I was recently asked for my opinion on the offseason acquisitions that our Denver Broncos need to address; and whether they should do so via the Draft or Free Agency. The additions from 2011 have bolstered the depth and upgraded the quality of personnel of the team as was evidenced by the improvement to 9-9 from 4-12 a mere year ago. That is not to say that there isn't room for improvement because there is always room for any team to get better. Because an NFL roster is organic--it lives, breathes and ages--it is necessary to keep adding fresh meat to feed the animal. Taking into consideration, age and positional salary, i.e. the amount spent on one positional grouping, here are my thoughts starting with the Offense.
Offensive Line
| Pos. |
Name |
Age |
Exp. |
2011 Salary |
2012 Salary |
Free Agt |
| LT |
Ryan Clady |
25 |
4 |
1.101M |
2.55M |
2013 |
| LG |
Zane Beadles |
25 |
2 |
405K |
490K |
2014 |
| C |
J.D.Walton |
24 |
2 |
405K |
490K |
2014 |
| RG |
Chris Kuper |
29 |
6 |
7.0M |
3.5M |
2016 |
| RT |
Orlando Franklin |
24 |
1 |
375K |
465K |
2015 |
The 5 Starters aren't going anywhere of course and the Broncos should be getting ready to negotiate with Ryan Clady's agent, Joe Linta very soon. The remaining players that are tied to the team are:
Tony Hills, Age: 27, 4th year. 9/6/2011: Signed a two-year contract.
Chris Clark, Age: 26, 2nd year. 2011: $405,000, 2012: Exclusive Rights Free Agent
Ryan Harris, Age: 26, 5th year. 2012: $700,000, 2013: Free Agent
Adam Grant, Age: 25, 1st year. On 1/16/2012: Signed a reserve/future contract. Terms unknown.
Russ Hochstein, Age: 34, 11th year. Russ made $865,000 in 2011. To re-sign Russ, he would make at least $925K as a minimum salary under the new CBA.
Manny Ramirez, Age: 28, 5th year. Manny's salary numbers weren't revealed, but he signed a Futures contract at the beginning of 2011. The league minimum for a 5th year player in 2012 is $700K if he is re-signed.
Summary: The approximate amount spent on the (Offensive Line Base Salaries only) was roughly $9.8Million on the starters and another $3Million for the backups. For 2012, there is a minimum $9.5Million locked up in salaries. We know at least one more player needs to be accounted for at the end of Training Camp this year and a few of these players won't make the final roster. My gut feeling is that Ryan Harris will be the swing man at Tackle for 2012. Chris Clark may stick on the roster, but the team will need to find a backup at Guard and Center. Russ Hochstein filled that position last season. I would like to see another lineman brought in whether it was another veteran or a draftee to develop. The Guard/Center backup position could definitely be improved.
Tight Ends
Virgil Green, Age: 23, 1st year. 2011 Salary: $375K, 2012: $465K
Julius Thomas, Age: 23, 1st year. 2011 Salary: $375K, 2012: $465K
Daniel Fells, Age: 28, 4th year. Dante Rosario, Age: 27, 5th year. The salaries for these two veterans weren't revealed, but their minimum wage for 2010 would have been $685K each.
Cornelius Ingram, Age: 26, 2nd year. Ingram was a 5th round draft pick by the Eagles in 2009 out of Florida. He was a part of the 2006 BCS Championship, but missed out in their 2008 Championship because of torn ligaments in his leg. He tore the ACL in the same leg in 2009 and has ridden the Practice Squads of the Eagles and Lions before being signed to a Futures contract a few weeks ago.
Summary: With Green and Thomas, there is depth for development. I'd have to say Ingram is a long shot to make the team due to his injuries. I would like to see Fells re-signed because I believe he has earned it. Rosario had more a more visible impact on Special Teams, but has shown to be versatile. Personally, I'd re-sign both of them because of their experience and the affordable salary, but if not, a veteran should be acquired to at least give the young players competition for the starting spot. Yes, a good receiving Tight End is of high value to a young Quarterback, but throwing money at a Blue Chipper like Jermichael Finley, who is likely to be Franchise tagged. There are a few 2nd-tier TE's available such as Martellus Bennett or Joel Dreesen that could prove sufficient to replace Fells, Rosario or both. John Carlson is also available, but I believe he wants to stay in Seattle.
