Broncos free agency preview: Can Denver keep both Thomases?

By Ross Jones
Published

It's a new day in Dove Valley.

Moving in a new direction, head coach Gary Kubiak will be tasked with bringing home a fifth straight AFC West title. While Peyton Manning has assured the Broncos that he plans to return, the team needs to walk a fine line of making a run for it all next year and making sound decisions in the long-term.

With notable players such as Demaryius Thomas, Julius Thomas and Terrance Knighton potentially hitting the open market, the front office must prioritize which talents they will keep and which are expendable.

How they finished?

2014: 12-4 -- Loss in divisional round against Indianapolis

2013: 13-3 --€“ Loss in Super Bowl against Seattle

Projected salary cap space as of Feb. 1 (per Spotrac.com): 9th most with $23.8M

Potential free agency targets: If Denver looks to sign Knighton or Rahim Moore now, they'll have to overpay. Knighton, known as a run stuffer, is very valuable and would be one of the centerpieces to Wade Phillips' one-gap 3-4 scheme. Denver will likely let them hit the open market, but make an effort to re-sign them. With offensive coordinator Rick Dennison's zone-blocking scheme employed, the Broncos will need to get more athletic linemen up front. Clint Boling, the versatile offensive guard from Cincinnati, would certainly fit that mold. Expect Denver to address those needs, via the draft, too.

Potential cap casualties: Tackle Ryan Clady has protected Mannimg’s blindside for quite some time, but the former Boise State product has a cap number of $10.6 million. While Clady's play dipped a season ago, the Broncos will likely try to restructure his deal.

Extensions? This offseason is about trying to keep players in house, though, linebacker Von Miller is entering the final year of his deal. Miller, who had his fifth-year option picked up by Denver a season ago, has a cap hit of $9.5 million. Miller, the 2011 No. 2 overall pick, served a six-game suspension in 2013, but his 14-sack season in 2014 has him pegged as one of the best young defenders of the league. Denver could begin talks with Miller's representatives this offseason, but it's unknown how much the 25-year-old would command. Can you say nine digits?

Offseason needs: OT, G and S

Notable free agents:  

WR Demaryius Thomas  

WR Wes Welker

TE Julius Thomas  

DT Terrance Knighton

S Rahim Moore  

OT Orlando Franklin

LB Nate Irving

S Quinton Carter

TE Jacob Tamme

C Will Montgomery  

DT Mitch Unrein