Broncos Pick 'Em: Who should George Paton extend next?

George Paton isn’t waiting for the offseason to lock down players he wants to be Denver Broncos after this season.

In a matter of three days over the team’s Bye Week, Paton extended Tim Patrick and Courtland Sutton, dishing out nearly $100 million to make both deals happen. And Paton may not be done.

“We’re always looking,” Paton stated on Monday, when asked if he’s looking to extend other players. “We do have other guys that are really important to the team.”

Since Paton’s ready to wheel and deal, who should he extend next?

The DNVR Crew breaks it down in the 12th edition of Broncos Pick ‘Em.

All odds below are courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook.

Who should the Broncos extend next?

Zac: Kenny Young — One month ago, the Los Angeles Rams essentially gave away their starting inside linebacker to the Broncos as Denver only had to give up a 2024 sixth-round pick and got Young and a 2024 seventh-round pick back in return.

In the three games he’s played in Denver since, Young has looked like even more of a steal as he’s been a stud in the middle of the defense.

If Young continues to play at this high level for the final seven games of the season, his price tag will skyrocket as he enters free agency in 2022. However, if Paton signs Young now, he’ll be able to get a very good value on a player that was just dumped by his former team near the trade deadline.

Additionally, after just two games as a Bronco, Young stated he would be open to returning.

“I definitely do see myself here long term,” Young stated on Nov. 11, when asked about his future. “It’s a special place to be—great coaches, great players, and just the atmosphere for a linebacker and for a defensive player—this is one of the places you for sure want to be.”

There’s no reason to wait. Sign Kenny Young to a deal while he’s still very affordable.

Mase: Josey Jewell — In this epic Tolstoy novel of a season, Jewell’s on-field accomplishments seem to have occurred decades ago. But in the first six quarters of the season, Jewell was arguably the most effective player on the Broncos defense — and on special teams, as well, which is where he tore his pectoral muscle.

Jewell was the quarterback of the defense, and had gradually become the leader of the inside-linebacker room over his seasons in Denver. His strengths in terms of quick reading and diagnosis of offensive plays as they develop allow him to play faster in the box than his timed quickness/speed numbers reflect, and the Broncos have missed his ability to be in the right place to defuse runs as they develop.

Re-signing Jewell shouldn’t be a break-the-bank move, especially as he comes off of his injury. But a “prove-it” type of contract — perhaps $10 million over two years — would be a logical expenditure to keep one of their defensive leaders in the building.

This doesn’t mean the Broncos shouldn’t extend Young, as well. This season has served as a reminder of the necessity of depth, and if they bring back Young, retain Jewell and continue the development of rookie third-round choice Baron Browning, they will not be caught short at inside linebacker.

RK: Bobby Massie — When Massie was in there this season, it was the first time I can remember since the Peyton Manning era that we weren’t all complaining about the right tackle position all game, every game. Massie came in and, by most accounts, was the Broncos best offensive lineman while he was healthy.

I’ve seen that position derail the Broncos offense too many times to take another chance with it. At 32, Massie isn’t exactly a spring chicken, but we are also seeing offensive lineman play into their late 30’s these days, so he’s not quite at the end of his rope either.

Sign Massie up for two more years, and clutch onto the stability he brings to the right side.

Picks Picks Picks

Teddy Bridgewater passing yards over/under 242.5

Zac: Over.

Mase: Under.

RK: Under.

Justin Herbert passing + rushing yards over/under 293.5

Zac: Over.

Mase: Over.

RK: Over.

Javonte Williams rushing yards over/under 50.5

Zac: Over

Mase: Over.

RK: Way over.

Melvin Gordon rushing yards over/under 50.5

Zac: Over.

Mase: Over.

RK: Under.

Austin Ekeler rushing + receiving yards over/under 100.5

Zac: Over.

Mase: Over.

RK: Over.

Jerry Jeudy receiving yards over/under 51.5

Zac: Under.

Mase: Under.

RK: Over.

Courtland Sutton receiving yards over/under 43.5

Zac: Over.

Mase: Over.

RK: Over.

Tim Patrick receiving yards over/under 39.5

Zac: Over.

Mase: Over.

RK: Over.

Keenan Allen receiving yards over/under 72.5

Zac: Under.

Mase: Under.

RK: Under.

Mike Williams receiving yards over/under 52.5

Zac: Over.

Mase: Under.

RK: Over.

Austin Ekeler and Melvin Gordon combined rushing + receiving yards over/under 179.5

Zac: Over.

Mase: Over.

RK: Under.

Broncos total points over/under 23.5

Zac: Under.

Mase: Over.

RK: Over.

Chargers total points over/under 25.5

Zac: Over. Barely.

Mase: Under.

RK: Under.

Chargers-Broncos over/under 47

Zac: Under. Slightly.

Mase: Over.

RK: Over.

Chargers (-2.5) @ Broncos

Zac: Chargers. ?

Mase: Broncos.

RK: Broncos.

Leaderboard

Last week

RK: 8-6

Zac: 7-7

Mase: 5-9

Overall

Zac: 72-88

RK: 72-88

Mase: 66-94