Running Backs
Willis McGahee, Age: 30, 9th year. On 7/30/2011, Willis signed a four-year, $9.5 million contract.
Knowshon Moreno, Age: 24, 3rd year. 2011: $1 million, 2012: $855,000, Free Agent in 2015.
Jeremiah Johnson, Age: 24, 2nd year. 2012: $465,000. 2013: Exclusive Rights Free Agent.
Mario Fannin, Age: 24, 1st year. 7/26/2011: Signed an undisclosed contract and injured in Training Camp. Spent the season on Injured Reserve. On 7/28/2011, Mario signed an undisclosed contract. The deal included a $10,000 signing bonus.
Lance Ball, Age: 26, 3rd year. 2011: $405K. Currently an Exclusive Rights Free Agent. His minimum salary will be $615K in 2012.
Xavier Omon, Age: 26, 3rd year. On 1/16/2012, Xavier signed a reserve/future contract.
Summary: Behind McGahee this position is thin and needs to be addressed. Knowshon Moreno appeared to be on his way to a productive season before he was injured. Still, he is not the big grinder that John Fox usually has in his stable. Lance Ball will return as an ERFA and is suitable for depth at his salary. Jeremiah Johnson and Mario Fannin are largely unknown quantities that will get an opportunity in Training Camp. Spencer Larsen is a Free Agent and a decision needs to be addressed for the Fullback spot. Omon is a player who is on his last chance with Practice Squad eligibility and I feel his last opportunity in the NFL.
By my count there are at least 30 Running Backs to be had in Free Agency this year(after March 13th). Another big bruiser like Mike Tolbert would greatly enhance the Denver running game, and would be cost effective. He is 26 and coming off a rookie contract that paid him around $400K last season. The Chargers are going to re-sign Jacob Hester instead and let Tolbert walk so he will be available. It will be interesting to see who EFX drafts also since I think they will select a Back in this years draft.
Wide Receivers
Demaryius Thomas, Age: 24, 2nd year. 2011: $1,637,500, 2012: $1.965 million.
Eric Decker, Age: 24, 2nd year. 2011: $405,000, 2012: $490,000.
Matt Willis, Age: 27, 4th year. 2011 Salary: $480,000, 2012: Restricted Free Agent
D'Andre Goodwin, Age: 24, 1st year. 1/10/2012: Signed an undisclosed contract.
Mark Dell, Age: 22, 1st year. 7/28/2011: Signed an undisclosed contract. The deal included a $10,000 signing bonus.
Tyler Grisham, Age: 24, 1st year. 1/16/2012: Signed a reserve/future contract.
Greg Orton, Age: 25, 1st year. 1/16/2012: Signed an undisclosed contract.
Tim Toone, Age: 26, 1st year. 1/16/2012: Signed a reserve/future contract.
Summary: The Broncos have two young starters to build around in Thomas and Decker. Eddie Royal should get an offer to stay, but my guess is that he will test the market as well. There is money available to spend here and Royal should be kept if the price is right. Matt Willis is the senior citizen of the group at the ripe old age of 27, so there is plenty of youth here. The Broncos don't need to spend a draft pick here. However, they can afford, age and salary-wise, to bring in a Free Agent. I don't believe they will go after a top-tier guy though, and with Thomas and Decker they don't need to. But a solid #3 Receiver would round out this unit. A guy like Laurent Robinson would make a fine addition here. He made $685k in 2011 with the Cowboys.
Quarterbacks
Tim Tebow, Age: 24, 2nd year. 2012: $1,942,500. Free Agent in 2015.
Adam Weber, Age: 24, 1st year. 1/16/2012: Signed an undisclosed contract.
Brady Quinn, Age: 27, 5th year. 2011 Salary: $700,000.
