The narrative that the (highly-exaggerated) exodus of Denver Broncos will plummet them to the basement of the NFL could not be more incorrect. As players Malik Jackson, Brock Osweiler, Danny Trevathan and others left for greener pastures or much greener contracts, John Elway calmly and coolly attacked the teams’ biggest weakness.
The team’s patchwork offensive line that struggled but nonetheless won a Super Bowl just over a month ago was due for a nearly complete overhaul. Elway has stayed true to the formula that turned the team around in the offseason of 2014. Following the Broncos embarrassing loss in Super Bowl XLVIII, Elway addressed the weak defense and made it the top priority. The result was seen in the teams’ last game, a historic defensive performance. This season he once again let big names walk for big contracts and immediately signed two offensive tackles with major upside, also making a long-term commitment to C.J. Anderson, who can carry the offense into the future. As a result of these three moves, Elway has created major flexibility as free agency winds down and the draft approaches.
The signing of offensive tackles Donald Stephenson and Russell Okung immediately addresses the two ends of a line that was constantly under attack during the season. Ryan Harris, now a Pittsburgh Steeler, played admirably but not consistently, while Michael Schofield made fans and coaches alike hold their collective breath each time Peyton Manning or Brock Osweiler dropped back. Stephenson’s $4 million 2016 cap hit and Okung $5 million 2016 cap hit (according to Spotrac.com) combine for less than Ryan Clady’s slated $10.1 million 2016 cap hit.
After trying to convince the often injured, former All-Pro tackle, Clady to restructure, Elway cut a zero-dollar-guaranteed contract to Okung for half the price. Clady is now set to be traded or cut which would allow $8.9 million of his 2016 salary ($1.2 million dead cap money) to go back to the team’s coffers for another addition. It’s a brilliant move and, either way, the Broncos will have more money to spend and possibly another draft pick to combine with the 10 already in hand. According to Spotrac, the Broncos have roughly $5.8 million in cap space left and nearly all of that is projected to go to their draft pool if all 10 picks are used. Clady’s contract is all that needs to be dispensed of now.
The moves at offensive line creates a youthful group with versatility. Ty Sambrailo will reportedly move to guard to join last year’s breakout rookie Max Garcia and give Michael Schofield the swing tackle job behind Okung and Stephenson. Now, the Broncos can draft a guard or sign a cheap veteran free agent and look to the rest of the roster with newfound confidence in the offensive front.
Despite the highly-publicized two defensive departures and backup David Bruton’s exit, the defense is still highly talented and intact. The Broncos would obviously need to draft or grab a free agent or two at inside linebacker and defensive tackle but their depth with linebackers Todd Davis, Corey Nelson and defensive tackle Vance Walker does not create any panic in the front office. The Broncos can simply go after the best players on the board which has been Elway’s modus operandi for years. Last year, no one thought the Broncos would draft a pass rusher due to DeMarcus Ware and Von Miller starting on the edges, yet Elway moved up and grabbed Shane Ray, who instantly became an impact player. They drafted several defensive back prospects, as well. This year it will be anyone’s guess where Elway goes with his picks, which is the best strategy for possibly negotiating with other teams on draft day.
Lastly, the move that was the most shocking was Osweiler’s departure. Elway moving up from his reported “ceiling” to ultimately $16 million per year proved he wanted to keep the former 2012 second-round draft pick. But Osweiler took the money, clearly ready for a fresh start. The seemingly shocking addition of Mark Sanchez for a $4.5 million price tag leaves room for exploration of quarterbacks in both free agency (when Clady ultimately is off of the roster) and in the draft.
Colin Kaepernick is still in limbo and Elway’s staunch approach may wear down the San Francisco 49ers. If not, the Paxton Lynch out of Memphis may fall to the Broncos with their 31st overall pick in the draft and if they believe he will go before then, the team has numerous picks they could use to potentially move up. Like everything else Elway has done up to this point proves, there is no need for panic.
The Broncos could add a running back, a safety, a returner, a linebacker and the recent moves would make it completely acceptable and warranted. The defending champions are in good hands.
Elway still operates as he did on the field. When faced with an unexpected blitz, staying calm is the key. Breathe, set your eyes on a target, find the weakness left in the opponent left by their move and counter it. The Broncos will soon have more money to spend and picks to regroup. The “offseason” is Elway’s postseason and, as usual, he is in top form.
