rush. Domata Peko can still provide a valuable presence on the interior of the defensive line. Casey Kreiter provides some consistency to the Denver special teams unit. Elijah Wilkinson and Tim Patrick are contributors that could be brought back on minimum deals while they’re still early-rights free agents. Putting the tender on Shelby Harris solidifies that the Broncos either retain his talent for cheap or they get a second round pick back.

Free Agent Signings:

TE Tyler Eifert for 1 year, $3,000,000

OT Daryl Williams for 4 years, $32,000,000

S Kenny Vaccaro for 2 years, $5,000,000

Tyler Eifert has always struggled to stay healthy but the Denver Broncos have shown that durability isn’t as important for them as the ability to perform when healthy so they take a shot here on someone that’s proven he can be productive when healthy. Daryl Williams is coming off of dislocating his right knee cap and tearing his MCL but if he can return back to his pre-injury form, Williams could be one of the top free agent steals this year. Kenny Vaccaro has been an above-average defender in every one of his seasons in the NFL so far so bringing him in for a short-term deal would be smart.

Draft Results:

1.10 – Drew Lock, QB, Missouri

I really don’t think that trading for Joe Flacco hurts the Broncos plans for drafting a new QB this offseason. If anything, I think that the purpose of trading for Flacco was to bring in a strong arm QB to mold.

2.41 – Julian Love, CB, Notre Dame

Julian Love has some of the best technique out of all corners in this year’s draft class so he’d be able to step in right away to replace the recently departed Bradley Roby.

3.72 – Vosean Joseph, LB, Florida

An athletic, high-floor linebacker with a physical play-style, Joseph should be a solid fit in Vic Fangio’s defense.

4.126 – Kris Boyd, CB, Texas

Chris Harris Jr. can’t play forever so drafting Boyd here gives the Broncos another high-potential player but this one can sit for a year and learn behind one of the best corners in the league.

5.157 – Ross Pierschbacher, IOL, Alabama

Pierschbacher is a high-floor player that probably won’t improve a ton but he’s good enough to step in right away and start at center for this Broncos offense.

6.183 – Daylon Mack, DL, Texas A&M

Daylon Mack was a highly-touted high school recruit that never really met his potential at Texas A&M but with proper NFL coaching, he might be able to develop into a solid contributor.

7.239 – Diontae Johnson, WR, Toledo

Although not spoken about a ton, Diontae Johnson should be able to help his stock a ton with a strong combine performance. Johnson plays above his size and is a home run threat every time he touches the ball.

Cap Space Spent on Re-signings:

$15,074,876

Cap Space Spent on Free Agents:

$13,500,000

Cap Space Spent on Draft Picks:

$7,752,012

Total Cap Remaining:

$1,956,343

Backfield Starters

QB: Joe Flacco

HB: Phillip Lindsay

FB: Andy Janovich

Receiver Starters

WR1: Emmanuel Sanders

WR2: Courtland Sutton

Slot WR: DaeSean Hamilton

TE1: Tyler Eifert

TE2: Jake Butt

Offensive Line Starters

LT: Garett Bolles

LG: Ronald Leary

C: Ross Pierschbacher

RG: Connor McGovern

RT: Daryl Williams

Defensive Line Starters

WDE: Derek Wolfe

NT: Domata Peko/ Shelby Harris

SDE: Adam Gotsis

Linebacker Starters

WLB: Von Miller

ILB: Todd Davis

ILB: Vosean Joseph

SLB: Bradley Chubb

Secondary Starters

CB1: Chris Harris Jr.

CB2: Isaac Yiadom

Slot CB: Julian Love

FS: Justin Simmons

SS: Kenny Vaccaro

Special Teamers

K: Brandon McManus

P: Colby Wadman

KOS: Brandon McManus

LS: Casey Kreiter

KR: John Ross

PR: John Ross