Summary: Tebow will go into Training Camp as the starter. Weber is a developmental project who had a good Camp last summer. Denver must bring in some competition for Tebow who can push for the starting spot or become an effective backup and it is questionable whether Brady Quinn will stay. I believe we will see the Broncos bring in a Free Agent if Quinn leaves and also use a draft pick on a Quarterback. If the Broncos are committed to Tebow though, I say bring in Mark Brunell. He is a lefty and has plenty of experience to mentor Tim. If he has to come in as a replacement during a game, Mark has the ability to adapt and ad-lib if needed.
That's it for the Offense. I will get to the Defense this afternoon. Until then...
Eddie Royal is only 25
I thought he was like 30.
NYCBronx - January 26, 2012
He plays like a 30 year old
ElwayFanJ - January 26, 2012
Yeah that 88 yard punt return against the Raiders this year was a joke!
So was that TD catch in the playoffs…what a loser Eddie Royal is!
smh
Tim Lynch - January 26, 2012
and the should have been..
kick return vs the bills that was negated due to a phantom block in the back. 30 yr old play? eddie is talented just not properly utilized.
e_saites - January 26, 2012 via Android app
Eddie Royal ranked dead last among receivers according to Football Outsiders. He was terrible this year and would not make the roster of over half the teams in the league.
scooter17 - January 26, 2012
Well considering how his QB for much of the year only completed about 10 passes a game, that doesn’t necessarily mean much. And that’s not a knock on Tebow, because he’s developing. But the guy caught like 98 passes his rookie year, so the talent’s there. They just need to learn how to best utilize it.
jbbroncosfan27 - January 26, 2012 via mobile
91 passes, not 98. My bad.
jbbroncosfan27 - January 26, 2012 via mobile
Come on, get a few facts straight, Royal didn't rank last at FO, Aromashodu did
It’s fine to not like Royal but don’t be making things up, and take a look at Royal’s work as a whole, not just what he did in a very shortened time in a offense that didn’t play to his strengths.
Topher Doll - January 26, 2012
1 nice return and a bunch of dropped passes
He won’t be on the team next year
ElwayFanJ - January 26, 2012
hey now, some of us are going to be 30 in June :(
the new Bradfather - January 26, 2012
30?
Some of us are going to be 60(2×30) in less than a month. Still feel good though and still able to hike these mountains.
mountainsrus - January 26, 2012
nice, I love hiking mountains!
it’s a good thing I live in Utah, and have access to other great mountain passes in Colorado, New Mexico and northern Arizona!
the new Bradfather - January 26, 2012
mountainsrus
Gotta love that view of the Peak from good ol’ Woody Park in your avatar. You from around there? My old stompin grounds….
pubkeeper - January 26, 2012
WP
been here 32 years! Never get tired of the view. Never get tired of these Broncos posts,especially the offseason mocks, freeagency. Can’t wait for the draft and next season. Go Broncos!
mountainsrus - January 27, 2012
he was drafted the same draft as clady
Mike Agnew - January 26, 2012
wide receivers are deep in this draft
there are a lot of receivers in this years class that are of Eddie Royals size and speed and also have good return skills .I do not see EFX signing Royal to a contract that Royal will want so I think he leaves in free agency . Great work Kaptain and I am looking forward to the defense . are you going to make any suggestions on free agents and draft picks later?
ultraclassic04 - January 26, 2012
I will have some, yes
KaptainKirk - January 26, 2012
Why draft a WR when you have plenty?
I say keep the focus on the defense and win them all ugly
Mike Agnew - January 26, 2012
I think if we go with Tebow, we are gonna have to win them all ugly. Build that defense, build build build, and then build O line depth, and then build build build the defense some more.
Our defense sucked last year, except when we played Palmer, Cassel, Orton, Hanie, Sanchez
waterboy31321 - January 26, 2012
Seriously, you jest
We have plenty of receivers? DT ranked 78 th in the NFL for dropped catchable passes. Decker ranked 84 th.
As opposed to J. Gaffney who ranks 7 th. (for whom we got exactly zero).
DT might be a No,2 on some teams, especially after the Steelers catch and run game ending. . Decker would never see the field.
Plenty?
Boiler etc - January 26, 2012
Awesome job Kaptain
I can’t wait to see the defense this afternoon. I think Eddie Royal walks… someone will offer him more than he’s worth to us. If we do draft a WR, I hope it’s 4th round or later. We could also use a speedy/shifty guy in the slot… someone who can run good routes and get some YAC production.
PaleHorse78 - January 26, 2012
sure there are royal types
in the draft, but why use a valuable draft pick when we have him on the roster already. he has expressed that he wants to stay, he’s a fan favorite and not expensive. so i say keep him. let him focus on his return game and being a role type in the offense. if the broncos draft a wr it should be a big target that can effectively run block.
e_saites - January 26, 2012 via Android app
I agree if in fact
he is not expensive.
I don’t see him asking T.O. type money but you never know…
trumanj - January 26, 2012
I love Eddie Royal!
if the price is right, bring him back! Also, now I covet Laurent Robinson and Mike Tolbert, each of whom are quality starters elsewhere that made minimum wage, talk about bargains!
the new Bradfather - January 26, 2012
they aren't gonna want minimum again though
Mike Agnew - January 26, 2012
that is true
shame on me, but if we’ve got sufficient cap room, they appear to be wise investments, of course, it’s hard to tell what will happen to someone once they get jack
the new Bradfather - January 26, 2012
the question is how much money will Royal want to come back.
I would like to see him return, but if he asks for more than he is worth than he can walk. He is at least worth double what he made in 2011, but if he goes much more than that he is asking too much.
Wes Welker made $2.15MM last year.
DE_BroncoFan - January 26, 2012
I believe that chicago will try to get royal
he and cutler obviously have chemistry
Mike Agnew - January 26, 2012
I could see him ending up in
Chicago or Washington.
e_saites - January 26, 2012 via Android app
Me too... I think Eddie would rather play where he knows he is going to get the ball
We haven’t utilized him as well as we could have the past couple years, but he has been very helpful and turned the tide in plenty of games….If he does go, I think we should draft Eric Page out of Toledo. He reminds me of a Percy Harvin/Eddie Royal guy and we could get him in the 4th or 5th round since he is coming out of the MAC. He torched Ohio State this year and has the speed and agility to be something special in the NFL.
aj fischer - January 26, 2012
$
there isn’t a very large financial investment here. lots of small, rookie or “value” signings.
e_saites - January 26, 2012 via Android app
I thought Tebow was a bigger hit under than cap than what is reported above.
DE_BroncoFan - January 26, 2012
He is
but it all depends where they put the signing bonus and his Likely to be earned (LTBE) Bonuses. I am only counting wtheir Base salaries for the year to show where the money is spent. There are definitely more ramifications involved in the overall cap.
One more thing to remember. Xanders has talked about having a specific budget and I don’t think he was referring to the Salary Cap. My guess is that Pat Bowlen and Joe Ellis have a limit to what he can spend and that number is beneath the Cap.
That said, he has done a good job disposing of dead money so that the team can be in a good position to maneuver on a player if they choose to.
KaptainKirk - January 26, 2012
of course, Mr. X handles the cap well
fantastic!
the new Bradfather - January 26, 2012
a joke I assume?
Boiler etc - January 26, 2012
well
in eradicating dead money he does, he’s a Rain Man cash slasher
the new Bradfather - January 26, 2012
I thought the new CBA was going to require every team to pay at least 99% of the salary cap...???
Can someone who knows the rules fill us in?
broncoboy326 - January 26, 2012
Read this. It may clear things up
Link
KaptainKirk - January 26, 2012
Fantastic post.
Tolbert would be a great addition. I’m iffy on Brunell and Robinson.
I was very surprised to see Thomas and Green are equal in pay even though there were 75 picks taken in between the two.
Re-sign Clady before he gets away.
You didn’t say how much you think Eddie might want and if you believe he wants to stay.
Digger24 - January 26, 2012
There is a rookie minimum base salary each year
that all the rookies get. Most of the difference is in the Signing Bonuses.
Julius Thomas
-7/27/2011: Signed a four-year, $2.42 million contract. The deal includes a $384,000 signing bonus.Virgil Green — 7/27/2011: Signed a four-year, $2.16 million contract. The deal included a $17,282 signing bonus. 2011-2014: Under Contract, 2015: Free Agent
KaptainKirk - January 26, 2012
Mark Brunell is a joke right?
waterboy31321 - January 26, 2012
How do these numbers compare on average to other teams?
I mean, looking at the offensive line at less than $10m that seems cheap. I would imagine that just the starting offensive line on most teams would be $10m easy.
go4broncos - January 26, 2012
I will have to get back with you on that.
I am putting together a database with those figures and it will take some time.
KaptainKirk - January 26, 2012
It must be less then other teams
The whole offense seems to be filled with bargins.
Seriously, no player over 3.5 million next year…
only 3 above 2 million.
I would love to see the breakdown of what this team will end up spending offense vs defense. I’m sure Dumervil and Champ are chewing up a huge chunk of our cap.
broncoboy326 - January 26, 2012
Tolbert would be a good signing
for no other reason than it means he wouldn’t play against the Broncos again. One of the reasons I would’ve gone after Le’Ron McClain last year
mikebirty - January 26, 2012
i agree on tolbert
broncosfan1129 - January 26, 2012
@KaptainKirk..top shelve job as usual.
Offensive top priority IMO is quality RB, maybe 2nd round with Lamar Miller or Chris Polk. Or 3rd round with Doug Martin or Isaaih Pead
Next would be a backup G/C from the draft, maybe 4th round, Ben Jones from Georgia.
Some other later choices that could develop.
FA Tolbert would be an excellent choice.
My top priority would be to trade #25 to a top 15 team and get a #2 and #3. This would give Denver 4 players in the top 60.
DLMyers - January 26, 2012
I don't see much of a reason for someone to want our #1 pick
But that could change by the time #25 rolls around. I am sure they would consider it.
KaptainKirk - January 26, 2012
Don't see why Brunell is a good FA
So what if he’s a lefty. He’s not an NFL starter caliber QB so I’m not sure what he can “teach” Tebow. And his leftiness is a problem for us. We have a very right handed o-line with serious pass protection weakness on a lefty’s blindside. Bringing in another lefty simply doubles down on that problem. You wanna fix that problem? Draft a LT and prepare him to slot in at RT. Chris Clark is not going to ever be that guy if he wasn’t able to step in after Kuper’s injury or beat out Franklin on passing downs
yibberat - January 26, 2012
You want to sub
someone in on passing downs for Franklin?
Digger24 - January 26, 2012
haha no
But at the half, we were down in the Pats game by multiple TD’s. Do you seriously think the Pats thought we were going to run our way back into that game? No.
And if after three years Clark is not a better pass protector at tackle than Franklin (a rookie who is not good at it and never will be) then he never will be and shouldn’t be on our roster.
yibberat - January 26, 2012
I disagree
When the QB has 6-8 seconds to pass the ball and can’t make up his mind, it isn’t the O-Line that’s the problem. The Pats game just exposed the limitations of that QB even further. Not being able to pass to convert on 3rd down doesn’t have anything to do with the O-Line either. Nor does being last in the Passing Ratings help.
KaptainKirk - January 26, 2012
I missed those 6 to 8 seconds of pocket protection per play
in the Pats game. I must be misremembering.
TheMascotArmy - January 27, 2012
Great Break Down!
I think our O Line is very good and very young which is great because the more they play together the better they will get. I do agree we could get better at the interior of the line especially after watching Vince Wilfork walk both guards and center back in to Tebow’s lap. RB is a need I am not comfortable with anyone carrying the rock on this team outside McGahee and he is 30. Our young WR look good and the chemistry between Bay Bay and Tebow is coming along and I expect 88 to have a big year next year. I have seen quite a few mock drafts where the Broncos take Kendall Wright from Baylor. That could be an interesting slot option if Eddie walks.
gwbushby - January 27, 2012
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